Frankfurt Motor Show 2015: news round-up
All the important news from the Frankfurt Motor Show in one page, plus pictures and videos straight from the show floor
The 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show delighted car fans and the automotive industry alike with some huge new car launches, exciting announcements, world record attempts and the latest technology to push the car industry forward.
As Frankfurt battles to become the biggest motor show in the world, manufacturers lined up to out do one another to take the headlines.
German manufacturers were out in force to outdo one another and to dominate the show. However the Brits put up a good fight, debuting some exciting new models as well - and of course the rest of the world wanted a look in, too.
Jaguar broke the world record with the world’s largest loop the loop as they unveiled their new all-terrain Jaguar F-Pace SUV. Although we’re not sure that was the terrain originally foreseen at concept stage. Bentley joined the SUV market with its sector creating super-luxury Bentley Bentayga.
Supercar headlines went to Lamborghini and Ferrari for their new Lamborghini Huracan Spider and 488 Spider. Us mere mortals can look forward to a new Vauxhall Astra, Alfa Romeo Giulia and Renault Megane.
There was much, much more too, with the Mercedes IAA and Porsche Mission E concepts lifting the curtain on the future design and tech thinking for their respective brands. On top of that, we saw a string of launches from Audi, BMW, SEAT, Nissan, Mazda and others.
Scroll down the page for a full round-up of all the news, pictures and video from the Frankfurt Motor Show...
The star cars of the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show
- • Alfa Romeo Giulia - The Giulia is a crucial car in Alfa's bid to re-establish itself as a premium player
- • Renault Megane - Renault's Focus rival made its debut promising design flair and practicality
- • Bentley Bentayga - After months of spy shots and teaser pics the Bentayga finally arrived
- • Jaguar F-Pace - Another new SUV arrival from Jaguar, will the British marque have a hit on its hands?
- • Vauxhall Astra - The new Astra will be a big seller and Vauxhall hopes this one will eclipse the Ford Focus.
- • Mercedes IAA Concept - Mercedes shocked the show with its 'Intelligent Aerodynamic Automobile'
- • Rolls-Royce Dawn - Craftsmanship and cachet come at a price but the Rolls-Royce Dawn looked well worth it
- • Porsche Mission E - Porsche looks to challenge the Tesla Model S with an electric performance car of its own
Frankfurt Motor Show: features
• Best cars at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show• Nine things we learned at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show
Frankfurt Motor Show 2015: picture gallery
The best pics from our snappers on the Frankfurt show floor...
Frankfurt Motor Show: top news stories
The Frankfurt show isn't just an opportunity to drool over the latest new cars and concepts. Our reporters trawled the halls, seeking out the top car industry execs on the hunt for the big news stories...
All-new Nissan Juke due in 2018 - Nissan will replace the Juke crossover in 2018 with a possible hybrid model planned.Bosch batteries to help kick start electric car revolution by 2020 - Bosch is confident it can double the density of its electric car batteries by 2020.All Audis to be offered with plug-in technology - Audi has underlined the importance of electric cars in its future model line-up.Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV to launch late in 2018 - New Rolls-Royce SUV is likely to retain Cullinan codename. Ford Focus RS prices and performance details revealed - The new Ford Focus RS is on sale from under £30k, ands does 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds.2016 World Car of the Year awards nominations revealed - The runners and riders announced for the World Car of the Year 2016 award.Jaguar C-X75 & Range Rover Sport SVR are latest Bond cars - Jaguar and Land Rover models shown at the Frankfurt show will appear in new Bond film.Mazda bosses keen on new SUV based on Koeru Frankfurt star - A production car based on the Mazda Koeru SUV concept is a real possibility.Next Porsche Boxster and Cayman to get 4cyl turbos - most of the next Porsche Boxster/Cayman range will use 4cyl turbo engines.
Frankfurt Motor Show 2015 - A to Z of new models
Alfa Romeo
Alfa caused a big stir with the unveiling of its exciting new BMW 3 Series rival. The dramatic, rear-wheel drive Giulia has been shown again in Frankfurt ahead of its mid-2016 release, and we we've got more details on the performance of the flagship 503bhp Quadrifoglio model.
