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Frankfurt

Frankfurt IAA 2017 – SEAT, VW, Opel, Mini and Renault

Insignia GSi causes a major double-take to get things started on the euro mass-market showfloor gallery.  A brand-new Cupra R and Megane RS are headed to buyers very soon and look dynamite.  The Mini JCW GP Concept is even cooler in real life than it was in its preshow photos.  And finally VW’s soft-skinned ID Crozz Concept is red and happy to be in the world.  Like an electric puppy. 2018 Open Insignia GSi 2018 Renault Megane R.S. 2018 SEAT Leon Cupra R 2017 MINI Cooper GP Concept 2017 VW I.D. Crozz Concept, 2018 VW T-Roc

Frankfurt IAA 2017 – MASERATI and FERRARI Showfloor Gallery

Ferrari and Maserati had packed stands at Frankfurt this year!  The expansion into Maserati SUVs with the Levante will probably single-handedly be able to lift trident sales massively in its first year.  Maserati is rolling out semi-refreshed Ghibli and GranTurismo models for 2018.  But they are pretty light facelifts to the grilles outside and the infotainment systems inside.  Ghibli also bags new LEDs for the headlamps — something the MC Stradale needs pretty urgently too. Meanwhile, Ferrari has high hopes for its new Portofino V8 convertible-coupe to replace the unloved California T.  The Cali T had one of the shortest …

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Frankfurt IAA 2017 – PORSCHE Showfloor Gallery – Cayenne Turbo + GT3 Touring

It is shocking how many things can be fixed in this world by the sheer presence of the Rothmans rally racing 959.  The new Cayenne Turbo continues the grand tradition of Porkers looking best from the back.  The nose is hard to judge in photos … but certainly looks ravenous. The GT3 Touring Package is a new issue with all the GT3 handling but less giant wing out back.  It looks stellar from both ends. We also have our first look at the 2018 Cayenne S. This seems rather plain in the presence of the Turbo but will surely bring …

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174MPH 2018 Audi RS4 Avant Is Frankfurts Designated Badass Wagon

Audi has long preferred to put their highest-performing RS handiwork into wagons.  The RS6 and now this RS4 can reach such high speeds, the thought is, that the longer roof aids their overall stability and aero. Whatever gets more people to buy wagons, right? This new RS4 Avant promises a giant upgrade in thrust thanks to a V6TT making 125 pound-feet of torque more than the previous model.  This means the 100-kph sprint time of 4.1 seconds really is just amuse bouche.   This RS4 is all about spine-shredding G-force around corners and through its eight-speed tiptronic’s gears.  The bodywork …

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2019 Bentley Continental GT Flaunts Stunning New Stance, Cabin at IAA

The new Continental is a smash hit.  The live debut in Frankfurt shows a car even more stunning than the photos suggested.  Slinky lowness for the hood and a chopped overhang blend flawlessly with butched-up fenders and squatter rear end.  The whole machine seems just compressed downward — in the best ways.  The cabin is also shockingly sexy and opulent. [Updated 9.13.17 with 14 new photos] This is it ladies and gentleman! The big one! Bentley’s all-new Conti GT platform is ready for primetime and will make its first appearance in a few weeks at the Frankfurt IAA.  This is …

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2017 KIA Proceed Concept Brings Hot-Wagon Style to Frankfurt

KIA is really movin’ on up in this world.  Their Stinger GT AWD promises some real grand touring luxury and speed when it arrives in showrooms next month.  And their Euro lineup is stronger than ever thanks to extensive tuning at the Nurburgring.  And thanks to a giant crew of German engineers poached from the top carmakers in the world. So this Proceed concept’s fast-wagon nature is not too far from reality.  Simply GORGEOUS flowing lines, great long-roof proportions and a chopped front overhang make for the stuff of dreams.  This bodystyle is headed for production, Kia strongly hints, as …

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Situation Analysis: Can 2017 i Vision Dynamics Concept Save BMW?

