#FrankfurtAutoShow2009

A post on one of TopGear’s blogs last week had everyone chatting about a new Lexus hybrid designed to take on the BMW 1-Series and Audi A3 in Europe. Now word comes from Lexus enthusiast site My.IS that the rumored Lexus C-Premium concept, which will debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show this fall, will arrive as the CT200h at the Geneva Auto Show in early 2010.

What’s the best way to get people to stop talking about how much of a failure you were in Formula One? Why, announce that you’re building an environmentally responsible sports car, of course!

Despite rumors of its delay, Mercedes has confirmed that the E-Class station wagon (or Estate as they call it in Europe) will debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show this September.

Sales of the new E-Class are already off to a strong start says Mercedes with 40,000 units already delivered and U.S. and Chinese deliveries still yet to happen.

“The fact that the E-Class sedan already became the global market leader in May demonstrates how well it is being received by our customers,” said Dr. Klaus Maier, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing at Mercedes-Benz. “The new coupe is also extremely popular, thanks to its dynamic design and the new generation of efficient engines. We are very delighted with this positive response because the E-Class has always been of great importance for Mercedes-Benz. It’s an exemplary embodiment of the brand’s basic attributes of safety, comfort, and quality. The new E-Class also sets the standards when it comes to economy in the upper-range segment.”

The E-Class wagon will debut as a 2010 model and like past versions we expect the North American market to receive the E350 4MATIC and 6.2-liter V8-powered E63 AMG model.

Official release after the jump:

Ferrari has just released photos and details of a new model that both succeeds and exceeds the incredible F430. Named the 458 Italia, this new mid-engine exotic is powered by a 4.5-liter V8 that puts out an incredible 570hp at 9000 rpm and 398 ft-lbs of torque at 6000 rpm – 80 percent of which is available at just 3250 rpm.

Just a few days ago we reported that Bugatti had sent out invitations to a select few individuals for a party it will be hosting at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September. On the invitation there was a grainy photo of what was presumed to be a new model from the company. A new Bugatti at Frankfurt only makes sense as 2009 marks the automakers centennial.

Recent patent filings from BMW may have uncovered the name of the upcoming crossover belonging to the German automaker’s MINI brand. Speculation previously had the model named the Crossman, a clever play on the fact that it’s a crossover and that the latest MINI model is called the Clubman. The name BMW has registered for, however, is the Countryman.

Recently Bugatti sent out invitations to an exclusive party it will be hosting at the Frankfurt Auto Show this September and they included a teaser image – no doubt hinting that the company will in fact debut a new model at the show.

Volvo has just announced that it will offer an R-Design version of the new XC60 crossover. Officially set to debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show this September, the package includes a long list of exterior and interior features, as well as a sportier ride.

Mercedes was expected to delay the launch of the E-class convertible by six months, but by the looks of this mostly completed version it appears near completion. If these spy photos are any indication then the drop-top E-Class might be ready in time for its originally scheduled debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show this Fall, rather than at the Geneva Auto Show next March.

Those waiting for a drop-top version of Audi’s R8 won’t have to wait much longer. The car is set to debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show this September and it appears as though Audi is out doing some final testing – as these Nürburgring spy photos show. 

According to two more than one reliable source, Audi is set to unveil the roadster version of its awesome R8 at the Frankfurt Auto Show this September. But that isn’t the only R8 set to debut.

Those patiently waiting for a new E-Class Convertible or Wagon will have to wait a little longer. According to a report in Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport both versions of the E-Class have been put on hold as Mercedes-Benz searches for ways to balance its books.

Volkswagen is rumored to be delivering up to four new models at the Frankfurt Auto Show this September and now we have learned that one of those cars will be an electric model.

Last week French auto pub L’Automobile reported what it said was a leaked photo of an upcoming MINI vehicle and now they have more news to share. Unconnected to that vehicle, the magazine says MINI will bring a Roadster concept to the Frankfurt Auto Show this Fall.

Spy photos of Ferrari’s F430 successor have almost become common-place over the past six months and now word comes that the Italian car maker may show a concept version of the exotic at the Frankfurt Auto Show this Fall.