September 19, 2015
FRANKFURT (AFP) - Futuristic cars, smart technologies, or simply the latest models set to arrive in showrooms soon: here is a list of 10 cars not to be missed at the IAA auto show, which opens its doors to the public from Saturday until September 27.
- PORSCHE MISSION E CONCEPT
One of the biggest attractions during the media-only days earlier this week, the four-door electric sports car has the look of the premium maker's iconic 911 crossed with something out of Star Wars.
The dazzling white vehicle has a 600 horse-power electric engine and a range of 500 kilometres (300 miles) on a single charge. It can accelerate from zero to 100 kilometres per hour in 3.5 seconds and has a top speed of 250 kilometres per hour. Porsche says Mission E can be 80-percent charged in just 15 minutes.
- AUDI E-TRON QUATTRO CONCEPT
While Porsche has given no date for when its Mission E might go into production, rival German maker Audi plans to launch its e-tron quattro concept, a fully-electric sports utility vehicle with a range of 500 kilometres, commercially in 2018.
- MERCEDES-BENZ IAA CONCEPT
Another German, Daimler's Mercedes-Benz, has given its IAA Concept an even more space-age design, with retractable rear wings to make it more aerodynamic and give it a spectacular profile.
- BUGATTI VISION GRAN TURISMO
Bugatti delves deeper into its box of stylistic tricks to give its Vision Gran Turismo the look of a steroid-doped version of its already muscular Veyron.
- BENTLEY BENTAYGA
A few stands away, Bentley is showing off its first SUV, the Bentayga, with its imposing profile and ostentatious display of luxury. With a top speed of 301 kilometres per hour, it is the world's fastest SUV and also its most expensive at more than 200,000 euros ($227,500).
- JAGUAR F-PACE
Not quite so expensive, but also beyond the budget of the man on the street, the Jaguar F-Pace is also the brand's first foray into the SUV segment. The maker, owned by India's Tata group, has given the F-Pace an interior filled with plush carpets and fine leathers, combined with a high-tech look.
- OPEL ASTRA
Coming back down to earth to the mass-market models, German carmaker Opel is presenting the fifth and latest generation of its best-selling Astra model. It aims to be a direct rival to sector champion, Volkswagen's Golf.
- RENAULT MEGANE
In the same segment, Renault is presenting the fourth generation of its Megane in Frankfurt. The French carmaker has promised a hybrid version of the Megane for 2017 in a first for the group.
- TOYOTA PRIUS
Toyota, on the other hand, has long experience with hybrids and is showing off the fourth generation of its Prius since the car was first launched in 1997. The new version is designed to cut fuel consumption by 18 percent.
- CITROEN CACTUS M
The star on Citroen's stand is a fun concept car, an open-topped, surfboard-rack-equipped version of its Cactus crossover with a tent on the back, pinching key design themes from the classic beach car, the Citroen Mehari.