Sometimes I just want to shake BMW like a British nanny. What are you thinking, bad BMW baby!!!!? The X7 Concept, Z4 Concept and 8 Series concepts are all fairly new design ideas for the IAA BMW stand in Frankfurt this year.  A new M5 and X3 are the production cars with some fresh excitement around them.  A new BMW i3S looks slightly less hideous from the front and will be quicker than the base model.  None of these models is the silver bullet BMW needs to get back to brand health.  And sales growth. The X7’s design is shockingly …

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217MPH BRABUS Rocket 900 Cabriolet Is Ultimate Blowout

A hair dryer? Really? No, this car is far more than just follicle removal at warp speeds. The V12TT fettled by Brabus boffins now absolutely pegs the car against its 217MPH top speed.  This top end may or may not even be governed electronically for tire/client preservation purposes. That 217 figure is significant as it equals 350kph — a time when all but the most specialized, perfect rubber will shred itself to pieces. But this Rocket 900 doesn’t gasp or even struggle at this pace.  Unrestricted and with cats removed, you are looking at a potential McLaren F1-beater of close …

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2016 Ferrari 488 Spider – London Launch Party + V8TT Sound Samples

Updated 2.26.16 with 30 new photos from the car’s London launch party.  The nose looks far better in real life than it did on the initial renders and autoshow photos.   Gorgeous reveals by the dozen in Frankfurt this week, with only Aston and McLaren declining to launch something new and fairly important. Superlux EVs might be the defining show theme, but supercar rivalries are a close second. Lamborghini’s new Huracan Spyder, the McLaren 650S Spider and this brand-new 488 Spider are all viciously competitve with one another. Performance is roughly the same for all three as well: 3.0-second launches to …

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2017 KIA Sportage SX Turbo Debut – Quad LEDs + Euro Handling Focus

The new Sportage is here in USA form, which we pleased to say looks exactly like the min-Cayenne of the Euro GT-Line rangetopper. The poshest trim for the USA is the SX Turbo AWD, as shown here. 2017 KIA Sportage SX Turbo PREVIOUS KIA’s push to excel globally is ramping up nicely. Frankfurt, California and Korea-based teams are now aligned to make the most of each area’s strengths. Korea as the lead manufacturing hub/supplier base, Cali as a tech and design center of excellence, and the European R&D division taking a much bigger role in vehicle development. It is a …

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985HP MANSORY S63 Black Edition Coupe – Upgrades Detail + 20 New Photos

MANSORY is getting pumped for its home auto show: the IAA in Frankfurt next week. The big reveal this year will be a Black Edition S63 AMG Coupe. This blacked-out stunner has dramatic exterior and interior changes from every angle. In addition to the expected new bumper and intakes up front, new fender slashes behind the lead axle promise functional cooling benefits as well as the massive style they bring. A full de-chrome for the windowline and glasshouse is dramatic and effective, as are the rear wheel brake cooling ducts. Around back, a dark carbon-fiber finish for the diffuser meets …

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Jaguar Land Rover – James Bond Launch Party 2015 – 120-Photo Mega Gallery

Updated 9.18.15 with 120 Photos from Frankfurt and James Bond events Balls-to-the-wall action in this new SPECTRE trailer! JLR is clearly featured throughout the film, coming this October, but these three cars are particularly integral to the plot. Which we can now see includes a madcap car chase through Rome: DB10 evading CX-75.     But also waist-deep powder in the mountain scenes! A perfect showcase for craftily Q-ed special Jags and Landies. A particularly proud moment, this film, in the Bond franchise already. For the first time in ages, the film is really ‘coming home’ in terms of UK car …

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Watch the Adaptive Bodywork of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Concept IAA Via New Animations

 Updated with 55 New Photos from Mercedes-Benz Frankfurt IAA 2015 A few of Mercedes-Benz’s most advanced projects and engineering specialties come together for this all-new Concept IAA. The Intelligent Aerodynamic Automobile proves that the self-driving tech shown at CES last year can be applied to a sportier shape than the rolling lounge concept. Secondly, this Concept IAA proves that the billion-dollar new wind tunnel in Sindelfingen is paying dividends. Beyond the obvious crown jewel of a constructor and driver championship in F1, of course! The proportions of the 0.22-cD Concept IAA are mouthwatering in profile and around back. The nose …

