Mercedes-Benz revealed its hydrogen-powered gullwing F 125! luxury car concept, offering a glimpse at what the company’s vehicles will look like in the year 2025.

The F 125! – named for Mercedes-Benz’s 125th anniversary – illustrates the company’s styling direction for the next decade and beyond while also highlighting Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to developing hydrogen-powered technology. Mercedes foresees a range of 1,000 km (621 miles) for the F 125! thanks to the combination of the car’s fuel cell drive system and plug-in technology. Helping to increase the range is a new hydrogen storage unit which integrates the hydrogen tank with the floor assembly. In addition to the hydrogen storage unit, the F 125! uses a 10 kWh lithium-sulfur battery stored behind the rear seats. The battery can provide enough power for a range of 50 km (31 miles).

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As the most successful Lamborghini model ever, the Gallardo is getting a solid send-off, with a new limited edition model titled the LP570-4 Gallardo Super Trofeo Stradale. Unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show, it takes its styling and light-weight from the Gallardo Super Trofeo racing cars, the engine remains unchanged at 562-hp while the sub-3,000 lb. machine manages a 0-62 mph time of just 3.4 seconds.

GALLERY: Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale

For more on the “final edition” Gallardo, watch the video after the jump:

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Alfa Romeo debuted another version of its 4C sports car concept and announced it will be available worldwide, including North America. In 2013.

That’s a year later than we previous thought. We had previously reported Alfa Romeo would offer the 4C in North America in 2012 with other models to follow in 2013.

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With details released just ahead of its world debut, Jaguar‘s C-X16 two-seater concept was already generating a great amount of buzz. Now, with the car officially unveiled, it’s so far more than lived up to expectation.

The first two-seater Jaguar since the XJ-220 super car of the early 1990s, the C-X16 explores a new market for the brand,  one where the company could possibly compete against cars like the Porsche Cayman S and 911.

Power comes from a 380 metric horsepower 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 that’s supplemented by a steering activated; Formula 1 inspired Hybrid Boost system that, via an electric motor integrated with the car’s eight-speed automatic transmission adds an additional 95 metric horsepower and 143 lb-ft of torque.

Jaguar claims the C-x16 concept can accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 4.4 seconds, will reach a top speed of 186 mph and thanks to a virtual 50:50 front/rear weight distribution (the Hybrid battery pack  is mounted behind the seats) reportedly delivers superb cornering ability.

During the unveiling, Global Brand Director of Jaguar Cars Ltd; Adrian Hallmark, declared that, “theC-X16 embodies the established Jaguar strengths of sensual design, animal-like agility and inspirational performance and combines these with attributes that set us on a course to create sustainable sports cars of the future.”

Ian Callum, Jaguar’s Director of Design, added; “Jaguars have always been dramatically different. With the C-X16 we have moved the current award-winning design language on to the next generation, creating a car that is the very essence of future Jaguar performance.”

Given the response it generated; if there was one concept car on display at this year’s Frankfurt show that deserves to be put into to production, the C-X16 is most certainly it.

GALLERY: Jaguar C-X16 Concept

Watch video of the C-X16 Concept after the jump:

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Ford‘s designs have come a long way over the last decade, with practically their entire lineup looking sharp and attractive – but the Ford Evos Concept has just managed to move the bar substantially higher.

Revealed at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Evos looks like something that would have a V12 under the hood, but it actually packs the same 4-cylinder/plug-in hybrid powertrain as the C-Max minivan. Ford says that the powertrain can be hooked into “cloud computing” technologies that can tell the electric motor system when to increase or decrease energy flow based on changing conditions – a novel idea sure to give privacy advocates a good fright.

The Evos may never see production, but we’re happy that this is supposedly a sign of things to come for Ford’s styling. If only we could throw the Focus ST motor and drivetrain in there.

Gallery: Ford Evos Concept

Unveiled today at the Frankfurt Auto Show, Ford‘s Evos concept is more than just a hybrid Aston Martin clone. Beautiful, yes, but it’s also a look at the future of where Ford’s SYNC technology could go, as well as some new “smart” methods of maximizing fuel economy. It is, after all, a hybrid.

