After information and photos of Mercedes’ plug-in hybrid S-Class emerged last week, Mercedes has now officially confirmed the car will debut tomorrow (September 15th) at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

Better yet, Mercedes R&D boss Dr. Thomas Weber says the technology is likely to debut in production form in the next generation S-Class. “Although it will take some time before this model can go into series production, our engineers will be working full steam to carry out the necessary integration measures and ensure that all components can meet the tough everyday demands required of a luxury long-distance sedan,” he said. “We’ve already got all the key technology we need for such a dream car, which is why I see it being included in the next generation of the S Class.”

As for the vehicle itself, thanks to a direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a 60hp/184 ft-lb electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack, the car is capable of using just 3.2 liters of gasoline per 100 km – that’s 73.5 mpg! Possibly more shocking is that the car doesn’t sacrifice performance, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds. Additionally, the electric motor will be able to power the car emissions-free for 18 miles.

Charging the S500 Plug-in hybrid takes 4.5 hours with a conventional outlet, or just one hour with a raid charger.

We’ll be sure to bring you more on the car from the Frankfurt Auto Show with live coverage starting tomorrow, September 15th.

GALLERY: Mercedes S500 Plug-In Hybrid

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Last week we brought you a story about Ford’s upcoming C-Max that is scheduled to debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show tomorrow (September 15th). We suggested that the multi-activity vehicle could eventually find its way to U.S. shores. Today, we’d like to revise our suggestion as Ford has released images of the Grand C-Max – a more likely candidate for North American shores.

Like the standard C-Max, the Grand C-Max is based on the same global architecture that is found in the upcoming next-generation Ford Focus and will be powered by an turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine.

Compared to the standard, the Grand C-Max gets a longer wheelbase with three rows of seats. There is room for 7 thanks to a three-person middle row with two captain’s chairs joined by a removable third seat. The MAV also gets sliding side doors much like a conventional minivan or the Mazda5.

As we suggested in our last story, with Ford selling off much of its stake in Mazda and the Mazda5 being a dominant vehicle in an emerging market segment in North America, we could definitely see Ford bring a version of the Grand C-Max to this side of the Atlantic to take back a segment it once owned (literally and figuratively).

GALLERY: Ford Grand C-Max

Audi has been teasing the world with rumors of an electric car debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show, but executives have gone so far as to flatly deny the existence of an electric R8.

Now the folks over at WorldCarFans have received a selection of renderings for an R8 called the E-Tron. (Apparently Tron is a running theme this year, with BMW’s Vision EfficientDynamics Concept looking like something from the movie).

The photos show an obvious R8 profile with several differences, including a new front grille, different headlights, a new rear end design and wheels. Most notably different, however, is the interior, which shows a clean cockpit with an LCD screen between the main gauges. There is also an LED screen on the driver’s A-pillar.

Unless Audi decided to fess-up to the Electric R8, we’ll have to wait until the automaker’s press conference tomorrow (September 15th) at the Frankfurt Auto Show and keep watching ElectricityUntamed.com.

GALLERY: Audi R8 E-Tron Concept

[Source: WorldCarFans]

A day prior to the MF5 Roadster’s unveiling at the Frankfurt Auto Show, bespoke German automaker Wiesmann has released a single teaser image of the powerful sports car.

Much like the MF5 coupe, the Roadster is powered by the same 5.0-liter V10 engine found under the hood of the BMW M5 and M6. Making 507hp, Wiesmann estimates a 0-60 mph time of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 192 mph.

Other than being a drop-top we don’t expect much else new and the MF5 Roadster promises the same sort of goodies, including air bags, ABS and stability control – which you’re bound to need.

Only 55 versions of the MF5 Roadster will be built at an asking price of 189,500 Euros (roughly $250,000). Wiesmann also offers an MF4 Roadster powered by new M3′s 4.0-liter V8.

We’ll be sure to bring you more info and plenty of images on the MF5 with live coverage from the Frankfurt Auto Show starting September 15th.

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Kia is unveiling its new MPV, the Venga, at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

Based on the No. 3 concept model Kia displayed at the Geneva show, the Venga has a 103-inch wheelbase, longer than most cars in its class. Kia says the interior will also be  roomier than its competitors with space typical of a larger class vehicle. For comparison sake, it has a footprint roughly the size of a sub-compact Ford Fiesta, but interior room closer to the compact Focus.