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Mazda KODO Design Wins 3 Automotive Brand Awards from German Design Council

      Mazda just had a very eventful week in Frankfurt: three Automotive Brand Contest awards for the CX-3, KODO Bike Concept, and grand prize for the KODO Design language. Very impressive results. It looks like the Mazda Design ‘Car as Art’ installation at Milan design week this Spring left quite the impression on the German Design Council, the award sponsors. Held in Frankfurt, the awards capped off an eventful week in Deutschland: they unveiled an all-new concept car. The Koeru concept reveal shows upmarket ambitions as a full-size SUV with gorgeous lines and sporty handling. Along with the …

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2015 Peugeot FRACTAL Concept – EVCC Explores 3D-Printed Materials

Updated with Official Details and Photos 9.17.15 Here is a gorgeous bit of unsanctioned, uncaptioned news!  All 25 photos of Peugeot’s upcoming Frankfurt concept car are live a bit early this morning. And they show some sweet, sexy new angles for next-gen Pugs! The Fractal concept is the first near-production application of the blocky, angular and geometric new design ethos seen on the Exalt concept, 2008 DKR racer and a few other concepts recently, including the Peugeot Vision Gran Turismo hypercar. An ultra-wide but very low and lean design, the shape is unlike anything else on the market — and …

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Frankfurt IAA 2015 – Showfloor Mega Gallery in 450 Photos

Yes, auto shows are an incredible rush for car lovers: a deluge of new and never-before-seen metal. Scooping even the online mavens, the Porsche Mission E and Mercedes-Benz IAA Concept stayed completely under wraps until their stage reveals. All-new ideas, names and previews of the future will always be a highlight of the shows for the attendees. But for a car hack, covering auto shows is a thankless task. The press days move 400-or-so journalists in lock step between press conferences. Spaced in about 15-minute intervals, the conferences are DULL but suck up 90-percent of your time in pre-show days. …

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Best of Frankfurt 2015 – Honda Project 2&4 Concept – Floating Seats Promise Surreal Track Pleasure

Updated 9.16.15 With 35 New Photos Check out the Honda Project 2&4 up close and in detail!  This is one of the most outrageous concepts from Honda in years. Not just Honda, any manufacturer, really. And this is not just some track car, either, as we surmised below. By engineering the 2&4 with outboard seating, the drive experience should also blend the joy of two-wheeling. But with the cornering pace of a four-wheeled vehicle. Not having any panels, doors or bodywork anywhere to your left shoulder, hip or pedals will be a revolution on the road. Far more exposed than …

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2.9s, 203MPH 2016 Ferrari 488 Spider – Frankfurt Gallery + Engine Audio MP3s

Gorgeous reveals by the dozen in Frankfurt this week, with only Aston and McLaren declining to launch something new and fairly important. Superlux EVs might be the defining show theme, but supercar rivalries are a close second. Lamborghini’s new Huracan Spyder, the McLaren 650S Spider and this brand-new 488 Spider are all viciously competitve with one another. Performance is roughly the same for all three as well: 3.0-second launches to 60-mph and top speeds just above 200-mph. Pricing is also in the same glitzy neighborhood: not much change from $300k for each. So if performance, pricing and capability in normal …

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2015 Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo is Ready to Race

The thrill of leading a race is a core Bugatti trait. Along with stratospheric pricing for any Bugatti new or old, the firm has always built itself on being the fastest. The best. The ultimate in automotive engineering, design and haute couture is about to have a new rival. An in-house rival for the Veyron glory, world records and completed production run. All 450 Veyrons have been configured, customized, personalized and delivered to owners around the world, however. So what is next? This concept Vision Gran Turismo debut today in Frankfurt shows the core speed fundamentals underneath the showcar. This …

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007 SPECTRE Bond Cars – Jaguar CX-75, Defender and RRS in Mouthwatering 99-Photo Closeups