Power the car is the same plug-in hybrid system found in the upcoming C-Max Energie model that will go on sale later this year.

But more immediately than these technologies is the car’s design, which previews the next generation of Ford products, perhaps as early as the next-gen Ford Fusion.

GALLERY: Ford Evos Concept

To find out more, watch the video after the jump:

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Despite rumors that Land Rover‘s iconic Defender might go the way of the dodo, increasingly there have been signs that the company is indeed committed to its hard-core offering, as two concepts revealed at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show suggest.

The D100 and roofless D100 Sport (pictured above), are essentially styling exercises to showcase which direction the Defender could go. Indeed not only do they embody some of the design features found on the company’s current offerings (the new Range Rover Evoque comes to mind), they also sport some really traditional Landie features (such as a three-passenger front seat).

Yet as off-roaders designed and conceived for use in the 21st century, there’s some hi-tech stuff going on too; materials from luxury yachts, private jets, even spacecraft are employed in their construction, as is technology for self-cleaning and ‘healing’ of the exterior paint.

An ‘intelligent’ next generation Terrain Response system and even a ‘Wade Aid’ feature designed to assess the depth of potential crossings and advise the driver of the appropriate speed when ‘fording’ hint at just some of the capabilities the next generation Defender could have.

Other features it will likely sport include four-cylinder gas and diesel engines with hybrid and even plug-in capability, plus probably an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The D100 and its Sport counterpart are a far cry from the V-8 powered five-speed Defender 90 that was sold in North America back in the 1990s, but from the looks of things, hint that when it finally does arrive, the next generation hard-core Landie, could easily prove to be just as much fun.

GALLERY: Land Rover DC100 Sport Concept

GALLERY: Land Rover DC100

Auto shows are known for their wild and wacky concept cars, and while a high-horsepower turbocharged AWD Volkswagen Beetle might sound like the stuff concepts are made from, the Beetle R unveiled today at the Frankfurt Auto Show looks production ready.

While VW didn’t release any hard specs, the German automaker has said the car could use a similar engine to that found under the hood of the Golf R and Scirocco R, which makes 266-hp and 261-hp respectively. Like those two, this concept also makes use of AWD, with fenders front and rear that have been widened by 0.6-inches on each side. Other striking exterior styling changes include large black gloss air intakes on the front of the car, not to mention a sporty rear diffuser. And hard to overlook at the 20-inch chrome wheels.

Perhaps even more impressive is the Beetle R’s interior with some seriously sporty bucket seats and R logos throughout. The rest of the cabin gets gloss black accenting, blue highlights and the sort of high-grade features and quality you’d expect from a real Vee-dub.

Will VW build the Beetle R? Most certainly. While nothing has been confirmed with the launch of the new new-Beetle, Volkswagen emphasized how it wasn’t just a chick car any more. And what better way to get that message across with with the Beetle R.

GALLERY: VW Beetle R Concept

Ask someone from Volkswagen what their most important reveal is at the Frankfurt Auto Show and the answer will be simple: the Up!, the diminutive city car with a 1.0-liter 3-cylinder engine. That’s all well and good, but what about a car (another small car we might add) that’s just awesome. We are, of course, talking about the Polo R WRC, the VW brand’s entry into the World Rally Championship.

Shown before in sketches, Frankfurt is the first public showing of hot-hatch on steroids, with massively flared fenders doing a poor job of hiding VW’s all-wheel drive setup. Under the hood is a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine pumped all the way up to 296-hp.

Set to compete in next-year’s WRC season this is at least some indication that VW is planning a Polo R street model with AWD – a full baby brother to the Golf R. We’ll just settle for a Polo GTI.. if only VW would bring the sub-compact to North America.

GALLERY: VW Polo R WRC

Toyota promised a “lighter, faster and sportier” FT-86 II Concept would debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Is that true? Maybe. No one at Toyota was talking about it so it’s hard to say. Instead the brand’s press conference focused on its continued push of hybrid technologies.

