Frankfurt Preview: Mercedes-Benz to unveil F700 Concept

Mercedes-Benz will be presenting a substantial range of new, green models based on 'intelligently combined drive technologies' at next week's Frankfurt Motor Show. Among them will be this, the F700 Concept. Yes, it's only a teaser photo - infact cropped from a much larger, more ambiguous shot - but after a reminder of how the Detroit Show's Ocean Drive Concept looked, there's not an awful lot left to the imagination. A luxury saloon capable of compact-car fuel consumption, the F700 uses Mercedes-Benz's new Diesotto technology and along with seven hybrids and just as many 'CO2 champion' vehicles, previews the firm's roadmap of the future.

The F700 has both Mercedes-Benz's hybrid drive and new Diesotto technologies, combining the performance of a petrol engine and the high torque and fuel economy of a diesel engine, all while maintaining 'extremely clean' emissions. The 1.8-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder Diesotto engine has a 235 hp output but consumes just 5.3 litres of petrol per 100km (that's 44 mpg) and emits only 127 grams of CO2 per kilometre. This concept is the most fuel efficient large luxury saloon car - ever.

Standing alongside the F700 concept will be Mercedes-Benz's new range of BLUETEC and hybrid vehicles, the technology of which holds the title of world's cleanest diesel. To be announced at the 62nd Frankfurt Motor Show, the European market launch will start with the E300 BLUETEC, the cleanest and most economical diesel car in the segment. Following in 2008 will be the rollout of the R, ML and GL320 BLUETEC models, which will be the world's first three SUVs to not only meet stringent U.S. BIN5 emissions standards, but have Euro 6 compliancy. The S300 BLUETEC HYBRID becomes the world's most efficient vehicle in the S-Class' segment, while in 2009, the ML 450 HYBRID will enter the market as the most economical two-mode petrol SUV available on the worldwide market.

Stay tuned for more photos and information on the F700 Concept; they'll be along shortly.

Press Release

• Seven hybrid vehicles in five model series
• Eight BLUETEC models as the world’s cleanest diesel
• F 700 with DIESOTTO: luxury saloon with compact-car fuel consumption
• Numerous models meet EU 5 standard with the potential to meet EU 6
• Fuel cell cars to enter series production from 2010

Stuttgart – Under the motto “Fascination and Responsibility” Mercedes-Benz will be showcasing a unique range of new, extremely economical and clean models based on intelligently combined drive technologies at the 2007 International Motor Show in Frankfurt. “Our customers can rest assured that their Mercedes will also in future meet the most stringent requirements in terms of safety, comfort and effortless superiority, and that they will do so with exemplary green credentials”, explains Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of DaimlerChrysler AG. With 19 new models including seven hybrids and just as many CO2 world champions as well as the groundbreaking F 700 research car, Mercedes-Benz will be setting out its roadmap for the future in Frankfurt.

“The F 700 with its innovative DIESOTTO and hybrid drive consumes just 5.3 litres of petrol per 100 kilometres - equivalent to CO2 emissions of just 127 grams per kilometre. This value equals the fuel consumption of a modern day diesel-powered compact car, and boasts the lowest petrol consumption figures of a large luxury saloon in the history of the motor car”, explains Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the DaimlerChrysler AG Board of Management responsible for Group Research and Mercedes Car Group Development. And in other important vehicle classes, too, Mercedes-Benz is setting the global benchmark for consumption and emissions at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt.

The modular technology concept from Mercedes-Benz includes optimised combustion engines and customised hybrid solutions, which are deployed individually or in combination depending on the vehicle class, application profile and customer requirements.

A prime example comes in the shape of the S 300 BLUETEC HYBRID with its unique combination of BLUETEC and hybrid technology that has given rise to the world's most efficient, most environment-compatible premium passenger car. As a 4-cylinder with hybrid module it develops a combined system output of 165 kW / 224 hp and a maximum torque of 560 Nm, a figure more reminiscent of a large-displacement V8 petrol unit. The luxury saloon delivers effortless performance yet consumes just 5.4 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres - equivalent to just 142 grams of CO2 per kilometre ? 57 grams or around 30 percent less than the current consumption and emissions benchmark in the S?Class segment. The S 300 BLUETEC HYBRID has the potential to meet most stringent emissions standards such as EU6 or the BIN5 standard for 50 US states.