The sliding 60/40 rear seat folds flat into the floor for larger cargo space while some models will have a tilt-&-slide all-glass panoramic roof.

The Venga will be powered by 1.4 and 1.6 gas and diesel engines, producing between 74 hp and 113 hp. All models will feature Kia’s Idle Stop & Go (ISG) technology.

The Kia Venga will be available across Europe later this year. There was no mention as to whether the Venga will make it over to North America and considering the existence of the Rio and Rio5, we don’t expect it.

GALLERY: Kia Venga

[Source: Autocar]

Notoriously good at keeping secrets, Toyota has decided to blow its own cover and has released a smattering of details on the Auris HSD Concept that will debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show tomorrow (September 15th).

Designed specifically for the U.K.,the Auris HSD Concept uses the same Hybrid Synergy Drive powerplant as found in the current third-generation Prius. With a 1.8-liter gasoline engine and electric motor, power output should be about the same with 134 ponies under the hood. With a slightly heavier package acceleration should be close with a 10 second 0-60 mph time. Fuel-economy is expected to be similar as well, but not quite as high as the Prius, due in part to a drag coefficient that isn’t quite as good as 0.28 cd, as compared to the Prius’s 0.25 cd rating. The Prius gets a rating of 51/48 mpg, so even a close rating will still be impressive.

Aerodynamic enhancements have been made over the current Auris, however, with different front and rear bumpers, underbody panels, a larger rear spoiler, a ride height that has been lowered by 20mm, low rolling resistance tires and special 18-inch wheels that cut air turbulence in the wheel arches.

Like the Prius, the Auris HSD Concept will get four driving modes, including ECO, Power and EV mode. The EV mode will allow the car to travel 1.25 miles or 2 km on just electric power at speeds up to 31 mph.

Another similar feature between the two cars are solar panels on the roof which work to power the fans in order to keep the car cool when parked. Toyota says it continues to look into ways to expand the use of solar panels on its hybrids and shows an example on the Auris HSD with solar panels on the dash that can be used to power cellular phones.

Toyota plans to bring a production model of the Auris HSD Concept to market in the U.K. in the second half of 2010 and will build the hybrid at Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK) in Burnaston, U.K. The launch of this new model will usher in a new era for Toyota in Europe as it plans to offer all of its models with hybrid technology by 2020.

As the Auris is based on the Corolla platform, can a hybrid Corolla be far behind?

GALLERY: Toyota Auris HSD Concept

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Technically speaking, Bentley already unveiled its Arnage successor at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, but the regal British automaker was tight-lipped about any specifics.

Details of the new Mulsanne will be unveiled tomorrow (September 15th) at the Frankfurt Auto Show, where we expect to learn about the impressive fuel-economy improvements Bentley has made with this new model. About all we do know is that the Mulsanne, much like the Arnage, is powered by a 6.75-liter V8. The engine has been reworked almost entirely, however, and we expect this model to be able to run on ethanol as well as gasoline. And of course, the engine’s power output will increase as well.

The design is certainly impressive with a massive front grille with huge circle headlights and lots of chrome.

As for the car’s name, it comes from the same place as the Arnage – France’s famous 24 Hours of Le Mans, Circuit de la Sarthe race track. On that track the Mulsanne straight is actually two straights, which have been divided up with a chicane so as to limit the overall speed that race cars can achieve. Modern racers have to slow from over 200 mph to 65 mph to run the chicane, before taking to the second-half of the straight.

GALLERY: 2010 Bentley Mulsanne

Along with the official debut of the highly-anticipated Mulsanne flagship, Bentley will also unveil a new “Continental Series 51″ limited edition version of the GT and GTC at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

“The Series 51 Continental models represent Bentley exterior and interior styling at its most vibrant and will enable customers to order ‘off the peg’ from an exclusive range created by Dirk van Braeckel’s renowned team of Crewe-based designers,” said Bentley in a press release.

Series 51 models will come with three-tone interiors as well as an available two-tone exterior paint scheme. The first of the series will debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show on September 15th with an interior made up of Imperial Blue leather, Linen seat and door inserts with Newmarket Tan leather accents.