What we can tell you (and what you can see for yourself from the selection of photos) is that the FT-86 II Concept now has a shiny new burn orange paint job. New bodywork? Nope… just the same old FT-86 II Concept from Geneva. But there is something more… there behind the tires. For the first time (to our knowledge) the FT-86 is sporting a set of Brembo brakes, which is certainly good news for driving enthusiasts who are eager to get behind the wheel of this car.

When it finally does debut in production ford at the Tokyo Auto Show, look for a direct-injection 4-cylinder boxer engine with around 200-hp going to the rear wheels with a standard limited slip differential. In the mean time, check out the extensive gallery of photos below.

GALLERY: Toyota FT-86 II Concept

Get more Toyota FT-86 news and info at FR-Sforum.com

Plus, see video of the car from its Frankfurt debut after the jump:

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It’s not every day you see a red Lamborghini. In fact, it’s likely you’ve never seen one; and for good reason. It seems that “other” Italian exotic automaker has pretty much cornered the market on that particular shade. Unveiled today at the Frankfurt Auto Show there’s good reason for the choice of the Rosso Mars color insists Lambo CEO Stephan Winkelmann, and no, it’s not just to piss Ferrari off. Rather, it’s used because red is the traditional color of Italian racing cars, and the new Gallardo Super Trofeo Stradale, is about as close to a race car as any Lambo street machine has ever been.

Powered by the same 562-hp 5.2-liter V10 as the rest of the Gallardo range, the Super Trofeo Stradale is inspired by Lambo’s Trofeo spec racing series in Europe and sports custom carbon fiber aerodynamics that produce three times the downforce of the standard Gallardo coupe – due mostly to a massive (adjustable) rear spoiler.

Put on a diet, the Stradale weighs just 2,954 lbs, and promises a 0-62 mph time of just 3.4 seconds with a top speed of 198 mph.

Oh, and one last thing. Not a fan of red Lambos? No problem. The most hard core version of Lambo’s most popular model ever will also be available in Grigio Telesto or Bianco Monocerus (black and white). Act fast though, only 150 of these beauties will be made.

GALLERY: Lamborghini Gallardo Super Trofeo

Plus, watch video of the new Lambo from its Frankfurt reveal after the jump:

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After years of hype (and delays), Fisker finally delivered its first shipment of production models to customers this Summer. The next obvious step would be a concept, followed by several more years of teasers and production hickups. Not so, says CEO Henrik Fisker, unveiling the new Surf model at the Frankfurt Auto Show today.

A five-door shooting brake design, the Surf is intended to bring the Karma’s plug-in hybrid drivetrain to a more functional (yet still very luxurious) segment. Built alongside the Karma on the production line the Surf uses the same platform and engine as its sedan counterpart and will go on sale mid 2012 said Fisker during the press conference.

So if you’re in the market for a 402-hp hybrid that can travel emissions free for up to 50 miles, plus you’ve got kids and a dog, Fisker has your wagon.

GALLERY: Fisker Surf

Having been cut from the Lotus lineup only recently Lotus hasn’t wasted any time in bringing back it’s hard-core track superstar, the Exige. Looking remarkably similar to its predecessor, the new Exige S is a solid 10-inches longer and 2-inches wider than that car.

Perhaps the biggest change, however, is under the hood, with the Evora S’s supercharged 3.5-liter V6 making 345-hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, enough to propel the Evora S to 60 mph in a seriously quick 3.8 seconds. Such an impressive speed is also as a result of an ultra light 2,380 lb targeted curb weight.

Known for a return-to-basics type of driving, the new bosses at Lotus have added some high-tech wizardry to the Exige. And while purists might gasp, they should be impressed. Unique to the Exige is a new Lotus DPM (Dynamic Performance Management) switch that allows the driver to switch between three different driving models: Touring, Sport and DPM off. Plus, when equipped with an optional Race Pack (which includes Launch Control), a Race setting helps deliver maximum possible traction in corners.