BLUETEC and hybrid also for Mercedes SUVs, the E-Class and C-Class

Following the successful U.S. launch of the world's first BLUETEC passenger car – the E 320 BLUETEC, voted the “World Green Car of the Year 2007” – the technology for the world’s cleanest diesel will now also be rolled out in Europe. At the International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Mercedes-Benz will announce the European market launch in 2007 of the E 300 BLUETEC, the cleanest (EU5) and most economical diesel passenger car in the business limousine segment worldwide. The R, ML and GL 320 BLUETEC will follow in 2008, the world's first three diesel SUVs that will also meet the stringent U.S. BIN5 emissions standard for 50 U.S. states and have the potential to fulfil EU 6.

ML 450 HYBRID: first German two-mode petrol hybrid SUV on the market

Mercedes-Benz will also be presenting the ML 450 HYBRID, due to be launched on the market in 2009 as the most economical two-mode petrol hybrid SUV worldwide. Its innovative two-mode hybrid system enables electric driving and satisfies the highest comfort demands. With a combined system output of 250 kW/340 hp and a combined maximum torque of 480 Nm, the ML 450 HYBRID consumes just 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres - equivalent to CO2 emissions of 185 g/km. Product highlights at this year’s International Motor Show in Frankfurt also include the new C-Class Estate, which combines functionality with stylish design and hallmark Mercedes refinement. Mercedes-Benz will also be exhibiting various C-Class BLUETEC versions -- with and without hybrid -- which are due to be launched successively.

The Mercedes Car Group will also be presenting future hybrid solutions for smart models at the IAA. The fuel-efficient 3-cylinder petrol smart fortwo mhd, or “micro hybrid drive” will be available from October 2007. A study of the smart fortwo mhd based on the current CO2 champion among series-production cars, the smart fortwo cdi (88g/km), shows a further clear reduction in CO2 emissions to just 78g/km by use of the micro hybrid drive concept’s start/stop function.

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All-New Mazda 6 Leaked

As the new standard way to release new infos lately, the ever popular “photo leak” has been the preferred method in these preceding days of the Frankfurt Motor Show. The all-new Mazda6 is the latest (and surely not the last) to be leaked by Spanish site km77.com. Since our Spanish language skills are a slightly non-existent we turn to MotorAthority.com for the details.

The previous generation Mazda6 was nice looking but this new one looks much better with a more dynamic style which gives the competition something to think about. Sporting RX-8 style bulging wheel arches, tastefully done tail lamps as opposed to the gaudy clear lens boy racer versions of the previous model and a diamond-within-diamond theme headlamp which turned upwards help to form an evil grin front end all contribute to an impressive evolution.

In addition to the upmarket look, the Mazda6 also goes upmarket by offering features such as xenon headlamps, LED tail lamps, active cruise-control, dual-zone climate-control, voice-activated controls, and Bose stereo system just to name a few. However, the big news is that the Mazda6, despite its increased dimensions and interior space, has actually lost weight. The previous Mazda6 was known for its excellent handling and since this next-gen is supposedly lighter than the outgoing model, surely Mazda has improved if not maintained its responsive driving dynamics.

The Mazda6 will be available in the same configurations: sedan, 4 door hatchback and wagon. Stay tuned for official info.

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Frankfurt Preview: Aston Martin To Debut DB9 LM & V8 Vantage N400

Alongside the all-new DBS (check it out here), Aston Martin will show off two new special editions of the DB9 and V8 Vantage models at the Frankfurt Show next week. Both special edition models are inspired from the respective Le Mans and Nϋrburgring 24-hour race cars featuring unique design elements, and in the V8 Vantage N400’s case, engine and suspension upgrades.

In particular, the V8 Vantage N400 draws its inspiration from the V8 Vantage N24 production race car that won its class in the Nurburgring 24 hour race. Compared to the standard V8 Vantage, the N400 receives a power upgrade, lifting the 4.3-litre V8’s output to 400 Hp and maximum torque to 420 Nm (from 380 Hp and 410 Nm respectively). In terms of handling, each V8 Vantage N400 comes equipped with a new sports suspension with up-rated springs and dampers and a new rear anti-roll bar.

Design-wise, the Vantage N400 features a revised side sill design, Magnum Silver bonnet and side strake meshes, clear rear lamp lenses and a bright finish grille on the outside and perforated black leather seats, alloy facia trim and a numbered sill plaque. The N400 will be offered in three new exterior colours; Bergwerk Black, Lightning Silver or Karussell Orange, with either Sportshift automated manual or conventional manual transmission and in either Coupe or Roadster forms.

