Sure Volkswagen’s main stage was reserved for environmentally friendly BlueMotion diesels, but is there was no car on the German automakers stand that deserves the spotlight like the 265hp Golf R.

We have to admit being a little disappointed that the car won’t get the same turbo five-cylinder as found in the TT-RS, but sharing the powerplant with the TT-S is nothing to scoff at. Instead of a 3.2-liter V6 or the GTI’s turbocharged 2.0-liter, the R gets a more powerful turbo-two making 265hp and 258 ft-lbs of torque. Mated to a six-speed manual it is slated to hit 62 mph in about 6.5 seconds, or 6.4 seconds with the DSG.

Oh, and it gets VW’s 4Motion AWD system.

Inside and out the Golf R has plenty of unique features including LED daytime running lights, new five-spoke wheels, a new grille, R side skirts and badging and dual exhaust pipes. Inside there are new sport seats, special aluminum pedals and a flat-bottom steering wheel.

Volkswagen has yet to confirm if the model will be released in North America.

GALLERY: 2010 Volkswagen Golf R

Mercedes introduced the SLS AMG supercar, the spiritual successor to the legendary 300SL Gullwing, at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

Lewis Hamilton, the 2008 Formula One World Champion, was on hand for the SLS AMG’s premiere, hopping into the supercar’s driver seat as the press mobbed him.

Powered by the same 6.2-liter V8 engine found in all of AMG’s 63 models, but with reworked internals, the SLS makes a total of 563hp and 479 ft-lbs of torque – enough to propel the SLS AMG all the way to 62 mph in 3.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 196 mph.

The engine uses a dry-sump lubrication system (great for serious abuse), as well as a transaxle and a double-clutch seven speed transmission. That tansaxle layout means that the tranny is located out back (for an ideal weight balance of 48/52) and it attached to the engine by a carbon fiber driveshaft.

The projected curb weight is just 3,571 lbs, due mostly to the fact that this is the first model Mercedes has ever produced with an all aluminum chassis and body.

Weight is also saved by using carbon ceramic brakes and light weight wheels, that measure 19×9.5-inches up front and 20×11-inches in the rear. Tires measure 265/35/19 front and 295/30/22 rear

Gallery: Mercedes SLS AMG

Porsche has just unveiled the 2010 GT3 RS model at the Frankfurt Auto Show, with more power, a wider front track, a reduced curb weight and increased downforce. When combined the GT3 RS gets even better and continues to be a motorsports-derived masterpiece.

Thanks to an increased displacement from 3.6 to 3.8-liters, the new engine makes an additional 15hp for a new total of 450. That power hits the ground (as it should) through a rear-drive setup and a six-speed manual transmission. Plus, the gear ratios for the 2010 model have been shortened further for increased acceleration.

As the GT3 RS is all about performance through light-weight, additional weight has been shaved off the body of the GT3 RS through the use of a titanium exhaust. Porsche will also offer an optional lithium-ion battery in place of the standard lead battery, which will help save an additional 22 lbs.

In terms of handling, the GT3 RS gets a dynamic engine mounts, which change their stiffness depending on how the car is being driven. A new special PASM suspension setup has also been included that takes into account not only the RS’s wider rear track, but also its wider front track (new for 2010). Inside those flared fenders you’ll find 19×9-inch wheels with 245/35/19 tires up front and 19×12-inch wheels with 325/30/19 tires in the rear.

The 2010 GT3 RS will be available as of March with pricing is listed at $132,800 ($163,000 CDN).

GALLERY: 2010 Porsche GT3 RS

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BMW has just unveiled its smallest SUV, the X1, and now for the first time we know what model North America will get. AutoGuide was invited to test drive an X1 prototype several months back and while we were impressed, the 23d diesel model was not headed for our shores.

What we will get will be called the X1 xDrive 28i, which will be powered by a 2.8-liter straight-six engine making 258hp and 229 ft-lbs of torque. Power will be put to the ground through a standard six-speed automatic transmission with BMW xDrive AWD technology. Stability control will also be standard.

