HThe new-generation i30 will feature enhanced design, quality, performance and efficiency. Designed and engineered at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany, this five-door hatchback will have a choice of three petrol engines and three diesel engines and power outputs ranging from 90bhp to 134bhp. The most popular engine would probably be the 1.6 litre VGT diesel unit that produces 126bhp and can move to 100kmph in only 11 seconds. All the engine variants are said to be very efficient and highly refined. Along with the unique engineering, the new-generation i30 features the latest active and passive safety technologies such as ESP, ABS, Stability Management and airbags. The i30 will be available in Europe next year and we also hope that it will reach Indian shores sooner than later.

Along with the unveiling of Ford Motor’s first global performance car, the Ford Focus ST, the American manufacturer has also unveiled the same model in a race prepped avatar called the Ford Focus ST-R. Focusing on their global motorsport development strategy, the new ST-R is purpose-built for the track by Ford Racing in North America as a fully-prepared competition car. The car features a powerful 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine, FIA regulation roll cage, uprated brakes and track-tuned suspension. The car is meant to be fast and agile and is primarily aimed towards professionals, amateurs and track-day enthusiasts. The car will also be available to teams very soon, starting in North America, to race in a variety of series.

The American electric car manufacturer had a strong presence at this years show. The highlight of their showcase included the new Fisker Surf and the Fisker Karma. The Karma sedan is the company’s first luxury electric extended range production car. The car is unique in the sense that it can produce 403bhp and a massive 1300Nm of torque and it has a total range of 483 km, 83km in its pure electric mode and 400km with the anxiety-free range-extender. It can also achieve up to 2.4 L/100 km and when in sport mode, it can accelerate from 0-100kmph in just 5.9 seconds. A lot of attention was also showered upon the new Fisker Surf which could very well be labeled as the world’s first electric luxury sports automobile. The Surf is Fisker’s vision of a crossover between a sports car and a station wagon and shows how Fisker is expanding its Karma platform rapidly with additional models that again create a new market niche. The car will be available in markets around the world for the 2013 model year.

Another alluring concept showcased this year was Ford’s Evos Concept. The technology used in this car is so intense that the experience embraces a new generation of driver interaction and awareness currently under development in the Ford Research and Innovation laboratories. There would be seamless connectivity between the vehicle and the driver’s personality, meaning that the car gets to know you and can act as a personal assistant to handle some of the usual routines of a daily commute. It could automatically play the same music or news program that was just streaming at home, or heat or cool the interior to an ideal temperature before the driver gets in without having to be requested by predicting departure time based on his/her calendar. It can also wirelessly communicate with devices at home; it could close the garage door and switch off the lights automatically as it pulls away. The car also learns the driver’s habits and capabilities, which allows the technology to overlay map and weather data, and adjust powertrain, steering, suspension and braking systems for optimum enjoyment, comfort and safety. Completing the vision for the Ford Evos Concept is a state-of-the-art lithium-ion plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. We look forward to the arrival of such a vehicle.

This is one of our favorite concept cars from the Frankfurt Motor Show. The French car makers have outdone themselves with this lean and svelte beauty. The HX1, as it’s called, is a six-seater with MPV architecture. The car is very low to the ground and has a wide stance which makes it look sporty and very aerodynamic. It has got sleek lines and has four reverse-opening ‘half-scissor’ doors that can be opened wide for easy access. On the inside the passenger is greeted with loads of space due to the long wheelbase. Essentially there are two rows of seats, but a third row can be created by two pull-out seats integrated behind the front seats. It’s a very unique concept and allows for maximum use of space, but still allowing the passengers to be comfortable. What’s even better is that this concept is a diesel hybrid vehicle and uses HYbrid4 technology. The front wheels are powered by a 204bhp, 2.2 litre HDi diesel engine, linked to an automatic 6-speed gearbox, while the rear wheels are powered by a 70 kW (95bhp) electric motor. The total combined output can develop a potential 299bhp and the car can also run only on electric power at low speeds.

Previously displayed at the Geneva Motor Show and the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the 4C concept is a compact supercar which represents the true essence of a sports car. As mentioned earlier this year, the car reflects on the classic formula of the two-seater, rear-wheel drive coupé. Approximately 4 metres long, the 4C has a taut wheelbase of less than 2.4 metres, which coupled with the centre-mounted engine, promises to make it an agile set of wheels. As much of Alfa’s spirit lies in its graceful and clean external lines, the same principles are also applied to the inside, with the Concept’s specific on-board design maintaining features and devices which directly reflect the car’s sporting spirit. There’s been extensive use of carbon and aluminum – which enhances structural integrity and guarantees exceptional agility. The direct injection 1750cc turbo petrol engine sounds insufficient for such a car, but with, the “Alfa TCT” twin dry clutch transmission and the Alfa DNA dynamic control selector, this 200bhp unit should be exciting enough and would do 0-100kmph in less than 5 seconds. Pictured here is the 4C in a “fluid metal” finish.

