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2007 Frankfurt International Motor Show: Higher Expectations
It only comes around every two years, and when it does be ready for some of the most advanced, technological vehicles and highly anticipated world introductions. “Willkommen” to the 62nd International Motor Show from Frankfurt, Germany.
 The Frankfurt show was important for several manufacturers who were making big announcements. Keep in mind this is home turf for VW, Audi, Porsche, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. So the unveils of these German powerhouses were magnified significantly in comparison to the outsiders. Nevertheless, everyone had important news to make. Let’s run it down:
Jaguar’s all-new 2009 XF sports sedan hits the market in the spring of 2008 as the replacement for the slow selling S-Type. It’s Jaguar’s latest creation since the exquisite redesign of the XK coupe and convertible. The British marque needs the XF to be a greater leader than Super Bowl champion Peyton Manning to boost the momentum of the rest of the team. To ascertain the XF is as prepared as possible for its big league challenge -- to attempt to disrupt sales from the BMW 5 Series and Benz E-Class -- Jaguar will instill it with high level qualities. For example, the only two engine selections will be either the 4.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 with 300-horsepower or the supercharged V8 with 420-horsepower. In the United States, Jaguar will not offer a V6 or cloth interior as they did in the S-Type. They will also not offer a six-speed manual transmission.
 Bentley is breaking all the rules with its fierce Continental GT Speed which is the first Bentley to surpass the 200 mph mark! Its W12 engine creates 600-horsepower and races from zero to sixty in 4.3 seconds. Inspired by the “Speed” models from the 1920s, expect the new GT Speed to attract new customers.
Audi has been on a serious roll this year unleashing a cadre of new 2008 vehicles including the R8, A5, S5, A8 and redesigned A4. Audi says they will debut 40 models by 2015. Impressive. The key factor of the new A4 is its sportier body which gives it more ammo to compete with the BMW 3 Series. Audi’s parent company VW took time to showcase its new Tiguan crossover, which is a smaller, sportier version of the Touareg. Offered with five different engines, full-time 4MOTION all-wheel drive, and two six-speed transmissions, VW is ensuring that the Tiguan is versatile enough for a multitude of consumers.
 Mercedes-Benz held its own by displaying in a hall entirely to itself. Multiple floors with a multiplicity of concepts, Mercedes took over like an alien invasion. The C63 AMG features the line’s new 6.3-liter hand-built V8. The powerplant puts out an incredible 457-horsepower and allows the naturally aspirated engine to spring the vehicle to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. A wider track, meaner front end, a seven speed tranny, AMG sports suspension, 18-inch AMG light-alloy rims, and AMG high-performance brakes translates this AMG as one of the best ever. The concept F 700 is Benz’s new hi-tech car. Based off the S-Class, the futuristic touring sedan features suicide doors and rear seats that can be positioned for forward or rearward seating.
Turning towards the luxury exotics, Lamborghini has cleared the bench with the proclamation of its 1 Million Euro (without taxes) Reventón super car. The 12-cylinder Lambo is named after the infamous fighting bull that killed bullfighter Felix Guzman. Only 20 of the exclusive Reventóns will be made, and the entire allotment is already sold out!
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