GALLERY: Lotus Exige S

Alongside a new Exige S street car, Lotus has unveiled its proposed entry into rally racing, the Exige R-GT, today at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Weighing in at around 2,600 lbs this race car trades the old Exige’s 4-cylinder for something close to what can be found out back in the Evora S – a supercharged 3.5L V6. Power makes it to the rear wheels using a sequential 6-speed transmission with paddle shifters.

All the necessary equipment is in place to meet FIA racing regulations (plus a few extra driving lights up front), although Lotus does point out that it has yet to get approval to officially campaign the car in motorsports. That’s is certainly the plan though.

GALLERY: Lotus Exige R-GT

Toyota is keeping quiet ahead of the car’s reveal today at the Frankfut Auto Show, but it has released two pictures of the latest FT-86 II Concept. What’s new? Other than some new paint it’s not entirely clear, although Toyota did promise a “faster, lighter and sportier” version of the car.

When it does officially debut in production form at the Tokyo Auto Show later this year, the FT-86 (sold in America as the Scion FR-S) will be powered by a direct-injection 4-cylinder boxer engine, putting torque to the rear wheels via either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission with a limited slip differential as standard. In Tokyo, Subaru is also expected to debut a version of the car, called the BRZ.

Look for more details and live photos later today at AutoGuide’s official Frankfurt Auto Show page here.

Get more Toyota FT-86 and Subaru BRZ news and info at fr-sforum.com and subarubrzforum.com.

GALLERY: Toyota FT-86 II Concept

For the European market, the thought of another high performance Ford Focus has become banal, but North America is eagerly awaiting the launch of the first “Euro” hot hatch variant of the Focus, with the upcoming Ford Focus ST.

The original Focus SVT was based on a European model called the Focus ST170, but the new Focus ST marks the first time that there will be a single unified Focus performance model – with one exception. A Focus ST “wagon” (shown above) will be sold in world markets, but not North America.

With a 2.0L Ecoboost 4-cylinder making 250 PS and 265 lb-ft of torque, the Focus ST relies on an electronic torque-steer management system to put power down through a 6-speed manual gearbox via the front wheels. Big brakes and Recaro seats on offer, as are a specially tuned chassis, 18″ wheels and Goodyear Eagle F1 tires with an asymmetric tread pattern. Stay tuned to AutoGuide for live shots of the Ford Focus ST starting on Tuesday, September 13th as coverage of the Frankfurt AutoShow kicks off.

Ahead of a more official debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show tomorrow, Audi has revealed its new city car concept twins, the Audi Urban Sportback and the Audi Urban Spyder.

These 1+1 seaters put the driver ahead (and slightly to the left) of the passenger and as city cars (not to mention European ones) are powered by electricity. Two electric motors power the rear axle through a single speed transmission, giving roughly 20-hp and 35 lb-ft of torque. Energy is stores in a 200 lb lithium ion battery behind the rear seats, which can be charged completely in just one hour using a conventional household outlet or approximately 20 minutes with a special fast charger. Acceleration isn’t exactly brisk, despite some rather sporty looks from these two concepts, with a six second time to 37-mph and a 16.9 second time to 62 mph. Both Audi’s have a range of roughly 45 miles.

Allowing the cars to achieve many of their “performance” and range goals is an ultra light weight chassis, weighing a total of just 1,058 lbs thanks to a structure comprised of both aluminum and carbon fiber, with carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) body panels.

At 126.72 inches the Urban concepts are about two and a half feet longer than a smart car. Despite it’s diminutive size, at each corner are some sizeably Donk 21-inch wheels with ultra-thin 125/60/21 tires up front and 145/50/21 tires in the rear.

GALLERY: Audi Urban Sportback, Spyder Concepts

Kia has been changing what people think about Korean cars for well over a year now thanks to some impressive designs, and now the automaker is looking to add some performance to its lineup with the new GT Concept – the first ever rear-drive vehicle by Kia.