Additional bespoke items include “Series 51″ kickplates, special “Engine Spin” aluminum accents, Amboyna veneer wood and special 14-spoke 20-inch wheels.

GALLERY: Bentley Continental GT and GTC Series 51

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In front of a select audience, Jaguar took the wraps off its Limo-Green Concept, a hybrid version of the company’s newly-released 2010 XJ flagship. The car will appear at the Frankfurt Auto Show starting tomorrow (September 15th).

Powered by a 145kw (195hp) and 295 ft-lb electric motor and a 1.2-liter gasoline engine (developed by Lotus), the car is capable of 30 miles under pure electric power before the gasoline engine kicks in to provide an extended range of 600 miles. Jaguar says the car is rated at 57 mpg and a top speed of 112 mph.

The Limo-Green is more than just a fanciful concept car, however, and Jaguar says it will begin testing a production model next year. Anthony Harper, head of research at Jaguar Land Rover, told the U.K.’s AutoCar that Jaguar originally began testing this Range Extender engine in the previous XJ but decided to switch to the new chassis when it debuted just a few months back.

Jaguar won’t set a date for when the Limo-Green Concept could see production and did warn that it could be a while as the parts involved are still prohibitively expensive and not quite up to Jaguar standards yet.

[Source: AutoCar]

Back in 2002 Volkswagen first showed its two-seater One-Liter Concept car and tomorrow at the Frankfurt Auto Show Germany’s largest automaker will unveil an updated version of that vehicle.

Called the One-Liter or L1 Concept because of its ability to travel 100km on 1 liter of gasoline (235 mpg), the latest edition isn’t quite so fuel-efficient, but it is slightly more realistic. Reported to be powered by a 29hp two-cylinder diesel engine mated to a seven-seed DSG transmission, and weighing just 380 kg (838 lbs) the L1 is capable of 189.6 mpg.

As mini-cars continue to grow in popularity in markets like Europe and Asia, a production version of the L1 Concept is a possibility in the not-too-distant future. Volkswagen has also been clear about its intent to develop small vehicles for developing markets.

We’ll have to wait until tomorrow (September 15th) when Volkswagen will reportedly unveil the latest L1 Concept at the Frankfurt Auto Show to see just exactly where VW is headed with its latest concept.

GALLERY: Volkswagen tandem L1 Concept

[Source: AutoCar]

Just ahead of the car’s official debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show tomorrow, images and details of the Mazda MX-5 Superlight have leaked onto the web.

Weighing just 2,194 lbs (995 kg), down from the stock 2,381 (1,080 kg), the car sheds roughly 200 lbs of weight.

Mazda says the concept car was designed to capture “the pure essence of the world’s most popular roadster, the Mazda MX-5,” and has included plenty of motorsports design cues including carbon fiber racing seats and plenty of carbon fiber details inside.

Power comes from a 124hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder (rather than the 169hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder currently offered in North America), mated to a Mazdaspeed cold air intake and exhaust, allowing the car to hit 62 mph in 8.9 seconds while getting 44.8 mpg.

Interestingly the Superlight’s track is 50mm wider than the stock car and the Bilstein suspension sits 30mm lower on 17-inch wheels.

The MX-5 Superlight is reported to be the first of several concept cars that will shape the direction of the next MX-5 Miata. Mazda wants the car to return to its light-weight roots with good handling and fuel-economy, while keeping all the car’s fun-to-drive aspects – hence the design. And by equipping the concept car with a smaller engine than the chassis is currently offered with we have to think this is a big hint that Mazda will down-size the next engine of the MX-5 – with a turbocharged 4-cylinder a strong possibility.

GALLERY: Mazda Miata MX-5 Superlight

[Source: AutoCar]

German luxury tuner Mansory is full of surprises. Just when you think the creative minds at Mansory might have reached the limits of excess by fitting a Murciélago exhaust to a Ferrari 599, painting an SLR in Matte gold or completely modifying a Bugatti Veyron, they do this. Called the Vitesse Rosé, this baby pink Bentley is a perfect Barbie-mobile.

While the pink paint is the most obvious, this Bentley Continental GT Speed also gets a complete Mansory aero kit including a new front bumper with wider openings, side skirts and a new rear bumper with a diffuser. There is also an exposed carbon fiber hood to drop a few pounds on the hefty Bentley, with a carbon rear lip out back.