Balls-to-wall action in this new SPECTRE trailer! JLR is clearly featured throughout the film, coming this October, but these three cars are particularly integral to the plot. Which we can now see includes a madcap car chase through Rome: DB10 evading CX-75. But also waist-deep powder in the mountain scenes! A perfect showcase for craftily Q-ed special Jags and Landies. A particularly proud moment, this film, in the Bond franchise already. For the first time in ages, the film is really ‘coming home’ in terms of UK car stars. Which all three of these certainly are. Enjoy a few custom …

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2015 Toyota C-HR Concept Updated as 4-Door, Production Model En Route for 2017

Toyota’s baby SUV is almost ready for primetime! The second variant on the C-HR theme since Geneva in March of 2015, this new version is a rich metallic silver with production-intent proportions. Versus the original purple C-HR, this latest concept adds a pair of rear doors versus being a soft-road coupe. Mind you, the doors are well-hidden behind an interesting upward bulge of metal in the side surfaces. Other big tweaks to the shape of the body take the C-HR design from completely one-off to production-ready. We saw a similar evolution of the Lexus NX via various concepts, eventually leading …

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2017 Audi S4 Will Rock 354HP Turbo In Quest to Beat BMW 340i and C400 Sport

The new Audi S4 made its glittering debut at the top of the Audi showcar stand last night in Frankfurt. Along with the new E-Tron Quattro EV SUV previewing a future Q6, the 2017 S4 was joined on stage by a “G-Tron” A4 Avant designed to run on CNG. Smart stuff. The S4 is clearly the closest to buy hands, however, with sales promised “in 2016.” This is likely to mean a March 2016 USA arrival at the earliest, and July probable for first orders. The S4 is Audi’s big engine upgrade from launch. The A4 TFSI power output is …

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2015 Mazda KOERU Concept Previews Upcoming CX-7 with Slinky Style, 7 Seats

Mazda just released the first official images of a swanky new crossover concept: a sporty yet long-wheelbase SUV dubbed the KOERU. Just a single sketch so far, but we have a finger on the pulse of Mazda’s next crossover move. We predict this concept outlines a replacement for the seven-seat CX-9 SUV for the ~2018 model year. The CX-9 has been refreshed a few times over its lifetime, but the vehicle is near the end of a long platform and engine-sharing deal with former owners Ford Motor Company. In additon to hefty licensing fees paid to Ford to use the …

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Updated1 with 50 New Pics – 2015 Nissan GRIPZ Concept Rally Racer

This Nissan GRIPZ Concept is out and stunning!  Bold and sculptural lines take on a new level of layered surfacing, unique spoilers and evolved design themes. There is good news and not-so-good news to share, however. The good is that this compact crossover is gorgeous and previews a next generation of Nissan SUVs and crossovers. Everything from the next Frontier to the next Armada may wear designs influenced by the GRIPZ. Nissan calls this new form language ’emotionalgeometry.’ The not-great news is that this concept does not, after all, run a twin-turbo V6 — as we speculated last week. No, …

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Update1 with 25 New Photos – 2015 Audi E-Tron Quattro Concept is Sexy but Pointless EV SUV

Updated with 25 Live Frankfurt PhotosThis is the latest Audi fantasy concept. And it is not named Prologue. Yay! But it is just as exhausting to behold. The E-Tron Quattro is a 100-percent electric SUV concept promising 310 miles of range and AWD traction. In truth, though, the idea of an EV SUV is the most ridiculous thing we can even fathom. Electric vehicles and SUV adventures are anathema. They do not mix. Imagine going skiing from Denver to Vail or Breckenridge, a three hour mountain drive climbing thousands of feet on steep mountain roads. It is snowing, with fresh …

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2015 Bugatti Vision GT in 60 Stunning Images – RWD Atmospheric W16 for LeMans 2016?

