Mercedes-Benz EQA revealed in Frankfurt

Mercedes-Benz has released an all-new electric concept at the Frankfurt Show that is a precursor to Sindelfingen's new EQ sub-brand.

The EQA is a compact hatchback sized car and is Merc's first foray into the all-electric small car segment. It showcases new lighting technology as well as usable range and a new design theme.

In the lighting department, Mercedes-Benz has opted for laser fibres. The front lighting area alongside the badge adapts depending on the driving mode selected. For example, In the "Sport" drive program the grille depicts a flaming wing in horizontal format, while in "Sport Plus" mode vertical struts in the style of a Panamericana radiator grille are displayed.

Sport mode grille design

Sport Plus mode grille design

The EQA Concept is powered by 2 electric motors and an all-wheel drive system. The "Sport" and "Sport Plus" driving modes have entirely different torque distribution setups so the car has an entirely different personality between the modes. Merc also claims ultimate power of over 200 kW and a theoretical maximum range of 400 km.

As for the design on the EQA Concept, it sets up the character of vehicles to come from Merc by 2022. It expects to have at least 10 all-electric vehicles on the road. The first of these all-electric cars is slated for 2019 and based on the previous EQ concept shown in Paris last year.

Red-hot Mini JCW GP Concept unveiled

It seems the John Cooper Works GP nameplate has made a comeback at the Frankfurt Show. It looks like a racing wasp.

Mini normally adds the John Cooper Works GP models as limited edition run outs when the Mini range is close to the end of its lifespan. For this, the third generation under BMW ownership, we are seeing the Works GP quite early in the life cycle as the new model arrived in 2014.

The 'Works GP looks more like a stripped out racer than ever, a huge front splitter sits out front, multiple air intakes and that huge rear wing. The wing mirrors look decidedly concept car-ish but Mini says they are an aerodynamic aid. Purists will note that the traditional 'Works GP wheels have been replaced with these 19-inch lightweight alloys.

The interior has been stripped down to just 2 seats – as in previous versions and it’s been kitted with a roll cage and fire extinguisher. It looks more like a GT3 racecar inside than a limited edition, faster JCW. The gear lever has been removed entirely with shifts left to the paddle shifters behind the steering wheel.

Mini did not release any power figures with the concept but speculation around the power unit suggest it will still use the 2.0-litre turbocharged unit from the JCW. Power could be increased to as much as 220 kW and sent to all 4 wheels like it is in the Clubman and Countryman JCW. That would make it quite a serious threat to the likes of the Civic Type R, VW Golf R and upcoming Megane RS.

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All-New Bentley Continental shown in Frankfurt

A new Bentley Continental has been revealed and we take a look at this ultra-luxurious Grand Tourer.

Despite riding on a Porsche Panamera platform, the new Bentley Continental GT was designed, engineered and handcrafted in Britain. Wolfgang Dürheimer, chairman and chief executive of Bentley Motors, said: "Bentley has been at the forefront of luxury grand touring for nearly 100 years. The new, 3rd-generation Continental GT is the pinnacle of our design and engineering achievements and marks the next step in Bentley's journey.

"We are the world leader in luxury mobility and our products and services define new luxury in the automotive world. The new Continental GT encapsulates our desire to innovate as well as celebrate our heritage and take the Bentley ownership experience to the next, unparalleled level."

New engine and chassis

An interesting, almost boat-tailed rear design, but it's unmistakably Bentley.

Powering the new Continental GT is an all-new version of the W12, which Bentley is famous for. It's still a 6.0-litre turbocharged motor, but this time a dual-clutch 8-speed transmission has been added. Interestingly, the unique W configuration means the engine is 24% shorter than an equivalent V12, which means it has better packaging and space, as well as helping with weight distribution. This big engine produces 467 kW and 900 Nm of torque, and when you dial up the Sport Launch Mode, the 0-100 kph sprint is achievable in a claimed 3.7 seconds thanks to a new all-wheel drive system. If you want to try test its top-end speed, you'll find yourself comfortably sitting at over 330 kph!

There's also a new adaptive chassis featuring Bentley's intelligent 48-volt Dynamic Ride System. This arrangement ensures that the vehicle provides excellent comfort and handling.

Cabin

The Bentley Continental GT is one of those wonderful cars that can almost do it all. It offers four seats, a generous cargo area and provides ballistic performance. The driver and passengers are surrounded by leather, wood and luxury. For this new model, there's a big focus on digital and an advanced, all-digital display makes its debut. There's also a 12.3-inch touchscreen on the dashboard.