The one issue that concerned some was that Alfa still isn't showing 'regular' versions of the Giulia that most customers will buy, but we do expect there to be a range of four cylinder petrol and diesel engines available at launch.
Audi
• Audi A4• Audi S4• Audi e-tron Quattro• All Audis to be offered with plug-in technology
The fifth-generation Audi A4 was unveiled at Frankfurt. While its design is similar to the outgoing version, the new A4 uses the VW Group’s MQB platform - with more interior space and a range of more efficient engines, as well as a raft of new tech. Audi also revealed the S4 performance variant which uses a 349bhp turbocharged V6.
We also saw a new electric SUV concept from Audi, the e-tron Quattro. It'll go up against cars like the Tesla Model X, but won't be going into production before 2018 and is expected to be badged as the Q6.
Bentley
Bentley’s first production SUV was unveiled at the show. It propels the luxury brand into a new marketplace – the super-luxury 4x4 sector. Bentley describes the Bentayga as “the fastest, most luxurious and most exclusive SUV in the world” and with a mighty all-new 12-cylinder W12 engine under its huge bonnet that first claim is certainly true. With 600bhp and 900NM of torque, the Bentayga will get from 0-60mph in 4.0 seconds and go on to 187mph.
BMW
• BMW 7 Series• BMW X1• BMW 330e• BMW 225xe
BMW debuted the new X1. The second-generation of its small SUV is larger and more rugged than its predecessor, with new petrol engines, increased interior space and the latest safety tech. We also saw the facelifted BMW 3 Series, which gets new, more efficient engines, an updated interior and tiny tweaks to the exterior.
There was a public debut for BMW's flagship too. The evolutionary design of the new BMW 7 Series is similar to the outgoing car, but key new tech such as the new touchscreen infotainment system, gesture control and a world first ‘Parking Assistant’ features. The new model is 14cm longer, as well as being a notable 130kg lighter than the old model.
In addition BMW highlighted two new models adding to its range of hybrids. The 330e is a dedicated rear-drive, four-door saloon and aims to offer hybrid advantages without alienating the current 3 Series customer base. It combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor, which is capable of powering the car for up to 25 miles on the batteries alone.
The 225xe uses a less conventional platform, which will underpin the next-generation X1. It uses the powertrain layout from the BMW i8, with that car's 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine driving the front wheels and an electric motor driving the rear wheels.
Borgward
Revived German brand Borgward is hoping to come back with a bang with a new seven-seat SUV. Expected to compete with the Kia Sorento, it will come with petrol and hybrid powertrains and four-wheel drive, but won't arrive in Europe until 2017.
Bugatti
• Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo concept
Bugatti revealed the Vision Gran Turismo concept. Designed as a virtual racer in the Gran Turismo video game. The 1,600bhp Vision Gran Turismo includes lots of nods to Bugatti's racing past and includes design features we'll see on the Chiron - the successor to the Veyron.
Citroen
The Citroen C4 Cactus has been reimagined into a successor for the iconic Mehari. The Cactus M Concept is a convertible beach buggy with a waterproof interior, inflatable roof and tough plastic panels. The concept is closer to a real car than most - the designers took a standard Cactus straight from the production line in order to create this fun drop-top.
DS
The curious DS 4 was at Frankfurt, but the new car has also received a rugged makeover with a raised ride height and some additional body cladding - and this version is called the DS 4 Crossback. Like many 'soft-roaders' it won't be available with four-wheel-drive, and will be sold in conjunction with the facelifted standard DS 4.
Ferrari
Ferrari wowed the crowds with the roofless version of its storming 488 GTB at Frankfurt. With a 660 bhp 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8, the new 488 Spider is good for 0-62 mph in 3.0 seconds, and will hit 203mph despite the folding hard-top. But thanks to the controversial forced induction it's also capable of 24.7 mpg and CO2 emissions of 260 g/km.
Ford
• Ford Edge• Ford Ranger• Ford Focus RS prices and performance details revealed• Ford's upmarket Vignale brand "very important" for company's future
Ford revealed its new Edge SUV in European spec ahead of its release in 2016. It sits above the Kuga as the firm's flagship SUV in the range, claiming to offer interior space to rival the VW Touareg and yet be priced below £30,000.