The thrill of leading a race is a core Bugatti trait. Along with stratospheric pricing for any Bugatti new or old, the firm has always built itself on being the fastest. The best. The ultimate in automotive engineering, design and haute couture is about to have a new rival. An in-house rival for the Veyron glory, world records and completed production run. All 450 Veyrons have been configured, customized, personalized and delivered to owners around the world, however. So what is next? This concept Vision Gran Turismo debut today in Frankfurt shows the core speed fundamentals underneath the showcar. This …

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2017 Volkswagen TIGUAN Is Truly All New in R-Line or Standard Style + Concept GTE PHEV

NOTE: VW clarifies that this the European-market Tiguan. The US model may differ with a caveat like that — a la Passat USA vs Passat EU. Oh my. The only word we can think of? FINALLY. Volkswagen has been in USA reboot mode since 2012. But the results on the showroom floor are exceptionally underwhelming, so far. The boring and tired model range is designed so conservatively, and launch so slowly (1.5-years after Euro rollouts, 2.5-years after concept debut at times), that they feel old upon arrival. And ancient shortly after that.   2015 Volkswagen Golf R and Golf Sportwagen …

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BRABUS StarTech Bentley Flying Spur and GTC Are Seriously Fresh and Sexy

We’d wager you’ve seen a few gorgeous Continental GT and GTC super-tunes in your time. The machine really adds aggression and exclusivity with ease — almost as easy as a romp up to 100-mph anytime your toe gets itchy. But HOT makeovers of the Flying Spur? They are a rare sight indeed. Looking through these images, it is hard not to be impressed with the StarTech customization. The new nose, wheels, lowered ride, rear bumper and quad pipes all work together to create a damn sexy limo. Check out how light and lean the tails look with those contrast-carbon diffusers …

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2015 Nissan GRIPZ Concept – Off-Road Z Car With V6TT!?

Our second teaser look today at the new Nissan Frankfurt concept: GRIPZ. Inspired by two wildly diverse race vehicles, the GRIPZ may or may not preview a next-gen Juke: a rally racing Datsun 240Z and a Specialized road racing bicycle. We initially thought it was definitely a preview of next juke, but now believe (hope?) this GRIPZ might be an off-road Z car. Would this even be possible!? Oh yes. As the original Infiniti FX showed, the Nissan front-midship reardrive platform is exceptionally flexible. Everything from the 350Z to the G35 was built of these all-star bones — so the …

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2016 Dacia Duster Adds Easy-R Automatic + Altaï Green and Urban Explorer Specials

  As you know, Renault’s budget brand Dacia has been a surprise hit in developed, rich-world markets in the last few years. European buyers like the large size of the vehicle, its basic running-gear and cheap configurations. Even loaded, the Duster SUV is priced around 20-percent less than a Nissan Qashqai’s base price. Along with Dacia’s growing global popularity comes a new Oroch pickup model next year, plus some jazzed-up Dusters with new tech and special-edition trim levels. The new tech is an automated-manual transmission dubbed Easy-R — which may be the first time a self-shifter has been in the …

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985HP MANSORY Black Edition S63 Coupe Debuts Before Frankfurt with Giant Rear Wing!

  MANSORY is getting pumped for its home auto show: the IAA in Frankfurt next week. The big reveal this year will be a Black Edition S63 AMG Coupe. This blacked-out stunner has dramatic exterior and interior changes from every angle. In addition to the expected new bumper and intakes up front, new fender slashes behind the lead axle promise functional cooling benefits as well as the massive style they bring. A full de-chrome for the windowline and glasshouse is dramatic and effective, as are the rear wheel brake cooling ducts. Around back, a dark carbon-fiber finish for the diffuser …

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2015 Peugeot FRACTAL Concept – Modular Cabrio Previews 2017 209 and RC-Z Replacement

Here is a gorgeous bit of unsanctioned, uncaptioned news!  All 25 photos of Peugeot’s upcoming Frankfurt concept car are live a bit early this morning. And they show some sweet, sexy new angles for next-gen Pugs! The Fractal concept is the first near-production application of the blocky, angular and geometric new design ethos seen on the Exalt concept, 2008 DKR racer and a few other concepts recently, including the Peugeot Vision Gran Turismo hypercar. An ultra-wide but very low and lean design, the shape is unlike anything else on the market — and is beautifully executed to help the lion …

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2017 KIA Sportage First Look: GT Line Quad LEDs + Euro Handling Focus