The CX-5 is a compact crossover SUV and is Mazda’s first ‘new generation’ vehicle. One of the main features of the CX-5 is the implementation of Mazda’s breakthrough SKYACTIV technology which allows the 2.0 litre direct injection petrol engine to pump out 162bhp, while the 2.2 litre diesel engine with a two-stage turbocharger will be available with two outputs, 146bhp and 170bhp. There will also be a choice of either automatic or manual transmissions as well as two- or four-wheel drive. The overall styling of the car is bold and the spacious an well laid out interiors also add character to the car. The CX-5 will also become one of the lightest and most aerodynamic vehicles in its class, which would contribute towards lowering its fuel economy and CO2 emissions. The car will be available in the North American market at the end of the year.

Indian owned Korean manufacturers, Ssanyong, also showed a bit of muscle at the Frankfurt Motor Show. What you see is the Korean manufacturer’s vision of the next generation cross over model – the XIV-1. This concept merges the robust attributes of a B-segment SUV with the affordable running costs of a small family car and also features innovative interior design. The car looks pretty good and what’s pretty awesome about the interior layout is that the passengers can freely move and rotate all the seats to tailor the cabin layout to their specific needs. Powertrains come in the form of a 1.6 litre petrol and 1.6 litre diesel, with the option of a 6-speed manual or automatic, and 2WD or all-wheel drive variants. Another interesting feature is the ability for the driver or passenger to control everything from the audio system, the display of information on the dashboard and online communications with just a mobile phone.

After their recent success with the Aventador, Lamborghini in Frankfurt showcased a limited edition of their popular sports car – the Gallardo. Christened as the Gallardo LP570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale, this mean machine is claimed to be the fastest Gallardo around. It features a 5.2L direct-injection V10 engine which is capable of churning out 570 horses and is mated to a four wheel drive system. Named after the one-make race series – a collaboration between Blancpain and Lamborghini, the latest supercar from the Italian automobile house is claimed to have shed some weight and gotten itself some race related specifications.

Weighing just 1340 kilograms, the limited edition Lamborghini can do 0-100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds. There’s also a massive rear spoiler which can be manually adjusted, that helps in keeping its wheels stuck to the ground by creating more downforce. To keep things light, the rear spoiler and the hood are made up of carbon fiber. The interiors, too, can be had in carbon fiber trim to satisfy your obsession with weight-saving.

This is Jaguar’s fresh attempt to re-define their efforts of making a futuristic sports car. The C-X16 is a two-seater concept that was unveiled during the event to exhibit what the British manufacturer is capable of. The C-X16 reflects the modern yet classic Jaguar design philosophy, innovation and technology on board.

A Hybrid, the C-X16 offers a supercharged V6 petrol engine capable of producing 375 bhp and 450 Nm of torque. The performance figures are further enhanced by using a hybrid boost system which has been inspired from Formula One. The system can be utilized with the help of a steering-wheel mounted button to provide power on demand. Available with an eight-speed gear box, the C-X16 features a motor generator that draws its power from a 1.6kWh battery pack which is mounted behind the seats for an ideal 50:50 weight distribution. Regenerative braking charges the batteries, which allow the motor to provide an additional 94bhp with 235Nm of torque.

Built on an aluminum chassis, the C-X16 is claimed to do 0-100km/h sprint in 4.4 seconds with a top speed of 299km/h. Under electric charge alone, the C-X16 can travel at speeds of up to 80km/h. The C-X16 is the smallest Jaguar created since 1954 and the XK120.

The prancing horse has gone one step higher by showcasing the latest avatar of the 458 Italia – the Spider. Offering a fully retractable hard top, the 458 Spider will expand Ferrari’s existing portfolio of mid-rear engine V8, and the topless appeal will make it all the more desirable. It offers the same 4.5 litre, direct injection, V8 motor as seen on the standard 458. The engine is mated to a dual-clutch F1 paddle-shift transmission through a sophisticated E-Diff. It features F1-Trac traction control and ABS for better handling and control. Talking of the engine, we must mention that this 4.5 litre V8 has been nominated as the 2011 International Engine of the Year Award for driving comfort, performance, economy and refinement.

Keeping in line with the Maranello’s Spider tradition, there are few features that have been added. Accelerator pedal mapping and the damping of the multilink suspension are some trick jobs that’ve taken place. This has been done in order to make the car feel sporty as well as provide driving pleasure, especially when the top is down. Moving on to the roof which is the highlight of this model, it is made up of aluminum and is 25kg lighter than a traditional hard top of any convertible. As per the company, the roof can be deployed in just 14 seconds. The sad part is that the engine bay will not be visible as with most of the Ferraris. That’s one truly delicious thing that’ll be missed.

Audi have been at the realm of conceptualizing electric hybrids and their latest offering was the A2 Concept. This is an electric four-seat concept that weighs just 1150kg courtesy multi-material hybrid construction. Apart from being an electric, the highlight of this concept is the Adaptive Audi dynamic lights. The feature rich cabin offers a retractable console, MMI with the facility of an additional touchpad. Powering the A2 is a lithium ion battery pack which along with an electric motor with a combined power of 114bhp and 270Nm of torque. Having a claimed top speed of 150km/h, the A2 concept can achieve a 0-100km/h in 9.3 seconds and a driving range of 200km. The battery can be re-charged through a 230 Volts charging point or even a 400 volt socket reducing the charging time depending on the charge.

