The Car Enthusiast - click here to access the home page
  2005 Frankfurt Motor Show
REVIEW

October 7th update:
Ok, that's the bulk of it! We've also come up with a snazzy new image gallery method that groups the 1,400 odd images relevant to the show together in a quick downloading and easy to use new page. Want to see it for yourself? Just click here!

September 21st update:
Back at the office now finally, and with only four days of the show to run it feels like an awfully long time ago. Don't worry though, we've waded through the endless press packs and news releases and have identified the most interesting new cars and concepts from the show and you'll see them all online within the week, including extensive photo galleries. Once online we'll send a newsletter to our subscribers too, so if you're not already on the list (it's free and we don't use your email address for any other reason), subscribe now from the Home Page.

Late on 12 September, with weary legs after press day one at the show:
Well, it's been an eventful first day at the Frankfurt Motor Show, though an odd one. Though it will mean little to most of the public show goers, the structure of the press days has changed, with today being a press people only day where it has traditionally been for press and trade. The result is that the unveilings are spread out over two days and today even some of the show stands were not ready to walk through and the sprawling show was eerily quiet in some areas where it is usually buzzing.

That aside, there has been a number of very exciting new cars revealed, as well as a few surprising concepts. The most striking is the Mini Concept Frankfurt, showing us first of all what the next generation of Minis will look like, and secondly that BMW is seriously considering resurrecting the lifestyle Mini in the form of a coupe/estate crossover. One of the best-looking concepts on show was also from BMW - the Z4 Coupe Concept. Surely this car has to make production? How can it not?! DaimlerChrysler's oddest concept is the Smart Crosstown, which interestingly is being billed as a 'show car', not a concept.

We've not yet had our first glimpse of any of the Ford Motor Company products, including the Jaguar XK, Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Ford iosis concept, Mazda Sassou concept or even Volvo's C70. Those joys await our aching feet tomorrow... We did see plenty of other new cars though, including VW's classy new Eos folding hardtop, though it is closely matched in the looks department by Vauxhall/Opel's Astra TwinTop. We are due a surprise on the GM stand tomorrow in the form of a new concept SUV said to be coming to the UK badged as a Vauxhall. Watch out for that one. More later. Time for a well-earned bath...
PREVIEW

As ever, the bi-annual Frankfurt Motor Show is set to be a bit special, with more than its fair share of tantalising concept cars and production car debuts. The Car Enthusiast will spend a few days at the show to bring you all the latest news and image galleries. Until then we will add preview articles as we learn more.

The show itself runs from 15th to the 25th of September. The official show website is www.iaa.de.

Expect the following cars at the show (and others!):

  • Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon
  • Audi Q7 - production version of Audi's new super SUV
  • Audi A4 Cabriolet
  • BMW 650i/550i - first public showing of new models
  • BMW 3-series Touring - first show outing
  • BMW 540i, 550i, 650i, X3 2.0i, X3 3.0d, 730Ld all get their show debuts
  • BMW Z4 Coupe concept
  • Cadillac BLS world premiere
  • Citroen C-Sportlounge concept - funky new concept MPV
  • Citroen C3 facelift
  • Daihatsu D-compact concept SUV
  • Daihatsu Copen facelift, new 1.3-litre engine and sports concept
  • Daihatsu HVS concept hybrid sportscar
  • Fenomenon Stratos show car
  • Ferrari F430 Challenge
  • Ferrari 612 Scaglietti upgrade
  • Fiat Grande Punto - world debut for Fiat's bigger Punto replacement
  • Ford Focus ST
  • Ford iosis concept car
  • Ford Galaxy replacement
  • Honda Civic - production car debut
  • Honda Civic Hybrid
  • Honda S2000 facelift
  • Honda Accord facelift
  • Hyundai Getz facelift
  • Hyundai Accent SR hot hatch concept
  • Jaguar XK - launch of the new production coupe
  • Jeep Commander
  • Jeep Patriot & Compass - concept cars
  • Kia Magentis - all-new big saloon
  • Kia Multi-S concept MPV
  • Lamborghini Gallardo SE - public viewing of the two-tone Gallardo
  • Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder - world debut
  • Lexus SC430 facelift
  • Lexus GS450h hybrid debut
  • Mazda Sassou concept car
  • Mazda2 facelift
  • Mazda MX-Crossport
  • Mazda Sassou concept car
  • Mercedes-Benz R 63 AMG
  • Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG
  • Mercedes-Benz S-class - first public outing for the new luxury saloon
  • Mitsubishi Concept Sportback - crossover concept
  • Nissan Note
  • Nissan Micra C+C
  • Peugeot 407 Coupe - debut of the production version
  • Peugeot 20Cup show car
  • Porsche Cayman S - first public outing for the Boxster-based coupe
  • Porsche 911 Carrera 4 - first public viewing of the wider four-wheel drive 997
  • Renault Egeus - oddly-named luxury SUV concept car
  • Renault Clio RenaultSport concept - a preview for what is to come for the new Clio
  • Rolls-Royce Phantom LWB
  • Saab 9-5 replacement
  • Suzuki Grand Vitara - world debut for Suzuki's neat new SUV
  • Toyota Yaris replacement
  • Toyota RAV4 replacement
  • Toyota Endo concept car
  • Vauxhall Astra TwinTop - debut for new folding hardtop Astra
  • Vauxhall Vectra - new facelifted model including 160mph VXR version
  • Vauxhall / Opel Antara GTC SUV concept
  • Volkswagen Eos - world debut of a new coupe cabriolet
  • Volkswagen Golf R32 - four-wheel drive, V6-engined superhatch
  • Volkswagen Passat Estate debut
  • Volkswagen Jetta
  • Volkswagen Golf GT
  • Volkswagen Beetle facelift
  • Volvo C70 - unveiling of Volvo's new folding hardtop