The X1 xDrive 28i will be able to hit 62 mph in 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 127 mph. The crossover will get an average rating of 25 mpg and fit up to 47.3 cubic feet of luggage, or 14.7 cubic feet behind the third row.

GALLERY: BMW X1

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MINI unveiled its new Roadster model alongside the the Coupe at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

Sharing the same platform as the Coupe, the MINI Roadster is nearly identical to its sibling from the waist down. Above the waistline, the Roadster features a manually opening convertible roof.

Like the MINI Coupe, the MINI Roadster’s windshield slopes back an extra 16 degrees more than other MINIs. The roof is also 6 cm shorter.

Under the hood, the Roadster is powered by the 1.6 Cooper S turbo engine with a claimed output of 175hp.

Both the MINI Roadster and the MINI Coupe will enter production at MINI’s Oxford facilities.

Gallery: MINI Roadster

On of the Frankfurt Auto Show’s best kept secrets has now been fully revealed. The new Vision EfficientDynamics Concet is a mean-looking 2+2 sports car that uses both a turbo-diesel three-cylinder engine as well as two electric motors in a full plug-in hybrid layout. BMW says the goal of the project was to build a vehicle that has the performance of one of its M cars, while delivering fuel-economy that is superior to current small cars. This they most certainly achieved with a 0-62 mph time of 4.8 seconds and a claimed fuel economy figure of 62.6 mpg.

The diesel engine used is essentially half of that found in the current BMW 335d, displacing 1.5-liters. On its own the diesel makes 163hp and 214 ft-lbs of torque. The car also gets BMW’s impressive six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Two electric motors are paired to this engine, which is located in a mid-rear configuration. A 33hp motors sits between the engine and transmission while a second 80-hp motor delivers power to the front axle. The result it a total of 356hp and 590 ft-lbs of torque. Storing that energy is a lithium-polymer battery pack that runs down the center of the car for optimum weight distribution.

BMW says the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept can be plugging in a charged at a conventional outlet in just 2.5 hours and can travel up to 31 miles on pure electric power. A 6.6 gallon diesel tank will then allow an extended range of 400 miles.

To keep the weight of the vehicle to a minimum, BMW engineers build the chassis and suspension entirely out of aluminum, meaning the car weights just 3,076 lbs. Engineers also worked hand-in-hand with the designers to create the body of the concept, with a light weight polycarbonate body that boasts a aerodynamic drag coefficient of just 0.22 cd. BMW says part of the reason for the impressive aerodynamics is due to their ability to work on the front end of the car, made possible by moving the engine to the rear. New thermostatically controlled slats in front of the radiator can also close at speed to redirect air around the car when cooling isn’t a top priority.

In addition, on of the vehicles most progressive technologies is what BMW calls “Forward looking energy management.” BMW hopes that by using technology to forsee what is coming on the road ahead it can save energy by shutting down or powering up other systems. An example would be using the radar system built into the active cruise control to see when traffic is slowing down ahead, and then shut of the car’s engine while activating the regenerative braking ahead of time.

There’s no reason to think BMW will ever build this car, but we should expect many of the technologies shown here to make it into production cars in the not-too-distant future.

GALLERY: BMW EfficientDynamics Concept

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Just prior to its debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show later today, Audi has release a full gallery of images of the drop-top R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI.

Powered by the Lamborghini sourced 5.2-liter V10, the Spyder makes 525hp, allowing it to hit 62 mph in 4.1 seconds and blast on to a top speed of 195 mph!

What might be most impressive about the drop-top R8 is that the exotic German sports car only weighs 13.23 lbs more than the Coupe, thanks in part to the R8′s already stiff chassis and a light-weight soft-top instead of a retractable hard top. The total curb weight of the car is now 3,792 lbs. Additional weight savings were made through the use of carbon fiber for not only the side blades but also the rear tonneau cover for the soft top.

As for the soft-top, it opens and closes in just 19 seconds at speeds u to 31 mph and Audi claims the interior noise with the top up is almost identical to that of the coupe.