Additional exterior details include the set of 21-inch wheels, but the real surprise is inside, where a pink and purple diamond stitched leather and Alcantara cockpit assaults the eyes.

Mansory will debut this Vitesse Rosé for the first time at the Frankfurt Auto Show next week. The car will be available in a limited edition for a price of 269,000 euros ($383,000).

GALLERY: Mansory Vitesse Rosé

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Just ahead of the car’s debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show, Lamborghini has released photos of its Reventón Roadster.

The drop-top Reventón is rumored to be made in even more limited numbers than the coupe, with just 10 versions being built. And while the coupe model looked wild, but didn’t really offer any performance gain over the standard LP640, the Roadster is expected to get theLP670 SV’s 6.5-liter V12 with 670hp and 487 ft-lbs fo torque, enabling it to hit 62 mph in 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 212 mph.

Pricing is expected to be rated at roughly 1.15 million Euros, although if you haven’t already put down your deposit, you’ll have to wait for a second-hand version, as all 10 units are being pre-sold.

We’ll be sure to bring you official details of the car with live coverage from the Frankfurt Auto Show starting September 15.

GALLERY: Reventón Roadster

[Source: WorldCarFans]

After much speculation, Toyota has finally confirmed that a concept version of the Prius Plug-In Hybrid will appear at the Frankfurt Auto Show next week.

Designed to take on the Chevy Volt, there is no word on when full public sales of the Prius PHV start, while the Volt is scheduled for sale in early 2011. “Although we like to be first to market with these technologies, it’s more important that we are best to market,” said Irv Miller, TMS group vice president, environmental and public affairs. “This demonstration program will ensure that the vehicles we bring to market will not just meet customer expectations, but exceed them.”

As for the numbers, they don’t sound all that competitive, with an expected electric-only range of 12 miles, as opposed to the 40 miles claimed by General Motors. Using Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive and lithium-ion batteries, Toyota says the Prius PHV will be able to reach highway speeds on pure electric power. Engineers at the Japanese automaker are also looking beyond lithium batteries for future energy solutions.

Later this year Toyota will deliver 500 Prius PHV vehicles, 150 of which will be sold in the United States.

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Easily one of the most anticipated debuts at the Frankfurt Auto Show is the convertible version of the Audi R8. The folks over at WorldCarFans seem to have gotten a hold of a selection of official Audi images of the R8. What we do know (other than the fact that it’s incredibly stunning) is that Audi will only release the convertible version with the 525hp 5.2-liter V10 engine.

What we don’t know is what is will be called. Sure, it’s a convertible, but will it be called the R8 Spider or Spyder, like the Italians tend to do, or will Audi stick to its German routes and use the efinimate ‘Cabriolet’ term. There is also the classic ‘Roadster’ 

Audi will officially unveil the drop-top R8 on September 15th at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Be sure to check back then for our live (and frequent) updates.

GALLERY: Audi R8 Convertible

[Source: WorldCarFans]

After several teaser images, Lexus has finally released a full selection of exterior and interior images of the LF-Ch Concept, which will officially debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September 15th and head into production next year.

Set to compete in the premium compact segment against cars like the Volvo C30, BMW 1 Series and Audi A3, this new Lexus hatchback will be the only hybrid in the segment. Lexus isn’t saying anything about the hybrid system yet, however, and there’s no guarantee they will when the concept debuts in Frankfurt. Lexus has filed for patents on several new names, including CT200h, which seems to indicate the car will come with a hybrid powertrain similar to the one in the HS250h.

The entire design for the LF-Ch evokes Lexus’s L-Finesse design language. While the exterior is definitely sporty with oversized rims, an aggressive stance, LED headlights and plenty of jagged lines, the interior might just be more impressive. This is no Prius. Inside there are equally as many hard and sharp lines with a sporty steering wheel (featuring paddle shifters), as well as a DVD/Navigation system that pops out of the dash. There is even a version of Lexus’s Remote Touch feature, as seen on the RX450h.  