There is a pair of tech packs on offer: City Specification for urban journeys and the Touring Specification for long-distance driving.

City Specification includes hands-free boot opening, pedestrian warning, traffic-sign recognition and city braking systems as well as a top-view camera. The Touring Specification, meanwhile, offers adaptive cruise control with traffic-jam assist, active lane assist, a heads-up display, night vision with an infrared camera, and pre-sense braking.

Note the all-new digital interface in the Bentley Continental's cabin…

One of the unique selling points of Bentley's products is that you can completely customise the cabin to suit your requirements and tastes thanks to its Mulliner customisation arm. Take the paint finishes, for example: there are 17 exterior colours with up to 70 hues. Carpets? Pick from one of 15! Interior leather? There are 15 variations of trim hide to sample.

Watch the Bentley Continental undergo testing in SA

When is it coming?

The new Bentley Continental GT will make its global debut at the 2017 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show and we expect the first examples to be in South Africa in early 2018.

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Suzuki Swift Sport (2018) features turbo power

All-new Suzuki Swift Sport blasts into "proper" hot hatch territory courtesy of its new turbopetrol engine

Frankfurt has welcomed the all-new Suzuki Swift Sport, which is lighter, lower, faster and more rigid than its predecessor, so should be heaps of fun to drive with intent. The more aggressively styled Swift Sport has shed 80kg and its 1.4-litre turbo engine produces 103 kW and 230 Nm of torque, resulting in a torque-to-weight ratio that eagerly competes with genuine hot hatches, among which the Swift Sport can now count itself.

Since 2005, the Swift Sport has been Suzuki’s posterboy, combining the practical convenience of a hatchback with sporty performance. The third generation of the diminutive racer takes things up a few notches on the performance, technology and styling fronts. The direct fuel injection system features seven-hole injector nozzles, enabling increased fuel pressure and highly atomised fuel injection, resulting in higher engine output and a cleaner exhaust.

The turbocharger system is equipped with normally-closed wastegate valve control, which defaults to the closed position to provide excellent response in normal driving, and opens to minimise fuel consumption when cruising. The same 6-speed manual transmission used in the previous Suzuki Swift Sport does duty in the newcomer, albeit with some enhancements to improve smoothness and feedback. Suzuki's new flagship sports model boasts greater stiffness and stability all-round, which makes for improved dynamic response.

Advances in the performance and driving feel of the new Suzuki Swift Sport have been matched with camera- and laser-assisted safety features, including advanced forward detection, Dual Sensor Brake Support, lane departure warning and other key technologies.

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Land Rover Discovery goes hardcore with SVX

Meet the ultimate off-road warrior offered by Land Rover. It's called the Discovery SVX and Land Rover claims its for enthusiasts seeking epic adventures

Let's talk about the badge… SVX forms part of Jaguar Land Rover's Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) and it takes the Discovery to the next level in terms of off-road capability. The Land Rover Discovery SVX is confirmed for production and it'll go on sale in 2018.

Under the bonnet is the iconic 5.0-litre supercharged V8 petrol powertrain, tuned to deliver 386 kW and 625 Nm, but the off-road modifications interest us most. There are extensive suspension modifications, improved approach, departure and break-over angles, a 4-corner air suspension system employing long-travel dampers and revised knuckles, and fitting larger 815 mm diameter 275/55 R20 Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tyres on forged aluminium alloy wheels.

Visually, the Land Rover SVX gains a satin Tectonic Grey paint finish, a unique colour and material combination of Lunar and Light Oyster with Rush Orange accents inside, and X logo perforations on the SVX-branded seats. Unique Narvik Black side vents with V8 badging, a Narvik Black Dynamic grille, Silver roof rails and a roof-mounted unit with two additional light pods for improved low-light visibility.

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Honda’s Urban EV concept previews electric future

Honda has shown off its Urban EV Concept car, which not only previews the Tokyo-based firm's future technologies… it's heading for production.

The Honda Urban EV Concept is assembled on an all-new platform and in terms of design, looks like a really cool retro mobile. What's really exciting is that Honda will be making a production version! Honda Motor Co. President and CEO, Takahiro Hachigo, during his press conference speech. "This is not some vision of the distant future; a production version of this car will be here in Europe in 2019," he added, confirming that the concept is set to be launched within 2 years. Honda's Urban EV is a little smaller than the current Jazz, but sits lower and wider which gives it a sporty driving stance. In the cabin, there is room for four seated on two benches. The front of the cabin is dominated by a large wide dashboard display.

