The 2009 Frankfurt Motor show is underway and for many of the journalists assembled at Messe Frankfurt; it couldn’t have come at a better time. With so much negative press surrounding much of the auto industry in the past year, it is always nice to celebrate all that is innovative when it comes to automotive design and the execution of new vehicles.

Frankfurt is typically one of the best shows held throughout the year. This is due in part to the fact it happens only once every two years, sharing a bi-annual fall timeslot with Paris. This year was no exception, as excitement ran high starting with the opening ceremonies at the BMW display area. Here are some of the highlights in Part 1 one of our coverage from Frankfurt, Germany.  
 
MINI Concepts



It’s party time at MINI! Celebrating 50 years as a brand built on the idea of fun travel at an affordable price, MINI introduced two new concept vehicles in Frankfurt.

First, the MINI Coupé Concept unleashes the passion of a two-door coupe with plenty of attitude. A low roofline helps to distinguish the coupe from the sedan. Of course, the other hint something is different about this MINI is the fact there are only two doors. From afar, however, the dramatic roofline is your first clue.

Typical MINI features include large round headlights, a standout chrome grill and sporty hood treatment. The A-pillar contrasts the current design as it sweeps backward, giving the appearance of speed even while standing still.

Power comes in the form of a 1.6-liter, twin-scroll turbocharged engine. The fasted MINI engine currently in production, it delivers 211 horsepower and 192-206 lb.-ft. of torque pending the request of your left foot. 

The MINI Roadster Concept ups the ante by offering both open and closed cockpit driving pleasure. Similar in size and shape to the Coupé Concept; 146.2 inches long and 66.3 inches wide, it provides go-kart handling and extraordinary power in typical MINI fashion.

Luggage capacity is excellent for a vehicle so small, due in part to its soft top. Though they are small in stature, MINI cars are surprisingly large where it counts the most. A design study for where MINI could go in the future, my hope is we will see these two on the road in the near future. 

Bentley Mulsanne



The competition at this end of the market is fierce. With numerous super-luxury sedans and coupes introduced at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, it was no surprise later in the day to see Bentley management eyeing and sitting inside the new Aston Martin Rapide. When the market for luxury automobiles is only so big, it is important to know what your competitors are up to.

The new Bentley Mulsanne represents the pinnacle for cars at this most famous of automakers from Crewe, England. Located in the county of Cheshire, the team at Bentley seemed so pleased with their latest super-sedan; their demeanour was almost cat-like.

A twin-turbocharged V8 inspires with 505 bhp and 752 lb.-ft. of torque channelled through a rear-wheel drive chassis. Mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, the Mulsanne is capable of taking you from home to the opera and back in record time.

Each Mulsanne is a work of art, taking over 170 hours to create rather than the typical one day required for lesser automobiles. Standard features include 20” wheels, 21’s are optional, and a 40GB hard drive stereo system with 14 speakers. The choice of wood and leather treatments is almost endless and chrome touches all design elements found in the new Mulsanne. Floating elliptical tail lights echo the shape of the rear tailpipes. Exclusivity has name and it starts with Bentley.
    
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG



If there was one car that had almost everyone talking prior to the motor show, it had to be the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Featuring a lightweight aluminum space-frame with gullwing doors, the romance factor of this sports coupe is off the chart.

Getting in and out of the SLS AMG is relatively easy. Body contoured exterior door handles assist in lifting the light weight doors and internal grab handles make exiting the vehicle easier than you may expect. Once inside, Mercedes-Benz swaths you in superior comfort and a powerful driving experience.

Under the hood rests a 6.3-liter V8 engine. It produces 571 hp and astounding torque to go along with superior handling and drive dynamics. Zero to 62 mph takes only 3.8 seconds with top speed limited to 200 mph. Those looking for something a little more eco-friendly, Mercedes also showcased the SLS AMG eDrive as an electric drive, zero-emission alternative to gasoline power. Either way, a gullwing Mercedes-Benz is sure to create a lot of excitement for many years to come.

Conclusion

There was so much to see and experience firsthand at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, day one finished with the knowledge day two would be just as exciting. We’ll have more of what’s new in part two of our coverage tomorrow. See you then! 

For more, go to:

2009 Frankfurt Motor Show - Part 2