Volkswagen made a cannonball of a splash at the Frankfurt Auto Show with a premiere of six new and exciting variations of the Up! that may join to form a small car family. Make no mistake, not only is the exclamation mark a part of the car’s name, Volkswagen’s new microcar line-up exudes excitement.
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The teasing starts early as Infiniti takes an opportunity at the Frankfurt Auto Show to hint at the public of a future zero emission luxury vehicle.

This sketch gives us another look at Infiniti’s design movement. First seen in the 2009 Infiniti Essence Concept, the trademark indented surface treatment trailing the quarter window will make its way into more and more future Infiniti models. Most welcomed is the more gradual wedge of the concept’s beltline, allowing for a larger daylight opening, potentially giving the cabin a more airy environment.

Likely to use the technologies found in the Nissan Leaf, Infiniti promises their EV will be “a stylish, high performance five-seat luxury vehicle with zero emissions…”

This statement is particularly bold as luxury (weight) and high performance (more power) are the two largest obstacles an EV faces in its pursuit of obtaining a practical range for every charge. Still in its development phase, Infiniti aims to officially introduce their EV by 2014.

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.

Another year, another auto show and another special edition exotic sports car is to be unveiled. At the 64th Frankfurt International Auto Show, Aston Martin is to introduce the Vantage 4.7 Special Edition.

This model, which features the firms V8 motor, produces 426-hp (6-hp more than usual). That power is sent to the rear-wheels via a six-speed manual or Sportshift automated manual gearbox.

This model, according to its maker, is capable of accelerating from 0-62 mph in just 4.9 seconds and onto a top speed of 180-mph.

From the exterior, there is not much difference. Apart from the silver grille surround, it looks just like any other V8 Vantage.

It is the same story inside, with changes limited to a gunmetal alloy instrument binnacle and graphite finish on the center console. However, this special edition model does come with such goodies such as satellite navigation and park distance control as standard.

This special edition is only on sale in Europe and for a very limited time. Orders will be taken from 13th September to 30th September only. The number made will depend on how many orders got taken in these 17-days. These special edition cars will be delivered by the end of this year.

[Source: GT Spirit]

Ford will show a concept version of their l0ng-awaited Fiesta ST hot hatch at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show. An ST version of the Focus hatchback has long been confirmed, and many correctly suspected that a hotter version of the smaller Fiesta would follow.

With the Focus making 250 horsepower from a 2.0L Ecoboost 4-cylinder engine, the next logical step down is Ford’s 1.6L Ecoboost, with an output of around 180 horsepower. Stay tuned to AutoGuide for more info as coverage begins on Tuesday, September 13th.

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

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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It’s difficult to remember when Ford last had as strong a line-up as it does today, but don’t believe for a second that the Blue Oval team are foolish enough to take a moment to relax. Rather, Ford is set to reveal the most efficient non-hybrid family vehicles, the Focus ECOnetic Technology and the Fiesta ECOnetic Technology, both of which are set for their debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

How efficient are they? The Focus ECOnetic Technology boasts an 1.6 liter TDCi diesel engine capable of an incredible 83.1 mpg, while CO2 seeps out a mere 89 g/km. The Fiesta ECOnetic Technology is an even more frugal 85.6 mpg, exhaling a negligible 87 g/km CO2. Certainly a bit far fetched, but Ford says these fuel economy figures are measured upon the European cycle and not the EPA rating – which would be somewhat irrelevant anyway as we’re not scheduled to get them here.

A slew of innovations are responsible for the ECOnetic Technology’s success, including engine and transmission components that are not only lighter, but cause less friction. The ECOnetic’s 1.6 liter TDCi diesel will come equipped with NOx absorbing technology to reduce CO2 coming out the exhaust. The 1.3 liter EcoBoost engine receives direct fuel injection and benefits from recent advances made in turbocharging. Finally, both the Fiesta and Focus will have a new generation of regenerative charging; an alternator that increases output during vehicle braking or deceleration, converting kinetic energy to electricity without use of additional fuel.

Moreover, Ford adopted innovations such as the active grille shutter previously found in the Chevrolet Cruze to improve frontal aerodynamics. Shift light indicators found in Formula 1 will now be used to alert eco minded drivers when shifting a gear up will continue to optimize their fuel economy.

Expect half of all Ford cars sold in Europe to carry the ECOnetic Technology badge by late next year.

GALLERY: 2012 Ford ECOnetic

Fans of Italian cars should prepare to dry heave, as Lancia has just released an image of their new Flavia Cabrio, looking like a poorly rebadged Chrysler 200.

The only engine available is a 175-horsepower 2.4-liter V6 mated to a 6-speed automatic. Thrilling. Lancia will also get a re-badged Chrysler Town & Country, known as the Voyager as part of their rejuvenated, Chrysler-infused lineup. You can check back for AutoGuide’s for live Frankfurt coverage starting on September 13th.

Hit the jump to see the press release below

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Two weeks ago, Kia officially confirmed that it would unveil a rear-wheel drive four-door sports sedan at this month’s Frankfurt auto show.

Today, sources have revealed that Kia may call the sporty sedan, the Veredus. Kia has filed for a trademark on the Veredus name, and sources have also explained that the concept is the only vehicle in the company’s short-term product plan without a name.

The concept has sleek and muscular proportions, and will likely slide in between the Hyundai Genesis and Equus in terms of size. Kia’s future product plans also include an electric vehicle and a sedan based off the forthcoming Hyundai Azera.

GALLERY: Kia Veredus

[Source: Car and Driver]