Indian-owned British SUV giant, Land Rover, revealed two concepts based on the Defender – DC100 and DC100 Sport. The two concepts bring forward the design direction and thinking behind the ongoing development of Land Rover Defender, which is scheduled for 2015 launch as per the manufacturer.

The latest creation provides flexibility, adaptability and configurability which are key elements in any Land Rover and therefore the legacy has been continued in both these concepts. Built on a lightweight platform, they feature sustainable hi-tech materials and offer latest technology so as to optimise fuel consumption under all types of driving conditions. The Defender will offer systems like the terrain-i scanning device to warn of obstacles when put in off-road conditions, driver-activated spiked tyre system which can be deployed at the touch of a button and Wade Aid sonar technology that assesses water depth and advises the optimum speed.

The company is said to offer both petrol and diesel engines along with hybrid and plug-in capabilities for the near future. Both of them featured a permanent four drive system along with an eight-speed manual transmission. They have also been provided with a Stop/Start button which is a further enhancement to the concepts.

True to the 911 tradition, the German sports car manufacturer Porsche showed the 2012 version of the 911 Carrera to the world. We have been seeing quite a few images of this drooling yet sporty machine online but it was time that people got a feel of it. The new 911 has a longer wheelbase in comparison to its predecessor – increased by 100mm to provide better stability and more interior space. On the outside, the front and rear overhangs have been shortened, the roof line has been lowered and the 911 sports a wider front track that enhances its sportier stance.

The standard Carrera is powered by a new 3.4-litre engine developing 350 bhp. According to Porsche the Carrera with PDK can now accelerate from 0-100 kmp in 4.6 seconds which is 0.1 sec quicker than its previous model. With the Sport Plus button on the optional Sport Chrono Pack, the 911 sheds another 0.2 seconds. The Carrera S comes with a 3.8-litre unit which is capable of producing 400 bhp and thrusts the car from 0-100 km/h in just 4.3 sec via PDK gearbox, which is 0.2sec faster than its predecessor. There is a new seven-speed manual transmission which is a first for the model along with an electro-mechanical power steering system for better steering response. The interiors have been inspired from the Carrera GT which offers a better driving position with the centre console rising up to the front with a high mounted shift lever (PDK gear selector) placed very close to the steering wheel. The new 911 will be available on sale in United Kingdom with a starting price tag of £71,449 (Rs.54,12,561) for the Carrera and Carrera S £81,242 (Rs.61,54,422).

This is a single seat electric concept that Volkswagen unveiled at the show. It puts forward VW’s vision of futuristic design when it comes to minimal mobility. The concept featured an aluminium space beautified with wing doors and free-standing wheels. Volkswagen claims that it would provide the performance of sports car with zero emissions.

The NILS offers the same layout as seen in a Formula 1 race car. The driver is seated in the middle while the engine is located at the rear. There are 17-inch alloy wheels that bear low rolling resistance tyres. Weighing only 460 kilograms, the Volkswagen NILS is proposed to be good for a top speed of 130km/h with an acceleration figure of 0-100 in less than 11 seconds. A 5.3 kWh lithium iron pack powers the machine producing a decent output of 15kw in normal conditions, while for instant response this output can be increased to 25 kW for a short duration.

The range of NILS is said to be 65km, which again depends on the driving style. It can be charged through a conventional 230-volt electrical outlet with a maximum charging time of two hours. For safety there is something called the distance control system which uses radar sensors to scan the road ahead of the vehicle over a distance of 200 metres. The moment this distance is reduced the system applies the brakes in order to avoid any accidents during normal driving conditions. Meanwhile the interiors offer an instrument cluster with TFT display. There is a portable infotainment device which also serves as a mobile multifunctional device.

Here is something to tickle your senses. Despite all the giant car manufacturers spending billions of dollars on research and development, a 23 year old young man from Croatia has done what none of them could do with just a few hundred thousand euros. Mate Rimac is the founder of Rimac Automobili and thanks to him we could possibly be witness to one of the greatest fully electric supercars to make it to production. The Concept One, which features new propulsion technology, weighs only 1650 kg thanks to an all carbon-fibre body, and can produce a massive 1088bhp and 2800Nm of torque. The Concept One can reach 100kmph from a standstill in just 2.8 seconds and continues to accelerate to the limit of 305 km/h. The 92kWh of energy in the lithium phosphate battery modules delivers enough juice for up to 600 km of an all-electric range and can be fully charged in just 20 minutes if there is a good electricity supply. This is just phenomenal, and sure to put to shame some of the biggest names in the auto industry. When the concept will hit roads is still uncertain but it has been revealed that only 88 units will be produced. Hats off to Rimac Automobili.