GALLERY: Lexus LF-Ch Concept

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It may surprise you to learn that these are the first images of the new SLS AMG supercar from Mercedes. Not only does the car look startlingly familiar to the legendary 300SL Gullwing, but thanks to spy photos (some of which were even provided by Mercedes) and a few leaked images here and there, there’s a good change you’ve already seen this new 563hp retro-styled exotic.

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.

As for the styling we have to say its growing on us. From some angles its achingly beautiful, while from others it’s just ok. We’ll report back as soon as it’s unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show on September 15th.

GALLERY: 2010 Mercedes SLS AMG

The Volvo C30 will get a much needed facelift for 2010, debuting at the Frankfurt Auto Show next week alongside the modernized C70.

“Since its introduction in 2006, the Volvo C30 has become highly appreciated for its unique appearance. This applies in particular to the rear. With the new front, it feels as though everything has fallen neatly into place and that the car’s entire personality has been boosted to an entirely new level,” says Daniel Backman, Product Manager for the new Volvo C30.

We’re not sure we agree with the comments about the car’s back-end, but the new front certainly adds a bit more style to the C30, helping it appeal to its intended young-buyer audience. Much of the design cues have been taken from Volvo’s progressive new XC60 crossover.

The new front end features not only a new bumper and grille, but also new headlights. A new rear end is also a part of the redesign, using colored panels, as opposed to black plastic ones, while on T5 models large 90mm exhaust tips will be included. A new Orange Flame Metallic paint job (pictured above) will also be offered, as will white wheels.

Volvo has also decided to offer a long list of interior trim options to customers, with items like an Espresso/Blonde two-tone interior, as well as Cranberry leather.

In addition a sport chassis will be offered with stiffer bushings, a tighter steering ratio (by 10 percent) and springs that are 30 percent stiffer as well.

We’ll be sure to bring you more on this new model live from the Frankfurt Auto Show starting September 15th.

GALLERY: 2010 Volvo C30

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Lotus’s engineering department is constantly working on new projects that will make cars not only faster, but also more efficient. The company’s latest project is the Lotus Range Extender Engine, a hybrid drivetrain that serves as an off-the-shelf solution for existing automakers looking for a hybrid engine for a mini-car.

By designing this new engine from scratch, rather than using existing parts from an existing engine, Lotus engineers were able to re-think the entire process. As a result, the Range Extender Engine is far lighter and simpler than existing hybrid powerplants.

Using a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine, mated to an electric motor, the Range Extender Engine weighs just 124 lbs. This was achieved by using a monoblock design where the cylinder head and block are one piece, eliminating the need to a head-gasket (and 16 other parts), improving the engine’s strength and reducing weight. The exhaust manifold is also an integrated part of the monoblock, eliminating 18 more parts.

As for power output, the engine makes 47hp at 3500 rpm and 79 ft-lbs of torque at 2500 rpm.

“Most series hybrid vehicles that are currently being developed will use adaptations of existing, conventional engines which are therefore compromised in the efficiency that they can achieve, designed as they are for a wide range of operating conditions,” says Simon Wood, Technical Director of Lotus Engineering. “Designing the Lotus Range Extender purely for use in series hybrids has allowed us instead to develop an optimized engine that has high thermal efficiency, low fuel consumption, multi-fuel capability and a 35 kW peak output from a 1.2 liter, low cost architecture over the precise operating range required by a series hybrid drivetrain.”

Lotus will official debut the Range Extender Engine at the Frankfurt Auto Show next week alongside the 2010 Elise Club Racer and the 2010 Exige Cup 260.

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Rolls-Royce has officially released the first production images and a long list of details on its latest model, the 2011 Ghost. Styled much like the Phantom, but slightly sportier and more modern, this more “entry-level” vehicle is still expected to cost close to $300,000.

The wait for the Ghost has been a long one, as Rolls first announced it was building a new line of vehicle at the Paris Auto Show back in 2006. Known initially as the RR4, this Ghost has been shown around the world in several prototype and concept forms (including as the 200EX) , but next week it will officially debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

Powered by a 6.6-liter V12, the Ghost makes 563hp and 575 ft-lbs of torque at just 1500 rpm. Using a new eight-speed automatic transmission the Ghost will be able to hit 62 mph in just 4.8 seconds.

The Ghost will be available with a very long list of standard an optional equipment, including rear-seat LCD screens with fold out tables and, of course, umbrellas in the doors.