KIA’s push to excel globally is ramping up nicely. Frankfurt, California and Korea-based teams are now aligned to make the most of each area’s strengths. Korea as the lead manufacturing hub/supplier base, Cali as a tech and design center of excellence, and the European R&D division taking a much bigger role in vehicle development. It is a smart foundation for KIA’s move to become Hyundai’s sportier cousin. As it stands, the Kia range is broad but lacks a cohesive, defining nature. The firm has their eyes on BMW. If they can engineer cars to be sold world-wide in one chassis …

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2018 Mazda CX-7 Rendering Shows Longer, 7-Seater CX-5 Sibling

  After writing up a prediction about what Mazda’s new Frankfurt concept will lead to, we decided to head into photoshop to envision a long-wheelbase CX-5. This fairly simple stretch will solve many buyer wants in a fairly affordable way: more luggage space and a third row, yet still easy on fuel and tight city streets. The rendering here is fairly basic, but gives us a good idea of how the CX-5 package will translate into a seven-seater from its current five. What is more likely than this simple stretch might be a fully new next-gen CX-5, engineered and designed …

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2015 Mazda KOERU Concept to Bow At Frankfurt – Previews 2018 CX-7

Mazda just released the first teaser image of its next crossover: a sporty yet long-wheelbase SUV dubbed the KOERU. Just a single sketch so far, but we have a finger on the pulse of Mazda’s next crossover move. We predict this concept outlines a replacement for the seven-seat CX-9 SUV for the 2018 model year. The CX-9 has been refreshed a few times over its lifetime, but the vehicle is near the end of a long platform and engine-sharing deal with former owners Ford Motor Company. In additon to hefty licensing fees paid to Ford to use the engine and …

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Concept Flashback – 2011 Chevrolet Miray Roadster Was Chevy Europe Halo Sportster

Chevy Europe! Eeek. Remember that adventure? The ManU jerseys are definitely bow-tie-blazing this year, thanks to a huge a executive media marketing decision that costs General Motors more than half a billion dollars. During that rush of launching Chevrolet as a global brand — including Europe — the Opel Germany teams were suddenly tasked with a variety of extremely mundane projects. One extra sexy spinoff project slipped through the net for Frankfurt 2011, however. It was called Miray and is a breathtaking roadster vision. Designed in the same zeitgeist as the BMW i8 Roadster and Porsche 918 Spyder, the Miray …

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Porsche GTS Crew Lands Lufthansa Red-Eye To LA – Cayenne, Cayman, Boxster and 911 GTS LA Photos

Frankfurt to Los Angeles — direct — is a long, long flight. 11-hours and 10-minutes, to be precise. The list price for a human is $4,000 on Lufthansa, and 10X that for a vehicle. Equipment? 777ER. Or more likely, the trusty 747-400. The trip feels especially lengthy when you are in the chilly cargo bay of a jumbo jet — which often has precious cargo in its below bay. Lufthansa is one of the only world airlines that flies cargo and humans on the same flights, at the same time. But the humans are kept warmer. At 35,000 feet over …

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Part Two: 2011 Audi Urban Concept SPYDER is 2-Seater for Scooter-Phobes

PART TWO: Showcasing through a few favorite concept cars ahead of the Paris Motor Show! This  2010 Urban Concept from Audi is a battery EV design to be ultra-light and ultra-efficiency, while also packing the maneuverable of a scooter. Okay, that would be one large scooter… but still. It is easy to pilot around and the enclosed cockpit promises far more safety and security than anything on two wheels. A standard steering wheel and pedals make this a perfect machine for those who would never feel safe on a motorcycle, but do not require anything as huge as a Smartcar. …

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2011 Audi Urban Concept is 2-Seat Commuter EV For Stylish Yuppies

Showcasing through a few favorite concept cars ahead of the Paris Motor Show! This  2010 Urban Concept from Audi is a battery EV design to be ultra-light and ultra-efficiency, while also packing the maneuverable of a scooter. Okay, that would be one large scooter… but still. It is easy to pilot around and the enclosed cockpit promises far more safety and security than anything on two wheels. A standard steering wheel and pedals make this a perfect machine for those who would never feel safe on a motorcycle, but do not require anything as huge as a Smartcar. It is …

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