2007 Frankfurt Motor Show Preview: Here’s what we know before we go

We’re already packing our bags and reserving our flights for September’s Frankfurt motor show (Press Days Sept. 11-12, Public Days Sept. 13-23), but here’s just a taste of what we expect to see. Certainly, there will be a few surprises and plenty of additional details, so stay tuned to www.autoweek.com/frankfurt for all the latest Frankfurt coverage.

AUDI

For 2008, Audi’s flagship A8 is nipped and tucked to make the most of an already strong package. Sporting a new steering rack, re-tuned suspension, improved insulation, the ’08 A8 is externally identified by only a revised grille, mirrors and LED taillights.

>>Click here to read more on the new A8

BMW

The 1 Series coupe, which makes its world debut in Frankfurt, revives the spirit of the fan-favorite 2002 model for 2008. The 135i utilizes the same 300-hp, twin-turbo 3.0-liter I6 as the 335i. Still, this pales in comparison to the latest 2008 M3, which also debuts at Frankfurt. This barnstormer from Bavaria cranks out 420 hp from its 4.0-liter V8, and moves from 0-62 mph in 4.8 seconds.

>>Click here for our 1 Series Coupe story

>>Click here for our M3 story

CADILLAC

Although the BLS Wagon is officially the first GM-produced Caddy wagon, this Europe-only offering, like the BLS sedan, is little more than a Saab 9-3 in Cadillac clothing. Powertrain offerings, including a 2.0-liter turbo I4, a 2.8-liter turbo V6 and a 1.9-liter turbodiesel I4, are borrowed directly from Saab’s overseas portfolio. Sales of the BLS wagon begin this fall, but probably won’t help Cadillac’s dwindling performance in Europe like the ‘08 CTS could.

CHEVROLET

Having missed the facelift its sedan sibling received in 2007, Chevrolet’s Aveo5 hatchback is treated to an updated front-end look. A giant split-bar grille dominates most of the front fascia, while angled headlamps echo cues seen on other Daewoo-built vehicles. In Europe, the Aveo5 will be available with either a 1.2-liter, 84-hp I4 or a 1.4-liter, 98-hp I4.

GM also promises a host of other world and European debuts; it remains to be seen how many wear bow ties.

CITROEN

With the C5 Airscape concept, Citroen hints not only at the appearance of the next C5 but also a convertible variant. The four-place convertible sports strong, muscular lines and is uses a retractable hardtop. The Airscape is powered by a 208-hp, 2.7-liter turbodiesel V6 coupled to a six-speed automatic and a belt-alternator mild-hybrid system.

DODGE

Hoping to expand its presence in Europe, Dodge will take the wraps off its Crew crossover in Frankfurt. Based on the Avenger and Chrysler Sebring, the Crew is expected to share most powertrain offerings with the sedans, including a 2.4-liter four and 2.7- and 3.5-liter V6s. Crew arrives in U.S. showrooms in early 2008, with a possible Chrysler variant appearing soon after.

FERRARI

We’ve heard of star-studded premieres before, but none other than Michael Schumacher will publically unveil Ferrari’s F430 Scuderia. The successor to the 360 Challenge Stradale, the Scuderia is aimed at customers who will use it for track days. Output from 4.3-liter V8 is bumped to 510 hp, while a stripped interior and plexiglass windows help eliminate weight. The Scuderia should reach 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 200 mph.

>>Click here to see more on the F430 Scuderia

FORD

Europeans who drooled over the Iosis-X concept will certainly flock to their Ford dealer for the Kuga. The compact SUV, based on the same C1 platform as the European Focus and sharing the same “Kinetic Design” as the latest Mondeo, is what Ford deems a “4×4 crossover.” That won’t stop a front-drive variant from entering the portfolio, however. European sales should start in mid-2008; if the Kuga has a shot at arriving on American shores, it won’t be until 2010 or 2011.

JAGUAR

Arguably the worst-kept secret for the Frankfurt show is Jaguar’s XF. First teased to us as the C-XF concept in Detroit, the production form of the S-Type replacement will debut at the September. If designer Ian Callum’s words hold true, the production XF will only be 20 percent different than the concept.

>>Click here to brush up on the C-XF.

KIA

Building on a new design language for Kia is an as-yet-unnamed sports-coupe concept. Teaser shots show the small 2+2 as having a swoopy front but a roofline that abruptly ends at the rear haunches.

The attractive Pro-cee’d concept from the 2006 Paris show will be shown in production form at Frankfurt. Assembly of the smart-looking three-door hatch should begin in November, with cars arriving in European showrooms in early 2008.

