Fluence Z.E. Concept is a statement of Renault’s intention to produce a range of zero-emission vehicles that meet the needs of all types of customer. Fluence Z.E. Concept is a genuine family car which demonstrates that attractive styling, comfort and space can go hand in hand with respect for the environment.

Electric mobility with a passion

Luxury, harmony and… energy efficiency

Fluence Z.E. Concept’s warmly welcoming and refined interior is based on a combination of flowing forms, the use of soft, supple materials and a mottled ambience. Passengers are comfortably seated in four enveloping seats robed in light leather upholstery. The feet rest on a light blue translucent gel mat, while the brake and accelerator pedals, too, are covered in gel for a greater sense of comfort. When the doors open, the courtesy lighting recalls the luminous blue signature of Renault’s electric vehicle range.

Technology dedicated to environment

Fluence Z.E. Concept is not respectful of the environment simply because it runs on electricity. Indeed, the entire car has been thought through to optimize energy use:

Frankfurt, Germany , Sep 15, 2009 -

Approximately 40 percent of Jeep® Wrangler customers who order exterior accent packages will purchase chrome to customize their vehicle. A Mopar-outfitted 2010 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, on display this week at the Frankfurt Motor Show, showcases a new line of chromed parts and accessories from the minds of Mopar.

Chromed Appearance

The “Moparized” Jeep Wrangler Unlimited features chromed mirror covers and brushed stainless steel door sills–popular accents that hold true to the appearance theme. At the rear of the Mopar-outfitted Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, a chromed fuel-filler cap and an upgraded chromed exhaust tip sparkle even in the worst weather and off-road conditions. In addition, tubular side steps double as easy entry points. Further, Mopar’s18-inch chromed aluminum wheels are added to enhance the appearance. Finishing off the iconic Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, the historical seven-slot grille is upgraded to a chromed grill.

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited offers class-leading off-road capability with everyday practicality. Wrangler Unlimited is a one-of-a-kind, four-door open-air design with room for five adult passengers and the most cargo space ever offered in a Wrangler.

Mopar Brand

Mopar distributes more than 280,000 components in more than 90 countries and is the source for all original equipment parts for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles. Mopar parts are unique in that they are engineered with the same teams that create factory-authorized vehicle specifications for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles – a direct connection that no other aftermarket parts company can provide.

Source: Chrysler

“The new Mulsanne is a thoroughly modern flagship that captures the essence of the Bentley marque. It is elegant yet distinctly sporting in character, delivering effortless performance while within its sumptuous cabin, advanced technology sits discreetly with handcrafted luxury.”

Bentley Motors Chairman and Chief Executive, Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen

(15 September 2009) While paying homage to past Bentley greats, the brief for the new Mulsanne’s design and engineering teams was to create a Bentley that represents the pinnacle of British luxury motoring.

The new Mulsanne, designed and engineered at Crewe from the ground-up, reaffirms the marque’s intent to create a new flagship Bentley with refined performance, unparalleled levels of interior luxury and coach building skills to the fore.

A pure expression of Bentley design

The design of the new Mulsanne is a unique fusion of sportiness, coachbuilt elegance and solidity. Echoing the Bentley S -Type of the 1950s, the Mulsanne features a bold frontal design dominated by the traditional Bentley matrix grille and highly prominent, classic round inner headlamps with chrome surrounds, flanked by two, smaller outboard lamp clusters, all featuring the latest in lighting technology. The iconic ‘Flying B’ retractable radiator mascot is available as an option.

The long bonnet, short front overhang and long rear overhang help to convey a sense of power and movement, reinforced by muscular haunches and sharply sculptured lines which flow gracefully from the front wings to the rear. Uniquely designed 20-inch wheels (and optional 21-inch) reinforce the Mulsanne’s powerful, sporting stance.

Design Director Dirk van Braeckel explains the inspiration behind the Mulsanne’s distinctive appearance:

“The opportunity to design a new flagship Bentley is something afforded to very few designers. The team set out to create a sculpted form that blended classic Bentley heritage cues with modern lines that allow the marque to stride confidently into the 21st century.”

Source: Bentley

The World’s Most Elegant Four-Door Sports Car

Aston Martin has unveiled today one of the most eagerly awaited cars of 2009 at the 63rd Frankfurt Motorshow. The elegant Rapide, functional yet luxurious, provides space for up to four adults combined with an engaging driving experience synonymous with all Aston Martins.

As the marque’s first production four-door sports car, Rapide encapsulates core values of Power, Beauty and Soul; four ‘swan wing’ doors provide access to cosseting sports seats both front and rear bestowing occupants with ample accommodation. A 301 litre luggage compartment affords generous space for belongings for all four passengers whether they be sports bags or indeed, sets of skis, creating an Aston Martin which can be enjoyed on any occasion, anytime, anywhere.

Rapide’s rear environment has been intelligently packaged to create a space where passengers feel a part of the driving experience with clear views to the front and sides. Comfort and support is supplied in the form of two hand trimmed individual seats and a personal face-level heating and air conditioning system. Aiding the practicalities of everyday use, the luggage compartment features a movable bulkhead to permit access from the rear cabin while the rear seats fold flat at the touch of a button to create a flat loading space increasing the luggage compartment from 301 litres to 750 litres.

At the heart of every Aston Martin lies an evocative engine providing effortless power and torque: Rapide features a hand-built 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 470 bhp (477 PS / 350 kW) with peak power being delivered at 6000 rpm and 600 Nm (443 lbft) peak torque at 5000 rpm. A specifically tuned six-speed Touchtronic 2 automatic transmission features as standard, allowing the driver to change gear automatically or manually via the steering column-mounted magnesium paddles.