GALLERY: 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost

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Last week Lexus teased us with a back shot of its upcoming hybrid hatchback and now we finally get a glimpse of what this new model will look like from the front. Called the LF-Ch Concept for now it is expected to be called the CT200h when it finally makes its way to production in 2010.

Originally designed specifically for the European market, which will not get the Hs250h, recent rumors have suggested it may also makes its way to the U.S.

The LF-Ch is a premium-level hatchback designed to take on vehicles like the BMW 1 Series, Audi A3 and Volvo C30.

There is no confirmed word on engines or pricing, but with the CT200h name we suspect the luxury hatch will use a similar setup to the Prius, with an electric motor mated to Toyota’s 1.8-liter four-cylinder, making roughly 200hp. Pricing is expected to be around the $30,000 mark.

Lexus will officially reveal the LF-Ch concept next week at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

GALLERY: Lexus LF-Ch

[Source: Autoblog]

Ahead of its German debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show next week Fisker has just released the expected fuel economy numbers for the four-door Karma plug-in hybrid. The 403hp luxury sedan has been rated at an impressive 67 mpg (3.5L/100 km).

While offering fuel-economy better than vehicles like the Toyota Prius, the Karma promises a luxurious and spacious cabin, a sporty drive and a 0-62 mph time of about six seconds.

As a PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) similar to the upcoming Chevy Volt, the Karma will be able to drive on pure electric power for up to 50 miles, with a total extended range of 300 miles. Fisker’s calculations say the car is capable of using just three cents of gasoline per mile, with an average of seven cents per mile a more realistic real-world number.

“The Fisker Karma is the future of driving,” said Henrik Fisker, CEO.  “It proves we can drive environmentally responsible cars without sacrificing the emotional things that made us fall in love with cars in the first place.”

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Ford has just released several images of the 2011 C-Max, which is set to debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show in just over a weeks time. While not currently scheduled to go on sale in North America, there is a strong possibility that this new compact multi-activity vehicle could eventually cross the pond.

The C-Max is based on Ford’s new global-C platform which underpins the upcoming Focus. As a more family-oriented vehicle, the C-Max could compete in a growing segment on this side of the Atlantic that includes the Kia Rondo and Mazda5. Recently Ford sold off much of its share in Mazda, essentially cutting the Japanese automaker loose, but by doing so Ford gave up its foothold in MAV or MPV segment.

Set to go on sale in Europe mid-way through 2010, the C-Max will be available with a new turbocharged  1.6-liter EcoBoost engine featuring direct-injection.

GALLERY: 2011 Ford C-Max

Ford is not yet disclosing much about its new Euro-market model, but the 2011 C-Max will be powered by a new 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder. Like the larger EcoBoost powerplants available in Ford’s U.S. products, that means that the little I4 will be equipped with turbocharging and direct-injection for better power and fuel efficiency. No output figures for the engine have been released yet, but we suspect Ford will release horsepower and torque numbers (and further information) when the car rolls out in Frankfurt later this month.

Those wishing to purchase the C-Max will have some time to think about whether they’re interested in plumping for options like the promised blind-spot detection system or the semi-self parking feature, because the model isn’t slated to hit EU dealer forecourts until the second half of 2010. As this five-seater isn’t slated to come to the States at all, the rest of us will just have to slake our curiosity on the high-res images below and the press release after the jump.

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Along with an electric version of the company’s tiny i10, Hyundai will also unveil an innovative hybrid CUV concept at the Frankfurt Auto Show in just over a weeks time.

As a part of Hyundai’s Blue drive initiative, the ix-Metro is powered by a turbocharged 1.0-liter 3-cylinder gasoline engine mated to an electric motor. Designed for Europe, this model is particularly interesting as it is a sub-compact crossover. It also gets a state-of-the-art six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

As for the electric i10, it will get a 65hp (49 kW) electric motor with a range of 100 miles.

In addition to these Blue Drive vehicles, Hyundai will also have on hand the Elantra LPI Hybrid and the Blue Will Plug-In Hybrid Electric concept vehicle.

Production vehicle debuts include the 2010 Tucson and the updated 2010 Santa Fe.

GALLERY: Hyundai ix-Metro Concept

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