It's the greatest car show on earth and the favourite forum for car firms to reveal future plans and unveil the latest models. Michael McAleerand Paddy Comynreport from Frankfurt motor show on what the car brands have to offer
ASTON MARTIN
Under new management the British brand is busy consolidating its position in the supercar market. Its new flagship DBS is the first car launched from the new management, even if most of the work was done prior to their arrival. Due for sale in Ireland next year, the 5.6-litre V12 will be the latest two-seater from the premium brand. Get your order in now.
AUDI
Obviously all eyes are on the new A4, which takes the look of the recent A5, and clearly has BMW's 3-Series range in its sights (see panel). The inclusion of Bryan Adams singing Run to You at the launch, shows that while the Germans' music taste leaves a lot to be desired, they can still build great cars.
Also making its debut is the flagship performance model of the A6 range - the RS6. The RS6 is powered by a new version of the S6's engine, a twin-turbocharged 5.2-litre V10 and produces a mammoth 580bhp, outgunning both the BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG. A mere 4.6 seconds takes you from 0-100km/h and the top speed is limited to 250km/h.
BMW
While the Bavarians will be hoping for plenty of positive praise for its 1-Series coupé in an effort to resurrect lacklustre performance by the hatchback versions, the real star of the show for BMW is the new X6 crossover, where coupé meets SUV. Shown here in concept format, it's virtually identical to the final production version that will go on sale next summer.
Along with officially launching the new model, BMW will also use it to showcase its own petrol-electric hybrid powertrain. Still not ready for sale and pursuing the Toyota model, the irony of the Germans now following the hybrid path, after years of dismissing it, has not been lost on anyone. BMW's hybrid system will differ slightly by using two high-performance electric motors alongside a combustion engine.
CADILLAC
The US brand has failed to sparkle since it entered the European market with a car built specifically for our tastes. That was the idea anyway, but few fancied what was in effect a rebadged Saab and preferred to opt for the Swedish model instead.
Cadillac is now launching an estate version in the hope of boosting sales in countries like Germany, where station wagons are particularly popular. It's a brave strategy but it's not going to be the car to win it mainstream sales.
CHEVROLET
The General Motors brand is showing a new Aveo hatchback and saloon, a small car with a big grille. It will be available with an 84 bhp, 1.2-litre or 97 bhp, 1.4-litre petrol engine. The new model has grown slightly over its predecessor and the new engines, despite gaining power, now consume 6 per cent less fuel.
CITROËN
Another car show and another set of design concepts from the French brand.
Regarded by many in the industry as one of the strongest design teams in the car business, the Citroën team is showcasing the C5 Airspace and the C-Cactus. The former reveals the look of the next generation C5 that will be launched in the coming months, while the C-Cactus is more of a traditional concept vehicle, with little likelihood of ever seeing a showroom, though it does have some detailing that may carry forward to the next generation C4.
DODGE
It's still early days for the US brand, but like the other recent US arrivals, the market hasn't been all that welcoming to Dodge. Yet it continues with a confident expansion of its model line-up for Europe, this time with a new people-carrying crossover, the Journey. Based on the Avenger saloon, it will go on sale here next summer. While the Nitro and Caliber may not hit the mark, there is more hope that the people-carrier market is more of a natural fit with the brand. It will be powered by a 2-litre diesel.
FERRARI
The 430 Scuderia - a lighter and more powerful variant of the F430 - is the Italian's big car for Frankfurt. Unveiled by Michael Schumacher yesterday, it will be the elite version of Ferrari's best-selling model. Ferrari have shaved 100kg off the standard car and boosted the power output to 510bhp.
FIAT
The big star for the Italian brand is undoubtedly its new 500. Already on sale on the Continent, it's due to come to Ireland in right-hand-drive in December. Also on show is a new Ecodrive system, developed in conjunction with Microsoft, that allows owners to download environmental data from each trip on to a USB memory stick and then upload it on to their PC, where they can see the damage done to the planet from every journey.
FORD
While the US branch has haemorrhaged cash in recent years, the European arm has been quite successful and is likely to continue to send healthy sums of money home to Detroit in the coming years.
Two cars dominate the blue oval's stand at Frankfurt: the Verve concept that strongly hints at the next generation Fiesta replacement, and the Kuga crossover, a rugged take on the Focus.
The Verve will not make it into a production-ready version for another few years, but the Kuga is due to hit showrooms next year.
Along with these two cars, Ford is also launching a new range of diesel engines, to be sold under the ECOnetic brand name. The first and most notable is a new 1.6-litre diesel engine that offers 109bhp yet has emission levels of just 115g/km.
To be sold in the Focus range first, the claimed figures are very impressive and have caught several rivals off-guard.
One noted mainstream brand is currently working on a new engine range to rival these ECOnetic models but they won't be on the market for nearly a year.
After a litany of crises, Ford seems to have returned to the driving seat.
HONDA
Honda may be relatively quiet for now, but it's preparing the ground for a new Accord, due for launch at the end of next year.
The car on show at Frankfurt is the Accord Tourer concept, but the key indicators are that this is pointing the way for its next generation saloon as well.
