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IAA Frankfurt report: Concept cars

Audi e-tron quattro Concept

The Audi e-tron quattro Concept previews the Tesla Model X-rivalling Audi Q6, which will be presented in early 2018. It uses the power of three electric motors; one drives the front axle, the other acts on the rear axle. Total output is 435 hp and in boost mode it can mobilize up to 500 hp and 800 Nm torque. It accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, while its electronically governed top speed is 210 km/h. The battery’s capacity of 95 kWh should enable a range of more than 500 kilometers. With its length of 4.88 metres, width of 1.93 metres and height of 1.54 metres, it fits between the Audi Q5 and Audi Q7, and its luggage capacity is 615 litres.

Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo Concept

The Vision GranTurismo showcases Bugatti’s new design language and previews the Chiron, which should debut at the Geneva Motor Show next spring, although the Volkswagen emissions scandal could delay the new ‘Chiron’ hypercar.

Citroën Cactus M Concept

Citroën unveiled the Cactus M Concept, a two-door ‘open-air crossover’ based on the Citroën C4 Cactus. Sadly enough Citroën doesn’t have plans to produce the Cactus M Concept in serial production.

Citroën Aircross Concept

The Citroën Aircross previews the successor to the C4 Aircross, which is still based on the Mitsubishi ASX. The new Aircross, which was first unveiled at Auto Shanghai in April, will use the modular EMP2 platform. The concept measures 4.58 metres in length and its wheelbase is a relatively large 2.80 metres. It is powered by a plug-in hybrid drivetrain. The 1.6 THP petrol engine has a power output of 218 hp and is combined with an electric motor of 95 hp, which should provide an all-electric range of 50 km and it accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. Fuel consumption is 1.7 l/100 km and corresponding CO2-emissions are 39 g/km.

Honda Civic Tourer Active Life Concept

Although Honda will launch the tenth generation Civic in Los Angeles, Honda won’t replace the (Euro) Civic hatchback and Tourer until 2017. “The Concept study shows that style and space can work together; a custom paint colour further enhances the sleek and sporty exterior and an accessorised interior demonstrates the Concept’s suitability for an active lifestyle and the needs of its customers.” Well, whatever.

Honda Project 2&4 Concept

Honda unveiled the Project 2&4 too, which has been built by Honda’s motorcycle design studio and designed in collaboration with the automobile design studio. It measures 3,040 mm in length, 1,820 mm in width and 995 mm in height. The body design and engine position have been inspired by the Honda RA272, Honda’s 1965 Formula One car. It is powered by a 999 cc V4 four-stroke engine, developed for the MotoGP motorcycle racing series.

Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo Concept

Hyundai developed the N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo for the video game series. The drivetrain of the concept car is based on the hydrogen fuel cell system of the ix35 FCEV. Total system output is 871 hp. Lightweight materials helped to keep weight down to 972 kg.

Hyundai Vision G Concept

The Vision G previews the new design language and expansion of the Genesis-range, which currently includes the Genesis Coupé, Genesis and Equus, of which the latter one will be replaced next year. The two-door Vision G coupé is powered by Hyundai’s 5.0-litre Tau V8 with a power output of 420 hp.

Mazda Koeru Concept

With the demise of the Mazda5, the entire Mazda line-up features the Kodo design language. Mazda will soon expand the highly successful crossover range with a replacement for the CX-9 and a crossover which fits between the CX-5 and CX-9. The Mazda Koeru Concept previews the new ‘CX-6’ or CX-7. With a length of 4,600 mm, width of 1,900 mm, height of 1,500 mm and wheelbase of 2,700 mm it is slightly larger than the Mazda CX-5, but smaller than the discontinued CX-7.

Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé Concept

Mercedes-Benz unveiled the GLC Coupé for the first time in Europe after its debut at Auto China in Shanghai last April. It previews the new coupé version of the GLC and will rival the BMW X4. The Concept GLC Coupé measures 4,727 mm in length, its height is 1,593 mm and the wheelbase is 2,827 mm. Power comes from a 3.0-litre V6 powerplant with 367 hp coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Mercedes-Benz IAA Concept

The Mercedes-Benz Concept IAA (“Intelligent Aerodynamic Automobile”) was probably the most spectacular design study at the IAA Frankfurt 2015. With a drag coefficient of 0.19 Cd, the IAA is one of the most aerodynamic cars in history. It measures 5,040 mm in length, its width is 1,995 mm, height is 1,305 mm and the wheelbase measures 2,975 mm. However, at the touch of a button or automatically on reaching a speed of 80 km/h, eight segments extend at the rear, inceasing its length by up to 390 mm to 5,430 mm. The concept car is powered by petrol/electric plug-in hybrid drivetrain with a total output of 279 hp and should be capable of an all-electric range of 66 kilometres and CO2-emissions of 28 g/km in aerodynamic mode (62 km and 31 g/km in design mode).