  •   2005 BMW Z4 Coupe Concept. Image by Shane O' Donoghue.2005 Mini Concept Frankfurt. Image by Shane O' Donoghue.2005 Mazda Sassou concept car. Image by Mazda.2005 VW Passat Estate. Image by VW.2005 Kia Magentis. Image by Kia.2005 Cadillac BLS. Image by Cadillac.

     
     
      makes
      Aston Martin
    Audi
    BMW
    Cadillac
    Citroen
    Daihatsu
    Fenomenon
    Ferrari
    Fiat
    Ford
    Honda
    Hyundai
    Jaguar
    Kia
    Lamborghini
    Mazda
    Mercedes-Benz
    MINI
    Mitsubishi
    Nissan
    Peugeot
    Porsche
    Renault
    Smart
    Subaru
    Suzuki
    Toyota
    Vauxhall
    Volkswagen
    Volvo
     
    Aston Martin
      Production V8 Vantage launched at last. Image by Shane O' Donoghue.   2005 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
    Aston Martin's long-awaited V8 Vantage is now available to buy. The production version was displayed at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

    More...
     
    Audi
      Audi makes a Range Rover. Image by Audi.   2006 Audi Q7
    The new Audi Q7 is an eagerly awaited rival to BMW's X5. It will be revealed in Frankfurt next week.

    More...
     
      New Audi Q7 undercover. For now. Image by Audi.   2006 Audi Q7 (preview)
    In a novel move to publicise the huge development task behind Audi's first proper off-roader, the German company has actually released images of disguised prototypes under test in various harsh environments. Looks like the spy photographers are going to be out of a job! Expect to see the production version of the new Audi Q7 at next month's Frankfurt Motor Show, with sales starting early in 2006.

    More...
     
      New A4 Cabriolet in Frankfurt. Image by Audi.   2005 Audi A4 Cabriolet
    Audi will show the revamped A4 Cabriolet at the Frankfurt Motor Show. We have the details.

    More...
     
    BMW
      BMW racer may hit the street too. Image by BMW.   2006 BMW 320si WTCC
    BMW's WTCC car debuted in Frankfurt and will spawn a special edition showroom model.

    More...
     
      BMW to make compact sports Z4 coupe. Image by BMW.   2005 BMW Z4 Coupe Concept
    The Z4 Coupe was an unexpected bonus to our visit to the Frankfurt Show. Though billed as a concept car, it is virtually guaranteed to make production.

    More...
     
      BMW's range explodes. Image by BMW.   2005 BMW 650i, 550i, 540i, 730Ld, X3 2.0i, X3 3.0d (news)
    This week we have yet more new BMWs to drool over, including 550i, 650i and 730Ld. The cars will get their show debut in Frankfurt.

    More...
     
    Cadillac
      Cadillac, diesel and Europe. Image by Cadillac.   2006 Cadillac BLS
    Cadillac's BLS marks a mainstream European onslaught from the American car maker. The production version debuts in Frankfurt.

    More...
     
    Citroen
      C-SportLounge previews new MPV. Image by Citroen.   2005 Citroen C-SportLounge concept car
    The C-SportLounge concept car previews the next generation of Citroen MPVs. Looks good.

    More...
     
    Daihatsu
      D-Compact new SUV from Daihatsu. Image by Daihatsu.   2005 Daihatsu D-Compact concept
    D-Compact previews Daihatsu Terios replacement in Frankfurt. Mini RAV4 anyone?