The big tech here is Honda's Automated Network Assistant, which is your personal concierge. It has advanced learning and can detect emotions, which it'll then apply to make new decisions. The car is also a zero-emission electric vehicle which can release its energy back into the national grid or used to power your home. The Urban EV forms part of Honda's Electric Vision strategy for the future.

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Renault Symbioz wants to park in your living room

Forget about garages: Renault is working with architects on its new Symbioz concept with the idea that the vehicle can actually be driven into a home.

The thinking is that the vehicle can be driven into the house to become an additional, modular room in the form of a useful, mobile and connected space, parking inside or outside of the physical structure.

Introduced at the Frankfurt motor show, the Symbioz project spans dynamic scenarios where the car is put to use in different places within and around the home and while travelling.

Cars are becoming interactive and personalised spaces that connect passengers to other cars, people and objects around them, and the Symbioz is a major part of Renault’s effort to be a part of a motoring evolution in which efficient energy use, smart connectivity and autonomous driving is changing the way we live and travel.

The Symbioz concept is powered by all-electric motors, and allows for house and car to share energy, similar to what Nissan and Honda are exploring with Leaf and Urban respectively. Kilowatt-hours are distributed through a smart grid shared by the car and the home in an artificial intelligence environment that anticipates people's needs.

For example, it's possible to programme the system to use the power stored in the car batteries temporarily for the lights, screens and home appliances during peak times. If there is a blackout, this happens automatically and power sharing can be monitored and adjusted.

An electric, autonomous and connected demo vehicle that makes real many of the elements of Symbioz will be available for testing later this year. This demo vehicle will preview technology Renault customers may find in its production car range in the near future.

The Symbioz project involves technology and creative industry leaders in an Open Innovation approach:

LG is involved in the development of the human-machine interfaces.
Ubisoft is providing on board virtual reality experience for autonomous driving mode.
Devialet is developing a new user experience through advanced sound system.
Sanef is working on the way the car communicates with road network infrastructure.
TomTom is contributing its geo-positioning expertise.
IAV is providing autonomous driving engineering expertise

BMW previews i5 with i Vision Dynamics concept

BMW is furthering its energetic foray into electric motoring with its unveiling of the i Vision Dynamics, a four-door grand coupe that is positioned between the i3 electric city car and the i8 electric sports car.

A year on from the presentation of its future-focused NEXT 100 vision vehicles, BMW is introducing electric mobility of the much more immediate future at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The i Vision Dynamics will go far and it will go fast: it has a range of 600 km, a top speed of over 200 kph and an acceleration time of 0-100 kph in 4 seconds.

The vehicle is BMW’s way of reminding the motoring world they take electric mobility very seriously. “We have more electrified vehicles on the road than any established competitor and are committed to expanding our activities in the field of electric mobility,” says Harald Krüger of BMW AG.

BMW hopes to be offering 25 models with an electrified drive system by 2025, 12 of which will be purely electric.

The BMW i Vision Dynamics represents an evolution of the classical BMW proportions: a long wheelbase, flowing roofline and short overhangs.

The tension between large surfaces and finely worked details points to the innovative technology at the heart of the car in an understated manner rather than advertising it in grandiose fashion, which BMW says is in keeping with the identity of BMW i: “I do more with less”.

Smooth curves guide the car’s horizontal profile, contributing to a poised look, while the tapering of the passenger cell creates broad shoulders and a powerful presence. The slim-cut L-shaped lights at the rear are eye-catching.

Inside, BMW has concentrated on enhancing passengers’ shared driving experiences, suggesting that this is something that will gain further importance in the future, in particular with regards to (semi-)autonomous and connected driving.

The BMW i Vision Dynamics is intended to be a trailblazer for the BMW brand, showcasing the group’s future vision for emotionally engaging electrified mobility.

Subaru debuts new Impreza Hatch at Frankfurt

Subaru's new product rollout shows significant momentum; the Japanese brand unveiled an all-new Impreza hatchback at the Frankfurt Show.

In the last few years, we've seen a resurgence in Subaru products as the brand tries to grow its product offering. The latest generation of Subaru products, such as the XV, Impreza sedan and new Levorg all feature updated safety tech and modern connectivity and entertainment systems, something previous generations lacked.

The new Impreza hatch features symmetrical all-wheel-drive, updated engines with CVT gearboxes and Eyesight safety technology.