It's been on sale in the US for a year, however. Alongside the Edge is the firm's all-new Ranger pick-up. It gets a butch new look, more efficient engines and Ford's latest active safety and comfort tech.
Honda
• Honda Project 2&4 • Honda Civic Tourer Active Life Concept
Honda took the wraps off its radical Project 2&4 concept ahead of the Frankfurt Motor Show. The single-seater is a collaboration between the brand’s motorcycle and automobile design studios, and is intended to combine the open-riding sensations of a motorbike with the manoeuvrability of a car. The firm is also showing the Civic Tourer Active Life, a bike-friendly Civic estate.
Hyundai
• Hyundai i20 Active• Hyundai N division
Hyundai caused a stir at Frankfurt with the launch of the 'N' performance sub-division and two new concept cars. The company claims to have carried out intensive testing and product development to come up with Hyundai ‘N’, a sub-brand aimed at providing a cut-price alternative to the likes of BMW M and Mercedes-AMG.
Hyundai’s prototype WRC car, based on the new i20 Coupe, appeared on stage at the event giving us a good idea on what’s to come, which according to Hyundai will be a full “performance-orientated and race-track-capable” line-up.
The i20 Active was also seen for the first time at the show, an attempt by Hyundai to cash in on the booming supermini-sized crossover market.
Infiniti
Infiniti’s new Q30 small premium hatchback is aiming straight at the Mercedes A-Class, and even shares some of its powertrains and chassis. It'll be produced at Nissan’s Sunderland plant alongside the Nissan Qashqai and the Nissan Leaf.
Jaguar
We finally saw Jaguar's new F-Pace 'performance crossover' in production form at Frankfurt. With premium rivals such as the Porsche Macan and the Audi Q5 in its sights, Jaguar has high hopes it can crack the mid-sized premium SUV class. Jaguar revealed the car by setting a world record for the biggest loop-the-loop, and you can watch the amazing feat on our video below...
Kia
• Kia Sportage• Kia set to bring hot Sportage and Optima GT models to Europe• New Kia Soul will become ‘fun-to-drive MINI rival’
The all-new Kia Sportage crossover hit the decks at Frankfurt, it clearly takes inspiration from the KX3 Concept that was revealed late last year. A complete engine range overhaul is expected, along with the possible inclusion of new turbocharged three-cylinder units.
With subtly updated styling, a new 1.0-litre ‘ecoTurbo’ three-cylinder engine, a new dual-clutch auto box, plus updated cabin and safety tech, the enhanced Kia Cee’d is set to go head-to-head with the recently refreshed Hyundai i30 when it goes on sale at the end of the year.
The fourth-generation Kia Optima was also on display at Frankfurt, featuring a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox for the first time. It'll be available with a 175bhp petrol or a 141bhp diesel engine, and also features wireless phone charging.
Lamborghini
The Lamborghini Huracan Spyder was unveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show – giving us a taste for the full-blooded V10 drop-top before it goes on sale next year. UK prices have not yet been revealed, although we expect a £10,000 increase over the Huracan coupe (which starts at £180,720) when the roadster arrives in showrooms next spring.
Lexus
The fourth-generation Lexus RX appeared at the Frankfurt Motor Show. As well as the 3.5-litre V6 petrol and hybrid powertrains, we can also expect a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol RX 200t with a target power output of more than 225 bhp. The refreshed Lexus GS was also at the show in European specification.
Mazda
• Mazda Koeru• Mazda bosses keen on new SUV based on Koeru Frankfurt star
Mazda revealed a stunning new crossover SUV concept at Frankfurt Motor Show, which points the way to a production model sitting between the current CX-3 and CX-5. Dubbed ‘Koeru’’ – Japanese for ‘go beyond’ – it’s billed as a cut-price alternative to premium coupe SUV models such as the BMW X4.
Mercedes
• Mercedes S-Class Cabriolet• Mercedes C-Class Coupe• Mercedes GLC Coupe• Mercedes IAA concept
Merc displayed a showstopping cabriolet version of its S-Class luxury coupe. The posh two-door is set to go on sale at the end of the year, with twin-turbocharged V8 and V12 engines to make it a cut-price (but still hardly cheap) alternative to the new Rolls Royce Dawn.
