Covering Frankfurt, with its massive halls and endless walkways, is a back–breaking business. For the footsore, we are delighted to present a gallery of the highlights of one of the most significant shows in recent years.
A new Porsche 911 would headline any motor show. However, its starring role was shared with the metal-roofed Ferrari 458 Spider, Maserati’s Kubang 4x4 and what appear ‘production ready’ (but still officially in concept form) prototypes from Jaguar Land Rover.
The Jaguar C-X16 was revealed to universal acclaim, while the two off-roaders from sister company Land Rover, the DC100 and DC100 Sport, show the likely face of the 2015-model Defender. With all three, the Gaydon-based, Indian-owned company has scored well – who’d have thought the oft-reviled off-roader would be so popular?
Elsewhere, Bentley and Aston Martin showed models already announced, but never see by the general public: the Continental GTC and V12 Vantage Zagato, respectively. Volkswagen had a selection of 'up!' small-car concepts, Audi its innovative ‘urban concept car’ and BMW the latest-generation M5 (a car we’ll be testing shortly). From Fiat came an all-new Panda and a 180bhp, 140mph, stripped-out Abarth 695 Competizione.
Much to look at, certainly. And if you’re thinking “My goodness, do they normally show so many new cars and prototypes?” you should bear in mind that it is a biennial show, it’s in Europe’s best motor manufacturers’ back garden, and the last time it was held the world was reeling from almost cataclysmic economic meltdown.
Not like now, obviously.
New Stratos
Land Rover DC100 and DC100 Sport
Jaguar C-X16
Aston Martin
Mercedes-Benz and Smart
BMW
Rolls-Royce and MINI
Volkswagen
Audi
Lamborghini
Bentley and Bugatti
Porsche
Brabus
Ferrari
Maserati
Fiat
Text: Steve Wakefield
Photos: Nanette Schärf / Classic Driver
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