The final production version - in both saloon and estate Tourer format - is likely to debut at the Paris motor show this time next year, going on sale in early 2009.
HYUNDAI
Hyundai still seems rather miffed at its sister company Kia for stealing all the limelight in the valuable hatchback market with its Cee'd.
Hyundai's version, the i30, is not different enough to make a big impact on the market and it would seem that the plan to differentiate the brands with styling differences can't come soon enough.
The Veloster concept previews a possible future coupé based on the i30, while it is also showing a new fuel cell vehicle.
JAGUAR
There's no escaping the media attention over the new XF. A scrum worthy of the World Cup greeted its unveiling yesterday and every commentary so far carries the terms "make or break car for Jaguar".
The uncertainty over future owners of the brand Ford has put on the market is clearly unsettling, but the warm welcome for the XF would suggest a more positive future for the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes E-Class rival than the current encumbent S-Type ever managed.
KIA
The Kia Kee concept may not see the light of day as a production model, but it does wear some key indicators of future Kia styling.
Under the watchful eye of chief designer Peter Schreyer - the guy who gave us the Audi TT and new VW Beetle - the Korean brand is preparing to offer a new family look across the range.
While the Kee's front grille seems a bit radical, Schreyer says it offers enough design flexibility to work on everything from superminis to top-end saloon models.
Alongside this comes the new three-door version of the Cee'd.
Sharing only the bonnet and underpinnings with its five-door sibling, the sportier version is likely to prove very popular with younger motorists, particularly when married with Kia's new seven-year warranty.
LAND ROVER
Land Rover are one company that comes under scrutiny for their high-emission vehicles, but the company went some way to easing this pressure by announcing they will integrate new technology to cut emissions from at least one of its range.
From early 2009, a stop-start system will be fitted as standard to all Freelander 2 TD4 manual vehicles. This system turns off the engine when the vehicle is stationary and automatically restarts it when the driver is ready to move off.
It will help to cut CO2 emissions by over 7 per cent in that vehicle. Land Rover also gave journalists a sneak preview of its future design and technology direction in the form of a short animated film.
The darkened image gave little away, but it does appear to be a compact 3-door sporty SUV. A Freelander Sport perhaps?
LAMBORGHINI
One company that seems to be bucking the show's eco-trend is Lamborghini.
The Italian supercar firm unveiled their Reventon, which is a special edition of the Murciélago that will retail for a cool €1,000,000 before taxes, and will be limited to a run of just 20 cars.
Styled like a jet fighter, the car is constructed using CFC, a composite carbon fibre material and under the lightweight bonnet is a 6.5-litre engine putting out 640bhp. Delivery of all 20 invite-only cars will take place in 2008.
MAZDA
Hot on the heels of a new Mazda 2, the reworked Mazda 6 made its debut here.
The 6 has long been the biggest seller for Mazda in Europe and while it shares much of its elements with the new Mondeo - a positive, given the strength of that model - it takes a sportier line in terms of styling.
MERCEDES-BENZ
The environmental agenda dominated Mercedes' media focus yesterday and the car firm was busy showcasing all its new technology features, including the Diesotto 1.8-litre four-cylinder diesel engine that delivers an impressive 238bhp.
This was unveiled alongside further developments of the firm's Bluetec low-emission diesel models, which included a Bluetec Hybrid, shown in concept guise. These clean diesel models will go on sale in Europe at the end of this year in the E-Class and will be followed next year by R-Class and ML and GL Bluetec models.
The petrol hybrid versions of the ML SUV and the S-Class will be seen in 2009, while in the summer of 2010, Mercedes-Benz will launch the first series-production car with a local zero-emission fuel-cell drive in the B-Class.
That same year, Mercedes-Benz will release Bluetec Hybrid versions of the E-Class and S-Class, twinning an ultra low emissions diesel with a hybrid module.
Alongside this is the new F700, an S-Class-sized vehicle that promises outstanding ride quality along with exceptionally low fuel consumption. Using the Diesotto engine, it will return fuel economy 5.3 l/100km and low CO2 emissions of 127 g/km. The F700 also features Pre-scan suspension, which uses laser scanners to analyse the roadway ahead and adjust accordingly.
Of more practical import to the German brand, which continues to take up an entire show hall on its own here, is the new C-class estate version that will go on sale early next year.
MINI
The big challenge for the BMW-owned brand remains how it expands its line-up or revamps the one-car brand. They've managed to come up with a Clubman estate version.
Word is that an SUV-style version is also in the pipeline, but there remains real long-term concern for just how far they can stretch the brand.
MITSUBISHI
All eyes are still focussed on the concept Lancer Evo but we'll have to wait until the Tokyo motor show in October to see the actual production version.
As details become clear - very similar styling to the current concept and a new six-speed automatic DSG gearbox as standard - performance fans are already checking their bank balances.
Apart from this, Mitsubishi is showing its Concept-cX, a small crossover aimed at taking on the likes of the Nissan Qashqai, Ford Kuga and VW Tiguan.