LAMBORGHINI

An as-yet-unnamed supercar, modeled after the F-22 Raptor fighter jet, will appear on Lamborghini’s Frankfurt stand. If that’s not enough to ogle at Lambo’s stands, officials announced supermodel Nadine Gerhardt will be there to help reveal the car.

LOREMO

We saw the first mockup of Loremo’s sleek and efficient 2+2 at Geneva, but a running prototype, expected to be powered with a 20-hp, two-cylinder or a 50-hp, three-cylinder turbodiesel, will be displayed at Frankfurt. The mid-engined 2+2, a contender for the Automotive X-Prize, is designed to achieve a fuel consumption of 1.5 liters/100 km, or something close to 153 mpg.

MAZDA

The next generation of the Mazda 6 sedan will debut at Frankfurt. Little is known outside of a teaser photo, but hints from the RX-8 and Mazda 3 are apparent in the car’s styling.

>>Click here to see the new Mazda 6

MERCEDES-BENZ

Typically, the F-Class designator has been reserved for showcasing Mercedes’ latest technologies, and the F700 concept is no different. Underhood lies a small 1.8-liter turbocharged I4 fitted with the Dies-Otto system. According to Mercedes, this combination spark-ignition/compression-ignition engine produces nearly 235 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque and can reportedly move a large S-Class sedan while returning 39 mpg.

>>Click here to read more on the Dies-Otto technology

MINI

Bowing at Frankfurt is Mini’s John Cooper Works Challenge car, a special track-bred racer intended for an all-Mini race series. This spec racer receives considerable engine tuning, new aerodynamic bits and a race-spec interior devoid of most trim.

Also present on the stand is the Clubman, an enlarged Mini available in Cooper, Cooper S and Cooper D forms.

>>Click here to read our Mini Clubman coverage

MITSUBISHI

Mitsubishi’s idea car for this year’s Frankfurt show is the Concept cX, a crossover with green intentions. A 1.8-liter turbodiesel powers the all-wheel-drive ute while various trim pieces and body panels are made of recycled resin.

Also appearing is another version of the Lancer, the five-door Sportback. If it’s anything like the Sportback concept, expect a raked roofline that tapers into the rear deck.

>>Click here to read more on the Concept cX

>>Click here to see more about the Lancer Sportback

PEUGEOT

Peugeot’s 308 RC Z concept is, more or less, a stock 308 from the A-pillars forward. But from firewall to exhaust tip, it’s as if designers made a collage of their favorite sports cars. Brownie points to those who cry out Mitsubishi Eclipse from a side view; extra credit for spotting the Audi Avus Quattro influence in the glass fastback.

PORSCHE

Porsche will officially unveil its latest performance heavyweight, the 911 GT2, at Frankfurt. The GT2’s 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged boxer-six will boast 530 hp for an increase of 50 hp over the previous GT2 and is mated to a six-speed manual transmission. This propels the GT2 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds and makes it the first production 911 to crack the 200-mph barrier with a top speed of 204 mph. The GT2 arrives in U.S. showrooms early next year, starting at $191,700.

Also arriving in Frankfurt is the Cayman S Porsche Design Edition 1. This limited-edition car (only 777 will be built) sports an all-black paint job with unique wheels and a lowered suspension.

>>Click here to read more on the new GT2.

SAAB

Celebrating 30 years of turbocharged motoring, Saab is launching a limited-edition version of its 9-3: the Turbo X. The car will wear all black and come equipped with Saab’s “xwd” system, but little else is known about the car.

>>See our shakedown of the new 9-3 here.

SUBARU

Having shown the 2008 WRX in New York, Subaru will reveal its Impreza WRC car at Frankfurt, broadly hinting at the design of the Impreza WRX STI road car that will debut at the Tokyo show in October.

>>Read AW’s take on the production ’08 WRX.

SUZUKI

The Kizashi concept hints at an upcoming mid-sized sedan from Suzuki. Slightly larger than the SX4 sedan, the Kizashi is expected to enter into production around 2009.

VOLKSWAGEN

VW is returning to its Bohemian basics with the City Expert concept. Although the company is secretive about the project, the City Expert is designed for a sub-$10,000 price tag and with a rear-engine layout.

Along with the production Tiguan crossover, VW will also display six new diesel cars. One such vehicle is the Golf Bluemotion, rated at approximately 52 mpg combined.

>>Click here to read more on the new Tiguan

VOLVO

The C30 Efficiency, premiering in Frankfurt, is Volvo’s attempt to squeeze as much fuel economy out of its new small hatch. Fitted with a 1.6-liter turbodiesel I4, the Efficiency also uses unique aerodynamic parts, low friction tires and a direct-shift gearbox to achieve over 52 mpg. The car will only be sold in Sweden, but Volvo reps claim it may be offered to other interested markets.

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