2011 frankfurt auto show highlights
If the U.S. economy is such bad shape, and consumer confidence at all-time lows, then why does it seem there are more luxury car offerings than ever coming to market.
The answer is probably all too obvious. Those with big incomes and secure jobs feel like they will keep both. And those folks are ready to spend.
At the Frankfurt Auto Show this week, the exhibition hall seemed filled with more new luxury vehicles than cars aimed at the peasant class.
We've put together a list of some of our favorites from this year's show. After you've gotten a taste, make sure to head over to Autoblog for full, in-depth coverage of every model on display!
- Image Credit: Autoblog
Mercedes-Benz F-125! Concept
Mercedes-Benz has been tooting its horns all year about having been in business for 125 years, and to its credit it's done so at the top of the industry. For the Daimler boys, the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show is being used to showcase what the next 125 years in business (knock on burl walnut) might bring, and it starts in part with the hydrogen-powered F-125! Concept seen here.
More on the Mercedes-Benz F-125! Concept
Mercedes-Benz F-125! Concept Info
Mercedes-Benz F-125! Concept Photos
- Image Credit: Autoblog
2012 Audi S7
The Audi S7 is the performance version of the exquisite A7 coupe that has received so many laurels, including from AOL Autos.
This S7 is more powerful than it's twin, with a 4.0 liter, V8, 420 hp engine that achieves 25 mpg thanks to a cylinder de-activation system that will shut off half the cylinders at cruising. We are anxious to drive it when it hits U.S. soil.
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2012 Audi S7 Info
2012 Audi S7 Photos
- Image Credit: Autoblog
Fisker Surf Concept
Combining performance, luxury, style, utility and economy with an enduring concern for the sustainable use of resources, the Fisker Surf is a treehugger's dream machine.
The Surf is Fisker's vision of a plug-in hybrid that slots in between a sedan and crossover, and shows how Fisker is expected to expand its Karma platform with additional models that fill the niche for plug-in luxury vehicles.
More on the Fisker Surf Concept
Fisker Surf Concept Info
Fisker Surf Concept Photos
- Image Credit: Autoblog
Maserati Kubang
What we have here is Maserati's take on the premium sport utility vehicle. The Italian automaker promises that it heralds the coming of a whole new product line. Maserati claims that the Kubang's "style, engine, suspensions, brakes, handling and performance will all be 100% Maserati in picture-perfect continuity with the brand's core values of sportiness, style, elegance, luxury, performance and craftsmanship."
Fiat, which owns Chrysler and Maserati, has said it plans to assemble the Kubang in Detroit alongside the Jeep Grand Cherokee with which it shares its vehicle architecture.
More on the Maserati Kubang
Maserati Kubang Info
Maserati Kubang Photos
- Image Credit: Autoblog
Land Rover DC100
With the long-serving Defender not... well, long for this world, Land Rover is gearing up for its eventual replacement. The DC100 is targeted for launch in 2015, and we just got our first glimpse of it on the show floor here in Frankfurt. Or glimpses, we should say, as Jaguar-LandRover surprised us with the debut not only of the concept we were expecting, but a pair of them.
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Land Rover DC100 Info
Land Rover DC100 Photos
- Image Credit: Autoblog
Volvo Concept You
Volvo is known as being safe and, well...safe. But is has aspirations to be much more of a luxury brand when it comes to style and fashion without giving up its reputation as the car you'd most want to have a T-bone collision in.
Volvo's "Concept You" is long, low and wide, three of our favorite flavors when it comes to sedans. Especially of late, long-hooded four-doors with sweeping greenhouses have been hits on auto show stages. Think Porsch's Panamera. If this is really what Volvo plans to do, then its recent talk of moving into the luxury ranks might not be so far fetched.
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Volvo Concept You Info
Volvo Concept You Photos
- Image Credit: Autoblog
Fiat Abarth
Fiat made its splash this year in the U.S. by launching its ultra cute 500 hatchback. It will be launching the the Abarth, premium versions of the 500 at Fiat Studios next year.
At the Frankfurt Motor Show, the Italian automaker showed three versions, each one pretty awesome in its own right, so check 'em out in our high-res image galleries live from the show floor.
More on the Fiat Abarth
Fiat Abarth Info
Fiat Abarth Photos
- Image Credit: Autoblog
Jaguar C-X16 Concept
The C-X16 is most definitely headed for Jag showrooms and could actually be fairly affordable. Although it looks like a replacement for the aging Jaguar XK luxury coupe, it isn't. In fact, a version of the C-X16 will be priced below the $90,000-plus XK and battle smaller luxury sport coupes like the Porsche Cayman.
More on the Jaguar C-X16 Concept
Jaguar C-X16 Concept Info
Jaguar C-X16 Concept Photos