Although the official opening of the 2009 Internationale Automobil Ausstellung (IAA) or Frankfurt Motor Show is still three weeks away, the new releases keep hitting our desks in quick succession. The big news of the weekend was BMW's striking Vision EfficientDynamics. The show car combines styling elements derived from the legendary M1 super car with a high tech and very efficient drive-train. A hybrid system consisting of a three-cylinder turbo-diesel engine and two electric motors produces 356 bhp and a hefty 800 Nm of torque, which enough to help the car accelerate to 100 km/h in under 5 seconds. The unusual styling has resulted in a drag coefficient figure of just 0.22, making the Vision EfficientDynamics very efficient indeed. Peugeot will also launch a hybrid powered coupe at the IAA. Their RCZ HYbrid4 Concept does look like it may enter mass production soon.
Another major release slated for Frankfurt is that of the Saab 9-5. The styling of the all-new top-of-the-range model of the Swedish manufacturer is inspired by the company's recent concept cars. Now under new ownership Saab will need the 9-5 to be a success to ensure its survival through these difficult times.
Also making their debut in three weeks time are the Audi S5 Sportback and the Seat Leon Cupra R.
Australia's Ford Performance Vehicles have revived the classic 'GS' badge for the new entry-level Falcon GS. Limited to just 250 examples, the new FPV Falcon is powered by a 302 kW or 405 bhp version of the quad-cam 5.4 litre V8 engine. In addition to the sedan model, a GS version of the Falcon Ute will also be available.
Enjoy the links:
2009 Audi S5 Sportback - Images, Specifications and Information
2009 BMW Vision EfficientDynamics - Images, Specifications and Information
2009 Ford FG Falcon FPV GS - Images, Specifications and Information
2009 Peugeot RCZ HYbrid4 Concept - Images, Specifications and Information
2009 Saab 9-5 Sedan - Images, Specifications and Information
2009 Seat Leon Cupra R - Images, Specifications and Information