On its behalf, the DB9 LM commemorates Aston’s GT1 class victory in the Le Mans 24-hour race in June. Available exclusively as a Coupe and only with Touchtronic transmission, the DB9 LM differentiates itself from the standard model thanks to the unique Sarthe Silver exterior paint finish, meshes and rear crossbar finished in Magnum Silver and red brake calipers. Inside the LM gets handcrafted black leather finish, perforated leather inserts, unique ‘Tertre Rouge’ facia trim and a numbered sill plaque. Finally, Aston also offers the normally optional DB9 Sports Pack as standard on the LM. Details and pricing for both models will be announced during the Frankfurt Show.

Lamborghini Kind Of Confirms New Super Expensive Super-Supercar

Jalopnik has busted the lid off the super-secret Lambo supercar that has been little more than a whisper campaign until now. Looks like Lambo leader Stephan Winkelmann has finally admitted what we've know for a little while. Up in Monterey we heard people talking in hushed voices about a new $1.5 million supercar based off the LP640, but with styling "inspired by jets." Winkelmann confirmed those rumors while announcing that we'd be seeing something special from Sant'Agata Bolognese at the Frankfurt Auto Show next week. We've heard that although the exterior is rather exceptional, it's what's on the inside that really matters the most. Something about a truly innovative dash that has folks abuzz. It better be good to command 5 times a normal LP's price tag.

Source: Jalopnik via Autoblog

Spy Shots: BMW M3 CSL Testing at the 'Ring

Several photos have been posted at M3post.com, purportedly showing a prototype of the E92 M3 CSL making the rounds at the 'Ring. While we're not entirely convinced that this particular mule is the CSL, some cues, like the ducktail spoiler, black front spoilers and what appears to be a wider track, make us think thrice. If it is the M3 CSL, which BMW has practically admitted is coming, expect it to drop a few pounds and come equipped with more track-friendly accoutrements. Realtor's wives need not apply.

Spy Shots

Source: M3Post

Frankfurt Preview: SEAT Tribu Concept

The European crossover assault continues with the SEAT Tribu concept shown above. The Frankfurt-bound show car was leaked to Carscoop, but unfortunately, no specifics were given to go with the photos. Carscoop speculates that it's possibly built on the VW Tiguan platform. We speculate that its very Audi R8-reminiscent front end treatment and more angular lines signal a possible change in the marque's design language. We'll also go out on a limb and guess that there's a TDI underhood (because it's a European VW brand making a Euro-show debut) and that someday, SEAT will offer a trucklet loosely based on this, albeit with 4 doors and taillamps that are higher than bumper-level. We'll stop now and wait for the inevitable press release from SEAT, at which point we'll tell you the real story. At least rearward visibility won't be a problem in this puppy.

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Ferrari Dino 599 GTB Test Mule Spy Photos and Renderings

Here is the proof that Ferrari is working on a new Dino. These photos are showing a mule of the new car. Based on a 599 body it doesn't yet give away too much, but at least some clues of what will become the new Dino. What identifies the test car as a Dino mule is the engine sound, or should we say, the lack of it. For example, it clearly doesn't sound as sharp as an F430. The Classic Dino was built between 1968 and 1976, and its name honours founder Enzo Ferrari's son, Alfredino "Dino" Ferrari, who died in 1956 at the age of 24 from muscular dystrophy. While that vintage Dino had a V6 behind the driver, the new one will be powered by a V8 with 400 bhp. Ferrari will most likely start with a Coupe, but expect a Spider later on. There is a high possibility that Pininfarina will do the design work with input from former Ferrari design boss Frank Stephenson, who now heads Fiat's Centro Stile operation.

The Dino will be starting at approximately 100 to 110,000 Euros. Insiders are saying that it's possible to sell up to 4000 Dino's annually once the car gets the green light for production. Such a figure would instantly double Ferrari's yearly production and give the marque a whole new group of customers. There is also talk about the new Dino being built at the Maserati factory in the city of Modena. This city is very important to the history of Ferrari, as it is the town where Enzo Ferrari was born. Even though Ferrari is still denying the project, we expect to see it on the roads in 2009.

Spy Shots

Renderings

Source: WorldCarFans