Nissan Gripz Concept

The news at the Nissan stand concentrated around the Gripz Concept, which takes its inspiration from the 240Z rally car from the 1970s. The Gripz is equipped with a ‘Pure Drive e-Power ‘ plug-in hybrid drivetrain. A petrol engine engine powers the electric motor found in the Leaf. It previews a high-performance standalone crossover which could be added to the Nissan Z-range.

Peugeot 308 R Hybrid Concept

After its debut at Auto China Shanghai last April, the 308 R Hybrid was unveiled for the first time in Europe at the IAA Frankfurt. The Peugeot 308 R Hybrid combines the 1.6 THP 270 hp engine of the new Peugeot 308 GTi with an electric motor of 115 hp, linked to a six-speed manual gearbox. In Road mode its power output is 300 hp and has 400 Nm torque, in Track mode 400 hp and 530 Nm thanks to the front electric motor, which serves as an additional booster when accelerating, and in Hot Lap mode 500 hp/730 Nm. Its electronically limited top speed is 250 km/h, it should acceleratie from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds and CO2-emissions are just 70 g/km.

Peugeot Fractal Concept

The Peugeot Fractal Concept is an urban electric coupé with a removable roof to turn it into a cabriolet. The Fractal weighs just over 1,000 kg, and is 3.81 metres long and 1.77 metres wide and powered by two 30 kWh electric motors. The total system output is 204 hp and the Fractal should be capable of combined-cycle autonomy of 450 km. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes place in 6.8 seconds.

Porsche Mission E Concept

The Porsche Mission E Concept previews a possible Tesla Model S-rivalling new full-electric sedan. The Mission E’s system power is 600 hp and its driving range 500 km. The Mission E sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds. The Mission E features all-wheel drive and all-wheel steering.

Seat Leon Cross Sport Concept

The Seat Leon Cross Sport Concept seems to be a hybrid between the Leon SC Cupra 290 and rugged Leon ST X-Perience. The Leon Cross Sport, based on the three-door SC, features four-wheel drive and black plastic fictures along doorsills, bumpers and wheel arches, comparable to the Leon X-Perience. The ground clearance is 41 mm higher than on the Cupra. The Leon Cross Sport Concept has been equipped with an even more powerful version of Cupra 290’s 2.0 TSI petrol engine, now offering 300 hp and capable of an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds.

SsangYong XAV-Adventure Concept

The XAV-Adventure Concept was first presented at the Seoul Motor Show in spring. It offers a glimpse of how the new Korando could look like. Its more compact than the current Korando, being similar in size to the Tivoli with a length of 4.19 metres, width of 1.88 metres, height of 1,65 metres and wheelbase of 2.60 metres, which is identical to the Tivoli. However, in terms of looks it more resembles a true 4×4 than the Tivoli. Like The Tivoli, it will become available with 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines. The engines are equipped with the hybrid-electric E-4WD system.

SsangYong XLV-Air Concept

The XLV-Air Concept previews the upcoming SsangYong Tivoli Long, scheduled to go on sale in 2016. It is 279 mm longer than the regular Tivoli (to 4,474 mm) and offers an increased boot capacity of 720 litres compared with 423 litres of the regular Tivoli. The engine line-up of the production version consists of a 1.6-litre petrol (128 hp) and 1.6-litre diesel engine (115 hp).

Thunder Power EV Concept

The Taiwanese firm Thunder Power unveiled the EV Concept. A production version will be launched in 2017, with which the brand aims to take on the Tesla Model S. Zagato has penned the full-electric four-door sedan. The Thunder Power is 4.99 metres long, 1.92 metres wide, and 1.46 metres high and sits on a 2.99 metres long wheelbase. Two versions are available: one with 313 hp and a more powerful version with 435 hp. Maximum speed is 210-250 km/h, while acceleration takes place in less than 6.0 and 5.0 seconds respectively. Thunder Power, which has been fitted with a 125 kWh battery pack, promises a driving range of at least 650 kilometres.

Toyota C-HR Concept II

The Toyota C-HR Concept previews a new C-segment crossover, which will compete with the Nissan Qashqai, the most successful Japanese car in Europe. At the Paris Motor show last year, Toyota unveiled the first C-HR concept, in Frankfurt the brand unveiled a closer to production C-HR Concept. The crossover will use the TNGA modular platform and will become available with the hybrid powertrain of the new Toyota Prius. Expect Toyota’s new 1.2T four-cylinder petrol engine of the Auris (116 hp) and 1.6 D-4D (112 hp) diesel engine to be offered as well.

Volkswagen Golf GTE Sport Concept

The Volkswagen Golf GTE Sport Concept is a high-performance plug-in hybrid largely made of lightweight carbon. It features the 1.6 TSI world rally car engine from the Polo R WRC (299 hp) and maximum torque of 400 Nm, assisted by two electric motors, which both develop 115 hp. The available system power is 400 hp and 670 Nm torque. The Golf GTE Sport Concept accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and has a top speed of 280 km/h. The electric range is 50 kilometres and fuel consumption just 2.0 l/100 km.