    More...
     
      Daihatsu concept previews new eco-sportscar. Image by Shane O' Donoghue.   2005 Daihatsu HVS concept
    The HVS looks good and uses green technology to enhance the driving experience. Want to know more?

    More...
     
    Fenomenon
      Fenomenon Stratos continues. Image by Shane O' Donoghue.   2005 Fenomenon Stratos concept
    Prodrive are now embarking on a production feasibility study for the Fenomenon Stratos. The car was displayed at Frankfurt in Alitalia colours.

    More...
     
    Ferrari
      You too can race a Ferrari. Image by Shane O' Donoghue.   2006 Ferrari F430 Challenge
    We took a good look around Ferrari's new F430 Challenge race car in Frankfurt.

    More...
     
    Fiat
      Fiat makes its Point. Image by Fiat.   2006 Fiat Grande Punto
    Fiat has revealed images of its new Grande Punto, due for launch in the UK next year.

    More...
     
    Ford
      Surprise new Ford Galaxy. Image by Shane O' Donoghue.   2006 Ford Galaxy
    Ford revealed its new Galaxy MPV in Frankfurt. We were there.

    More...
     
      Ford, the design god?! Image by Ford.   2005 Ford iosis concept car
    This is Ford's iosis show car. It won't make production, but it bodes well for future Fords.

    More...
     
    Honda
      A Civic statement from Honda. Image by Honda.   2006 Honda Civic
    This is the new Honda Civic. Different, isn't it? The three-door version debuts in Frankfurt. Where's the Type-R?

    More...
     
    Hyundai
      Show car previews Hyundai hot hatch. Image by Hyundai.   2005 Hyundai Accent SR concept
    Hyundai displayed the Accent SR in Frankfurt, previewing the next Accent hatchback, and possibly Hyundai's first proper hot hatch.

    More...
     
    Jaguar
      Jaguar, the new generation. Image by Jaguar.   2006 Jaguar XK
    Jaguar's new XK promises to be much more sporting than the outgoing car, yet retains its elegance. The production car debuts at the Frankfurt Show.

    More...
     
      New Jaguar XK breaks cover. Image by Wheels24.   2006 Jaguar XK (sneak preview)
    Months before it was due to be unveiled to the public, we have scoop photographs of Jaguar's fantastic new XK sportscar.

    More...
     
    Kia
      Kia invents the PUV, whatever that is. Image by Kia.   2005 Kia Multi-S concept
    The Multi-S is a new breed of sporty MPV accoridng to Kia, though probably not pointing to a new production model. The show car was displayed at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

    More...
     
    Lamborghini
      Arachnophobia! Image by Shane O' Donoghue.   2006 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder
    Lamborghini's desirable new Gallardo Spyder was revealed at the Frankfurt Show. We were there to drool all over the paintwork.

    More...
     
      A Special Lamborghini. Image by Lamborghini.   2005 Lamborghini Gallardo SE
    This two-tone wonder is the Lamborghini Gallardo Special Edition. It is so much more than just a paint job though...

    More...
     
    Mazda
      Mazda's sassy new concept. Image by Mazda.   2005 Mazda Sassou concept
    Mazda will show the Sassou concept car in Frankfurt - a preview for the next generation of city cars.

    More...
     
    Mercedes-Benz
      Footballers only please. Image by Mercedes-Benz.   2006 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG
    Mercedes will reveal the preposterous ML 63 AMG at Frankfurt complete with a 510bhp V8 engine. What is happening to the world?

    More...
     
      Das iSt Klasse. Image by Mercedes-Benz.   2005 Mercedes-Benz S-class
    Frankfurt 2005 will see the first public viewing of the sharp new S-class Mercedes-Benz. First details online now.

    More...
     
    MINI
      Say hello to the next Mini. Image by Mini.   2005 MINI Concept Frankfurt
    Mini surprised the hoards in Frankfurt with this concept car, though dig a little deeper and you'll discover a lot more than a mere show car.

    More...
     
    Mitsubishi
      Image gallery of the Mitsubishi Concept Sportback. Image by Shane O' Donoghue.   2005 Mitsubishi Concept Sportback (image gallery)
    Mitsubishi displayed the Concept Sportback at the Frankfurt Motor Show, previewing a new generation of sporty Mitsubishis. Click on the image to access the full gallery of images.

    More...
     
      Is this the new Evo? Image by Mitsubishi.   2005 Mitsubishi Concept Sportback (preview)
    Mitsubishi will reveal the Concept Sportback at the Frankfurt Show - the next Evo?

    More...
     