Set to be unveiled tomorrow at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, the GT Concept is a rear-drive coupe-styled sedan that we can now confirm is powered by a turbocharged and direct-injection 3.3-liter V6 making 395-hp and 394 lb-ft of torque. Helping get power to the ground in a smooth and fuel efficient manner is an 8-speed automatic transmission.

“This concept allows us to explore exciting new design directions, as using a rear-drive layout creates very different proportions compared to a front-wheel drive car,” says Peter Schreyer, Kia’s Chief Design Officer.  ”The classic front-engined, rear-wheel drive layout of a performance saloon has distinct appeal not just for the domestic Korean audience, but also for the European and American markets.”

Said to be inspired by iconic GT cars of the 1970s, the GT also takes design cues from the Kia Kee concept that debuted in Frankfurt back in 2007. Measuring 185-inches in length this 4-seater is roughly a foot shorter than the Hyundai Genesis sedan (on which it is believed to be based), putting it right in the same size category as the BMW 3 Series.

Will Kia build the GT Concept.. or something like it? You bet! “One of the great things about working on this project was that this is a very real car,” says Schreyer.  “It felt good to be working on a car that could roll down the road tomorrow.  Yes, it would be a dream to put this into production – it has a logical layout, with four seats, and good luggage space, and it’s also engaging and dynamic and makes a strong statement.  It’s exactly the kind of car Kia should be making.”

Look for more details and live photos tomorrow at AutoGuide’s official Frankfurt Auto Show page here.

GALLERY: Kia GT Concept

After the success of the limited edition DBS Carbon Black model, Aston Martin has revealed two new “Carbon Edition” versions. While essentially just the same set of add-ons but with two new exterior color options, any DBS news is news because, well, the car is stunning.

Now available in Flame Orange and Ceramic Grey, the new models get the same unique paint treatment with seven layers that are then hand polished for 25 hours. In addition, Aston will now also offer a “satin lacquer” finish.

Other upgrades include 10-spoke black diamond wheels, black brake calipers (yellow, orange, red or gray are optional), a new black grille, carbon headlight backings and smoked rear lights. Other Carbon Edition upgrades include carbon fiber on the dash an on the magnesium paddle shifters. More impressive is the upgraded leather (in either obsidian black or maranello orange), while the headliner is a quilted leather pattern. And finally, one should not forget the carbon fiber special edition plaque.

Pricing for the new DBS Carbon Edition models starts at $287,576 and a shocking $302,576 for the Volante convertible.

Look for live photos from the reveal at AutoGuide’s dedicated Frankfurt Auto Show page here.

GALLERY: Aston Martin DBS Carbon Edition

As a brand Suzuki has had limited success in North America, selling rebadged GM crossovers when it probably should have been pushing the types of cars it knows best – small cars. While the Swift used to be offered here, its days passed long ago (apart from the rebadged old Daewoo offered in Canada).

The Swift soldiered on in other markets, however, and has evolved into a solid machine. And now Suzuki is adding more style and performance by introducing a new Swift Sport model for 2012 at the 64th International Motor Show in Frankfurt. This new model, which is just an update to the current Swift model sold in Europe and Asia, gets a larger grille in the front, and ground effects and spoilers which according to Suzuki “suppress lift and give the car a lower visual center of gravity.” You also get new 17-inch alloy wheels wearing 195/45R17 tires. HID headlamps and new tail lights complete the fresh new look.

Sporty seats and a five-dial instrument cluster add to this cars sporty character on the inside. However, the changes under the hood are what enthusiasts will be lusting after. The Swift Sport gets Suzuki’s new M16A motor, which produces 8% more power while also improving fuel consumption by 11%. This 1.6-liter, four-cylinder unit produces 134 hp and 118 lb-ft of torque.

Power goes to only the front wheels via a new six-speed manual gearbox which features a triple-cone synchromesh for a more sportier feel.

To keep you safe, electronic stability control is standard along with 7-airbags.

So if you’re moving to Europe and are looking for a fun new hatchback to drive around in, the new Swift Sport will be on sale very shortly. Just don’t look for it at your local dealer… pity.

Look for more details tomorrow at AutoGuide’s official Frankfurt Auto Show page here.