Engines

Two new engines will be introduced, still using Subaru's Boxer – flat-four – technology. The engines are naturally aspirated with the 1.6-litre developing 84 kW and 150 Nm and the 2.0-litre pushing out 115 kW and 196 Nm of torque. The CVT transmission has been lightened by 7.8 kg for the Impreza hatch and Subaru says this improves both acceleration and fuel efficiency.

Chassis

The new Impreza hatch runs on Subaru's global platform that was first introduced on the new XV. All future AWD and boxer engined Subaru's will also make use of this platform. The Impreza hatch also features Eyesight technology that comes with a raft of radar-based safety tech including:

Pre-Collision Braking
Pre-Collision Throttle Management
Adaptive Cruise Control
Lane Departure & Sway Warning
Lane Keep Assist
Lead Vehicle Start Alert

The Subaru hatch is expected to go on sale in Europe before year end. Subaru SA has decided against the Hatch and to concentrate on sedan sales for the moment.

Toyota ponders high-powered C-HR in Frankfurt

The Toyota C-HR Hy-Power Concept revealed at the Frankfurt motor show features some possible new styling upgrades, specific to hybrid models.

Toyota appears to be particularly pleased with the sales of its C-HR model, particularly in Europe. Interestingly, more than 75% of C-HRs sold in Europe are hybrids, mostly down to incentives on hybrid vehicles across Europe. Still, Toyota is exploring the idea of a higher powered hybrid C-HR in the future and this is what they think it should look like.

The team entrusted with designing a stylish new C-HR found inspiration in the natural forces that turn carbon into diamonds and the way in which solid rock can conceal a fiery, molten core.

This thinking led to the use of a new Dark Carbon silver paint with a matt finish to accentuate the interplay between the vehicle's sharp lines and deeply sculpted surfaces. The effect is heightened by the use of gloss black elements, including the lower front lip spoiler, the area above the Toyota emblem on the front of the car and the wheel arch trims. Dark chrome sustains this effect, witnessed in the headlamp ornamentation, window frames and in the 20-inch alloy wheels.

Burnt orange and black feature throughout the interior, continuing the theme from the exterior.

Despite Toyota dubbing this a high-powered hybrid C-HR, there is no talk of the powertrain or possible figures on it. This C-HR Hy-Power is merely a showcase for the technology the brand intends to introduce in the future as it expands its hybrid offerings.

Mercedes-Benz EQA revealed in Frankfurt

Mercedes-Benz has released an all-new electric concept at the Frankfurt Show that is a precursor to Sindelfingen's new EQ sub-brand.

Related content

Red-hot Mini JCW GP Concept unveiled

It seems the John Cooper Works GP nameplate has made a comeback at the Frankfurt Show. It looks like a racing wasp.

Related content

Interested in buying a Mini?

All-New Bentley Continental shown in Frankfurt

A new Bentley Continental has been revealed and we take a look at this ultra-luxurious Grand Tourer.

New engine and chassis

Cabin

Watch the Bentley Continental undergo testing in SA

When is it coming?

Further Reading

Want to buy a Bentley?

Suzuki Swift Sport (2018) features turbo power

All-new Suzuki Swift Sport blasts into "proper" hot hatch territory courtesy of its new turbopetrol engine

Related content:

Want to buy a Suzuki?

Land Rover Discovery goes hardcore with SVX

Meet the ultimate off-road warrior offered by Land Rover. It's called the Discovery SVX and Land Rover claims its for enthusiasts seeking epic adventures

Related content:

Looking for a used Discovery?

Honda’s Urban EV concept previews electric future

Honda has shown off its Urban EV Concept car, which not only previews the Tokyo-based firm's future technologies… it's heading for production.

Further reading:

Want to buy a Honda Jazz?

Renault Symbioz wants to park in your living room

Forget about garages: Renault is working with architects on its new Symbioz concept with the idea that the vehicle can actually be driven into a home.

Related content

BMW previews i5 with i Vision Dynamics concept

BMW is furthering its energetic foray into electric motoring with its unveiling of the i Vision Dynamics, a four-door grand coupe that is positioned between the i3 electric city car and the i8 electric sports car.

Related content

Subaru debuts new Impreza Hatch at Frankfurt

Subaru's new product rollout shows significant momentum; the Japanese brand unveiled an all-new Impreza hatchback at the Frankfurt Show.

Engines

Chassis

Related content

Toyota ponders high-powered C-HR in Frankfurt

The Toyota C-HR Hy-Power Concept revealed at the Frankfurt motor show features some possible new styling upgrades, specific to hybrid models.

Related content