    Nissan
      Music to buyers' ears? Image by Nissan.   2006 Nissan Note
    The new Nissan Note debuts in Frankfurt, to sit above the Micra supermini, rivalling cars such as the Fiat Grande Punto and VW Polo.

    More...
     
    Peugeot
      Peugeot 407 Coupe hits the road. Image by Peugeot.   2006 Peugeot 407 Coupé
    The new Peugeot 407 Coupe actually looks better than the Prologue version previewing it at the Geneva Motor Show this year.

    More...
     
      Racy concept hints at Peugeot 207. Image by Peugeot.   2005 Peugeot 20Cup concept
    This wacky creation is Peugeot's latest concept car, called the 20Cup. We think it holds clues to the forthcoming Peugeot 207.

    More...
     
    Porsche
      Image gallery of the new Porsche Cayman S. Image by Shane O' Donoghue.   2006 Porsche Cayman S (image gallery)
    The Porsche Cayman S drew one of the biggest crowds at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show. We were there to bring you some of the car's first public photographs.

    More...
     
      Grippier 911s on the way. Image by Porsche.   2005 Porsche 911 Carrera 4
    The new Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet goes on sale in October.

    More...
     
      Yet another great Porsche on the way. Image by Porsche.   2005 Porsche Cayman
    The teasing has started already. We know that the Boxster coupe will be called the Cayman, and is likely to be unveiled at Frankfurt in September.

    More...
     
    Renault
      New Renaultsport contender looks the part. Image by Renault.   2005 Renault Clio Renaultsport Concept
    With the launch of the Clio III comes the prospect of some all new Renaultsport hot hatches. A concept version will be shown in Frankfurt.

    More...
     
    Smart
      Is the Smart Crosstown concept cool? Image by Shane O' Donoghue.   2005 Smart Crosstown concept
    The Smart Crosstown was shown in Frankfurt as a test bed for new design ideas. We're not so sure it works in the UK.

    More...
     
    Subaru
      Impreza with a 'tache. Image by Shane O' Donoghue.   2006 Subaru Impreza
    Phew! The new Impreza doesn't look as ugly as we thought it might. It is actually rather nice. It debuted in Frankfurt.

    More...
     
      Smoother Forester on sale now. Image by Subaru.   2006 Subaru Forester
    We took a closer look at the facelifted Subaru Forester at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

    More...
     
    Suzuki
      New Suzuki Vitara looks the part. Image by Suzuki.   2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara
    Suzuki's all-new Grand Vitara has gone on sale in the UK offering style and value for money. Frankfurt was the car's first public outing.

    More...
     
    Toyota
      Toyota RAV4 grows up. Image by Toyota.   2006 Toyota RAV4
    Toyota's all-new RAV4 debuted at the Frankfurt Show last week. We were there.

    More...
     
      New cars and concepts at Toyota. Image by Toyota.   2005 Toyota show stand
    The Endo concept car sits next to the new Yaris and RAV4 on the Toyota stand in Frankfurt.

    More...
     
    Vauxhall
      Another folding hardtop joins the ranks. Image by Vauxhall.   2006 Vauxhall Astra TwinTop
    Vauxhall's Astra TwinTop is the latest folding hardtop to join this burgeoning market. It debuts in Frankfurt.

    More...
     
      Antara concept previews new Vauxhall SUV. Image by Shane O' Donoghue.   2005 Vauxhall Antara GTC concept
    The Antara concept shown in Frankfurt may look futuristic, but we think it previews a new Vauxhall SUV crossover.

    More...
     
      Vauxhall makes Britain's fastest hatch. Image by Vauxhall.   2005 Vauxhall Vectra VXR
    Vauxhall claims that the sharp new Vectra VXR is Britain's fastest hatch. It debuts at the Frankfurt Show.

    More...
     
    Volkswagen
      VW sets the Eos above the mainstream. Image by Shane O' Donoghue.   2006 Volkswagen Eos
    VW's new Eos folding hardtop is a classy number, and apparently not a Golf-sized car. It made its debut in Frankfurt.

    More...
     
      VW's classy Passat Estate on sale now. Image by VW.   2005 Volkswagen Passat Estate
    The new VW Passat Estate is on sale now, following its Frankfurt Show debut.

    More...
     
      Return of the R32 Golf. Image by VW.   2005 Volkswagen Golf R32
    The R32 badge returns on the latest Golf, due to debut at the Frankfurt Show.

    More...
     
    Volvo
      New Volvo steals a march on the opposition. Image by Volvo.   2006 Volvo C70 (preview)
    Volvo's new C70 takes the form of a coupe-cabriolet, and looks like a winner.

    More...
     
     



     
     

    Home | Privacy | Contact us | Archives Copyright 1999-2024 ©