First deliveries of the Rapide will commence early in 2010 and will be available globally through Aston Martin’s 125 strong dealership network. Pricing will be confirmed at the Frankfurt Show.

Source: Aston Martin

Stuttgart. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, has refined the DNA of the 911 to what must be the most supreme standard of class and style in the 911 Sport Classic available to a strictly limited number of very special 911 enthusiasts. Creating this unique model, Porsche is bringing back the tradition of exclusive small series built in very small numbers. The 911 Sport Classic will be presented at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show and is limited in production to just 250 cars.

This very special 911 from Porsche Exclusive has been developed over a project period of about three years, with lots of love for detail, catering especially for the most demanding group of genuine aficionados. Porsche Exclusive is Porsche’s Specialist Department for the most outstanding customised versions of Porsche cars going beyond even the highest standard of the Company’s regular production models.

The unique character of this very special 911 comes out at very first sight in the newly developed double-dome roof. A further highlight of this sports car based on the rear-wheel-drive Carrera S is the wider rear body up by 44 millimetres or 1.73″ and the wider track on the rear axle. The striking SportDesign front apron with its unique spoiler lip and the rear spoiler fixed in position like the legendary ducktail on the 1973 Carrera RS 2.7 round off the unmistakable look of the 911 Sport Classic. Power comes from Porsche’s 3.8-litre with Direct Fuel Injection, increased in this case, also through the introduction of a newly developed resonance intake manifold with six vacuum-controlled switching flaps, by 23 bhp to 408 horsepower for even more outstanding performance.

The 911 Sport Classic comes exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox. PCCB Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes ideally reflecting the sporting character of this exclusive 911, PASM sports suspension lowering the entire car by 20 mm or 0.79″, as well as the mechanical rear axle differential and custom-made 19-inch wheels with their rim star painted black all come together to offer a perfect match for the character of this most exclusive car.

Source: Porsche

Peugeot, the pioneer and 1st worldwide manufacturer of electric vehicles will be launching the ion at the end of 2010. Its performance and 130 km operating range is obtained in particular due to the use of lithium-ion batteries, which will provide an efficient response to the challenges of urban mobility and respect for the environment.

With the ion, which will be presented to the world for the 1st time at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Peugeot is incorporating the latest automotive edition into its model range.

With the 106 produced between 1995 and 2003, Peugeot, the pioneer in electric vehicles, remains to this day the manufacturer having sold the most “zero-emissions” cars in the world.

Lithium-ion batteries rechargeable in six hours and 80% recharged within thirty minutes

The town will therefore be the favourite playground of the iOn. With four doors and four seats, a length of 3.48 m and a turning circle of 4.50 m, this all-electric Peugeot vehicle will develop a maximum power output of 47 kW (64 bhp) and a torque of 180 Nm, thus offering  reliable levels of performance (maximum speed of 130 km/h). Equipped with a totally comfortable operating range (130 km standard European cycle), the lithium-ion car batteries are rechargeable in six hours using a conventional 220 V socket or recharged to 80% capacity within thirty minutes, thanks to its fast charging system.

These specifications allow this “zero-emission” city car to offer a good level of versatility, comparable in performance and comfort to a small conventional combustion engine vehicle.

Source: Peugeot

Frankfurt/Rüsselsheim.  Designed for sporty good-looks, engineered with innovative technology and equipped with a full clean powertrain line-up, the all-new Opel Astra, debuting as a five-door hatchback, is set to re-energize Europe’s compact car segment.

Grounded in the compact class tradition Opel initiated in 1936 with the first Kadett, the Astra has consistently made the top three list of Europe’s best-selling compacts – a segment which accounts for 27 percent of the total car market. Astra sales make up a third of all Opel/Vauxhall purchases, for an average volume of nearly 500,000 units per year.

The new Astra brings many comfort and safety features to the compact class that the Insignia first introduced to mid-sized cars. Exceptional technologies like an all-new mechatronic chassis, the most advanced lighting system, a front camera that recognizes traffic signs and seat technology with the best ergonomics will be available. 

“The new Astra raises the bar in its class with exciting design, dynamic driving and great practical features,” says Alain Visser, Vice President Sales, Marketing & Aftersales Opel/Vauxhall.

Source: Opel

INGOLSTADT/FRANKFURT, Germany, Sep 15, 2009  -  Audi presents the highlight of the IAA 2009: the e-tron, a high-performance sports car with a purely electric drive system. Four motors – two each at the front and rear axles – drive the wheels, making the concept car a true quattro. Producing 230 kW (313 hp) and 4,500 Nm (3,319.03 lb-ft) of torque, the two-seater accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0 – 62.14 mph) in 4.8 seconds, and from 60 to 120 km/h (37.28 – 74.56 mph) in 4.1 seconds. The lithium-ion battery provides a truly useable energy content of 42.4 kilowatt hours to enable a range of approximately 248 kilometers, or 154 miles.

Electric driving potentially offers numerous advantages. Electric cars reduce the dependence of transportation and the economy on the raw material petroleum. They produce no direct exhaust emissions and thus ease the local burden on the environment. Electric drive systems are also significantly more efficient than combustion engines, consequently making them easier on the customers’ wallets. Other strengths include sportiness and the fun they bring to driving. All of the torque is essentially available the moment the driver steps on the accelerator, allowing for breathtaking acceleration.

There is still a lot of work to do before electric cars are ready for volume production, however. The greatest challenge is the integration of the energy storage system. Acceptable range and performance requires a traction battery that is heavy and takes up a lot of space. Audi is taking a new approach to offset these disadvantages – a holistic approach with a specific vehicle package, a systematic lightweight construction concept and an optimal configuration of all components for the electric drive.

Source: Audi