As for the style of the R8 Spyder, it is certainly stunning, with a bold chrome grille, gloss black detailing and a rear tonneau cover with large vents. Special Y-spoke wheels in a 19-inch fitment complete the design with 235/35/19 tires up front and 295/30 tires out back. For added grip, Audi also offers the R8 Spyder with 305-wide rear tires.

No U.S. Pricing has yet to be set, but in Europe it runs 156,400 euros.

Be sure to check back later when we update with photos from the car’s official unveiling.

GALLERY: 2010 Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI

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Lamborghini has just confirmed that the Reventon Roadster will debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show tomorrow, but more importantly, it will come with the LP670 SV’s high-output 670hp engine. With full power at 8000 rpm, torque of 487 ft-lbs is available as of 6000 rm. When combined with Lamborghini’s all-wheel drive system the car blasts to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 205 mph.

“The Reventón is the most extreme car in the history of the brand,” says Lambo CEO Stephan Winkelmann. “The new Roadster adds an extra emotional component to our combined technological expertise – it unites superior performance with the sensual fascination of open-top driving.”

The chassis of the car is made of steel and carbon fiber with the body made almost entirely of carbon fiber – with the exception of the doors, which are steel. Thanks to the use of light-weight components, the massive drop-top weights a reasonable 3,725 lbs – just 55 lbs more than the Coupe.

All that carbon fiber and steel is coated in a particular color of matte-gray, called Reventón Grey. (The matte-gray on the coupe model is a different color). The wheels on the roadster are mostly glossy with matte-colored crescent shapes, that work to cool the ceramic brakes.

And along with the already wild exterior, the Roadster features a rear spoiler that deploys at 80 mph and then folds up to an even steeper angle at speeds above 136 mph.

Other highlights include the use of LCD screens in the cockpit, instead of traditional gauges.

Lamborghini says the less than 20 Reventón Roadsters will be made, with an asking price of 1.1 Million Euros ($1.46 million) with deliveries starting in October.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for our live coverage of the Frankfurt Auto Show and the Lamborghini Reventón Roadster.

GALLERY: Lamborghini Reventón Roadster

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BMW is unveiling a high-mileage Efficient Dynamics Edition 320d sedan at the Frankfurt Auto Show with a claimed fuel mileage of 57.36 mpg with CO2 emissions rating of 109 g/km.

Helping the 320d reach such figures are the fitted wheels and a lowered body, reducing the drag coefficient to 0.26. Parasitic losses are reduced by using electric rather than hydraulic power steering while regenerative braking helps store kinetic energy.

A 163hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine sends power through a six-speed manual transmission with a taller final drive ratio specific to the ED edition. The practicality of improved efficiency aside, the 320d ED edition goes from 0-62 mph in a reasonable 8.2 seconds.

And following BMW company policy, the 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition is priced the same as the regular BMW 320d.

We’ll have more about the BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition tomorrow when it’s officially presented at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

GALLERY: BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics

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Forget the GTI or R32, Volkswagen has just released the Golf R, a high-performance, turbocharged, all-wheel drive hot hatch.

We have to admit being a little disappointed that the car won’t get the same turbo five-cylinder as found in the TT-RS, but sharing the powerplant with the TT-S is nothing to scoff at. Instead of a 3.2-liter V6 or the GTI’s turbocharged 2.0-liter, the R gets a more powerful turbo-two making 265hp and 258 ft-lbs of torque. Mated to a six-speed manual it is slated to hit 62 mph in about 6.5 seconds, or 6.4 seconds with the DSG.

Oh, and it gets VW’s 4Motion AWD system.

Inside and out the Golf R has plenty of unique features including LED daytime running lights, new five-spoke wheels, a new grille, R side skirts and badging and dual exhaust pipes. Inside there are new sport seats, special aluminum pedals and a flat-bottom steering wheel.

The best news of all, however, is that the car is reportedly heading to North America.

GALLERY: 2010 Volkswagen Golf R

[Source: WorldCarFans]