GALLERY: Suzuki Swift Sport

Ahead of its Frankfurt Auto Show premiere of six new models, Lotus has released a perplexing video teaser of one of these new sports cars. But wait, the above screen shot, taken from the boxer-on-a-race-track Lotus Films production, hints that perhaps Lotus will reveal an all-new Exige in Frankfurt.

Don’t expect a production model, but rather a concept, likely powered by either the same non-existent 2.0-liter 4-cylinder as found in the Elise concept, or perhaps the 3.5-liter V6 shared with the Evora.

Previous reports have also suggested the Exige will be a race car intended for use in rally racing.

In addition, Lotus has promised a new Elise S supercharged model, an Evora S IPS (automatic transmission) model, as well as an Elise SPS – using some type of automated manual gearbox. The remaining two cars are expected to be the production version of the Evora GTE Road Car concept, as well as the special Evora S Freddie Mercury Edition.

Look for more details tomorrow at AutoGuide’s official Frankfurt Auto Show page here.

Watch the video after the jump:

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Celebrating 125 years of Mercedes-Benz, the appropriately named F125 is set to debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show tomorrow. Ahead of the planned reveal, however, photos and details of the Hydrogen Gullwing concept car have been leaked, giving a look at the future of Mercedes design, not to mention the German automaker’s plans to push ahead with hydrogen fuel cell technology.

With a less than stunning jellybean profile, the new concept does have some nicer angles, with an almost art deco look to the massive front grille. Much of the design cues are an evolution of the F800 Style Concept first shown at the Geneva Auto Show last year – although that car was arguably the better looking machine.

Power for the concept comes from a hydrogen fuel cell stack with four electric motors (one at each wheel). Generating 231-hp it is said to be able to hit 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. Total range is around 620 miles. In addition to all this, there’s a lithium-ion battery pack capable of offering 31 miles of non-hydrogen travel.

Look for more details tomorrow AutoGuide’s official Frankfurt Auto Show page here.

GALLERY: Mercedes F125 Hydrogen Gullwing Concept

[Source: OmniAuto.it]

Think there’s a lot of build-up for a car like the Toyota FT-86? Just be glad you’re not waiting for an electric Audi R8. First introduced two years ago at the Frankfurt Auto Show, the German luxury automaker has now come full circle and will be unveiling the next version of the R8 E-tron in Frankfurt this week.

With Audi having announced plans to bring the car to market in 2012, this latest “technology demonstrator” is expected to be quite close to the production model. When it finally does arrive, the R8 e-Tron is set to use four electric motors (one at each wheel) to create a total of 308-hp and 3,319 ft-lbs of torque (collectively) with a 0-60 mph time of 4.8 seconds. Range is expected to be roughly 155 miles, with a charge time of 6-8 hours on a conventional outlet or 2.5 hours with a rapid charger.

This latest E-Tron concept will bridge the gap between several Audi debuts in Frankfurt, with the green Audi Urban Concept and A2 Concept on one hand and the high-performance S6, S7 and S8 on the other. Look for full details with AutoGuide’s Frankfurt Auto Show coverage starting here on Tuesday, September 13th.

GALLERY: Audi R8 e-Tron

The Smart car has sold reasonably well around the world, but it has hardly been the sales success its maker wishes it was. To keep the interest of car buyers, every now and then, it comes up with a special edition model.

At this years Frankfurt Auto Show, Smart will show a model that it has developed with the street fashion brand WeSC. This special “Tailor Made” model is being prepared by Mercedes-tuner Brabus and will feature a special gold paint that is gloss in some areas and matte in others. Special jet black wheels and custom leather interior also sets this fortwo cabrio model apart from the regular smart.

The people at Smart also designed a new set of headphones, which will be sold through WeSC shops and Concept Stores around the world.

This special Smart with a 100-hp turbocharged motor will be on display starting September 13 at the Frankfurt Motor Show alongside the new Forvision concept. Look for live photos from AutoGuide’s coverage here.

GALLERY: Smart WeSC

Watch the video after the jump:

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