NISSAN
A face-lifted Micra is the most relevant offering from the Japanese brand, which is also using the occasion to show off a compact, electrically-powered concept car, the Mixim. This features three-seat format, with the driver sitting in the middle and two passengers behind.
The revamped Micra features minor changes to light clusters and interior trim. The most apparent weaks are use of chrome on the bodywork, while the b-pillars are blackened out.
OPEL
Opel unveiled its new Agila, a Corsa with stop-start technology and a concept car that showcases its E-Flex electric car system.
The concept is worthy of note for a couple of reasons: first as another indicator of how serious parent General Motors is in producing an electric car for sale by 2010, but also the design hints that may show current thinking for an Astra replacement.
No one at Opel would confirm such ideas, but the rumour mill is busy pushing this line. Ironically, just as a new electric car is marked down for sale in 2010, so is the replacement for the current Astra. Probably pure coincidence, but the sort of thing that feeds the flames of motoring gossip.
PEUGEOT
Big news on the Peugeot stand was the showcasing of the 308 Hybrid Hdi, which will eventually join the soon-to-be-released 308 range.
The car emits just 90g/km of CO2 and reduces fuel consumption by 58 per cent compared to a standard diesel. Expect to see this technology come to the market in 2010.
This was shown alongside the 308 RC Z concept car, which is Peugeot showing us that good-looking sports cars can be clean too.
With a body shape that bears more than a passing resemblance to both the Audi TT and Nissan 350Z, the 308RC Z is powered by a 218bhp turbocharged engine yet emits only 160g/km of CO2.
PORSCHE
Porsche may not be an obvious car brand for the environmentally-conscious, but it has launched a petrol-electric hybrid concept for its Cayenne premium SUV, which will go on sale in two or three years. It is powered by a 350-hp, 4.2-litre engine and an electric motor.
Porsche also displayed a further addition to the Cayenne line-up in the form of the GTS, which features a 4.8-litre unit with 405bhp and a suspension set-up that makes the car much more dynamic.
RENAULT
Renault launched six new production cars and two concepts at the Frankfurt show. Making their world debuts were the Laguna Hatch and Sport Tourer, the new Kangoo and Clio Sport Tourer, plus a pick-up addition to the Logan family and the South American-only Sandero hatchback. The Laguna coupé concept drew the most admirers and harks back to a time when Renault produced cars like the Alpine Turbo.
The concept features four-wheel steering and V6 dCi engine. This was shown alongside a Kangoo Compact concept which hints at further additions to the Kangoo range.
SAAB
While we continue to wait for a much-needed addition to the Saab model line-up, the Swedish brand showcased a high performance version of the 9-3, the Turbo X. Available only in black, it will be powered by a 2.8-litre 280bhp turbocharged engine.
SKODA
The VW-owned brand has introduced a new combi estate version of its recently redesigned Fabia. Alongside this is the Fabia Greenline. The design study has low CO2 emissions of 110g/km.
Also on display is the Fabia Scout concept car. Similar in styling to both the Roomster and Octavia Scout, this concept is two-wheel drive and features body mouldings. Try not to get too excited.
SUBARU
A rather hectic time for the Japanese brand after several years in the doldrums. A new Impreza is quickly followed by the debut of a new small car, the Justy.
Of more note to Irish owners, will be the introduction of the Tribeca SUV to the Irish market and the arrival of a much-heralded 2-litre diesel engine to the Subaru range. The world's first boxer format diesel engine, it will debut in the Legacy and Outback range next year before entering the Impreza and Forester range later on.
SUZUKI
Big news here is the introduction of a Suzuki Kizashi concept that points the way for the Japanese firm to enter the mainstream saloon market in the next few years.
Also at the show is the production version of the Splash, the Suzuki take on the Opel Agila. It will go on sale in Ireland in April/May next year with a choice of 1-litre and 1.2-litre petrol and 1.3-litre diesel.
TOYOTA
Toyota continues to power forward in the car market, and past performance suggests that its ability to keep track of the public tastes and social agenda suggests that a decision to showcase a small city car, the IQ concept, should be taken seriously.
The new 3+1 format and its small size would seem to suggest a Smart car rival and thereby a less than stellar seller for the brand.
However, the introduction of a production version will help lower Toyota's overall CO2 emissions average across its model range, and you can't dismiss any moves by the car brand that fought against the tide and made hybrid such a success.
VOLKSWAGEN
With all the senior management in attendance, VW unveiled a low-cost concept car, the Up!, and production has been pencilled-in for 2010, with versions of the car also going to sister companies Seat and Skoda. While previewed as a microcar, the small Up! is nonetheless similar in size to the likes of the Toyota Aygo. The rear-engined, rear-wheel drive car is likely be made in several variants using two- or three-cylinder engines.
VOLVO
While sales of its C30 have been less than stellar, the Swedish marque offered up a concept version of the hatchback model featuring new plug-in hybrid technology.
The ReCharge concept is a specially designed Volvo C30 with individual electric wheel motors and batteries that can be charged via a regular electrical outlet.
When fully charged, the Volvo ReCharge concept can be driven approximately 100km on battery power alone before the car's four-cylinder 1.6-litre Flexifuel engine is needed to power the car and recharge the battery.