Mercedes also promises refinement and unrivalled luxury at a much lower price point in its swoopy new C-Class Coupe. With neatly styled lines and swept-back headlamps, it's prepared to take on the BMW 4 Series coupe in 2016, with a hot 503bhp C63 AMG and Edition 1 variant also debuting.
The Mercedes Concept IAA is a vision of things to come in the next decade from the brand's luxury car range and it caused quite a stir at Frankfurt. Although the over-exaggerated features won't make it to future road cars, the brand is giving us a look at the future of Mercedes and it looks exciting.
MINI
• MINI Clubman• Electric MINIs put on the back burner
Now the largest model in the MINI range, the new Clubman replaces its unpopular ‘Clubdoor’ with a more traditional four-door layout, while keeping its traditional 'barn door' boot. The use of BMW’s UKL1 platform means that the new MINI Clubman will be taking on big players in the compact estate market.
Nissan
• Nissan Gripz• Nissan NP300 Navara• Nissan Leaf• All-new Nissan Juke due in 2018 • New Nissan Leaf to get 300-mile range
Nissan set out to take the Frankfurt Motor Show by storm with the unveiling of a new Gripz crossover concept. Although model timelines would suggest this could be a Nissan Juke replacement, sources suggest this concept is in-fact a preview for an all-new sports-oriented SUV in the Nissan line-up.
Nissan also showed the all-new Navara pick-up in European spec at Frankfurt. The 'NP300' already on sale in other markets around the world, and we don't expect many changes for the car heading to the UK. It gets updated styling, improved ride and handling and a new cabin design with extra safety tech.
Finally, the firm treated us to an upgraded version of the Leaf electric car with a 30kw battery. The extra battery capacity will enable the EV to cover around 150-160 miles on a full charge, up from the realistic 80-100 miles expected out of existing Leafs.
Peugeot
• Peugeot 308 R Hybrid• Peugeot Fractal concept
The new 266bhp Peugeot 308 GTi hatchback made its debut at the show. The French firm has also all but confirmed the bonkers 493bhp 308 R Hybrid hatchback will go on sale.
The Fractal Concept was also on display, a car that indicates Peugeot's new design direction. The bold design will be toned down before it's seen on standard models, but features like a 3D-printed interior and keyless entry via smartwatch may be close to production.
Porsche
• Porsche 911• Porsche Mission E concept• New Porsche 911 Turbo facelift: engine details revealed• Next Porsche Boxster and Cayman to get 4cyl turbos
Although styling revisions will be typically subtle from the Stuttgart firm's facelifted 911, the iconic sports car gets a complete engine range overhaul as 3.0-litre turbocharged engines make their way into the Carrera and Carrera S.
We were also treated to the Mission E concept, a high performance electric car with the Tesla Model S in its sights.
Renault
• Renault Megane• New Renault Scenic aims to make parents fall in love again• Next Renaultsport Megane will be five-door only
Renault's new Ford Focus rival appeared in the flesh at the Frankfurt show. Longer, lower and wider, the new hatch gets a bolder and more dynamic design than before, with cues from the latest Clio and Kadjar SUV. LED headlamps help it stand out, while the firm claims it will get a distinctly higher quality interior than the outgoing car.
Renault also showcased the Espace MPV and Talisman Estate at the show. The Espace adds crossover style to the 7-seat MPV sector, and is biased towards comfort rather than an involving drive. The estate version of the Talisman saloon is a successor to the slow-selling Laguna. Unfortunately neither of these cars will be sold in the UK.
Rolls-Royce
• Rolls-Royce Dawn• Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV to launch late in 2018
V12 power and coupe-like refinement went in to making the new Rolls-Royce Dawn soft-top one of the stars of the Frankfurt Motor Show. The cabin is mostly shared with the Wraith, and quality is exceptional – as you’d expect of a car that’ll cost £250,000 or so.
But the Dawn isn’t just a styling exercise. Lots of engineering effort has gone into making it incredibly refined. In fact, Rolls believes this will be the quietest cloth-roof car on sale, so you’ll only get a hint of noise from the Ghost-sourced 6.6-litre turbo V12, as the Dawn is more of a boulevard cruiser than the Wraith.
SEAT
• SEAT Ibiza Cupra • SEAT Leon Cupra 290• SEAT Leon Sport Cross
SEAT unveiled its latest Ibiza Cupra, which fits in with the rest of the updated Ibiza range. The new car borrows the more powerful 1.8-litre turbo from the VW Polo GTI, developing 189bhp, and styling changes include a central exhaust and more aggressive bodykit. The firm also previewed the Leon Cupra 290 - an uprated version of the Cupra 280 with 286bhp and the Leon Sport Cross which is said to preview a hot Leon-based crossover.
Smart
The third-generation Fortwo city car will, like before, get the option of an electric folding fabric roof. It's due to go on sale right after Frankfurt and we were treated to a look at the car in the metal at the show.
SsangYong
• SsangYong XLV-Air• SsangYong XAV-Adventure
SsangYong showcased two concept SUVs. The first of these, called the XLV-Air, will be an elongated version of the Tivoli, but it's unknown whether this will hit the UK. The second, the XAV-Adventure, is a more rugged compact crossover, possibly built to replace the ageing Korando in the UK.
Suzuki
• Suzuki Baleno• Suzuki Vitara S
Suzuki revealed full details on its new Baleno at the show. The B-segment model was first show as the IK-2 concept at this year's Geneva Motor Show. It's designed to provide an extra dose of practicality missing from the current six-year old Swift, which is one of the smaller superminis on sale.
But it won't directly succeed the Swift itself, as an all-new supermini is expected to arrive later in 2016. Also on the Suzuki stand was the Vitara S, a new version of the Vitara with a 138bhp turbo petrol engine.
Thunder Power
It's not very often that a car brand comes around that we've never heard of, but newly born 'Thunder Power' has the intention to build an electric car to beat the Tesla Model S. An early version of this Tesla trouncer was showcased at Frankfurt.
The Thunder Power electric car is claiming to offer 430bhp, with enough juice in the batteries for a 373-mile range. 0-62mph will be despatched with in under 5 seconds, and the car will go onto a top speed of 155mph - all impressive numbers, especially form a start-up company.
Toyota
The new Toyota Prius hit the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show before going on sale early next year. The brand says the new fourth-generation Toyota Prius will “establish new benchmarks in fuel economy”. The 1.8-litre petrol engine is set to remain with a downsized electric motor and a separate electric power unit to drive the rear wheels. This so-called ‘e-4WD’ system will only work at speeds of up to 37mph but will boost grip in poor weather conditions.
Toyota also surprised Frankfurt showgoers with the unveiling of a concept for a hybrid crossover. The 'C-HR' is a near-production preview, and Toyota bosses have confirmed it will be built and shown at the 2016 Geneva show.
Vauxhall
• Vauxhall Astra• Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer• Vauxhall Vivaro Surf Concept• Vauxhall's importance to GM underlined by new model blitz
The all-new Astra made its debut in Frankfurt, hoping to steal the show from the new Megane. With a sharper exterior design, more upmarket cabin, additional safety tech and a more efficient engine range, it aims to be a credible rival to the Auto Express-award-winning SEAT Leon.
Vauxhall also showed us the Astra TCR, an Astra-based racer destined for the TCR international touring car championship and the Astra Sports Tourer estate version. Van drivers will appreciate a special concept version of the Vivaro van called the Vivaro Surf concept.
Listen: exclusive interview with GM CEO Mary Barra
Frankfurt 2015 press conference timeline
When did the covers come off the key cars at Frankfurt 2015? Find out the timing and content of each manufacturer press conference with our interactive timeline, click the links to read the full stories on the key cars...
Frankfurt Motor Show 2015: dates and tickets
The dates of the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show are Tuesday 15th of September to Sunday 27th of September. The press days were on September 15th and 16th when Auto Express reported live from the show as usual with full details of all the new cars on this page. The 17th and 18th of September are reserved for trade and fleet visitors but tickets for the public days are available now from the official website.
Bookmark this page for all the latest news from the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show as it happens!
