CARtoday.com brings you some of the highlights from the first day of the 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show. There’s something for (and from) everyone.
CARtoday.com brings you some of the highlights from the first day of the 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show. This year’s event is widely expected to be a showdown between the superminis such as the Citroën C3, Ford Fiesta and VW Polo but, as this report suggests, there’s something for (and from) everyone …
Subaru
Fans of the Impreza cult-car have flocked to Subaru’s stand at the show to catch a glimpse of a hot version of the legendary road rocket. The WRX STi delivers 198 kW, will rocket from zero to 100 km/h in just 5,2 seconds and has a top speed of 240 km/h. A body-kitted version badged STi Prodrive Style will also be available.
The WRX STi has an uprated suspension, 17-inch wheels, faster steering response and a heavily modified turbo engine mated with a new six-speed gearbox. The car also features a limited slip differential and an all-new four-wheel drive system. The car can be told apart from its stablemates by smoke glass headlamps, a bigger bonnet air intake, and a single, larger exhaust.
Volvo
Volvo has given its award-winning V70 a powerful racing image in the form of the Performance Concept Car Two. Like Volvo’s first Performance Concept Car, based on an S60, the “Two” has a 224 kW 2,4-litre turbo engine, a six-speed gearbox, electronically controlled four-wheel drive, 19-inch wheels, and one of the world’s most advanced ‘adjustable’ chassis.
The front spoiler is designed with an additional aerofoil, running from its lower lip along the side of the car and up to the rear spoiler. Volvo, however, has no plans to put the car into production.
Ford
The Blue Oval has unveiled a new car that combines off-road looks with MPV practicality and supermini running gear, called the Fusion. Ford claims the car will be the ultimate vehicle for urban families. Based on the new Fiesta – which is also here at the show – it’s set for production late next year.
MG Rover
The English marque’s revival continues with the first look at the X80, a coupé based on the Qvale Mangusta project that the Midlands manufacturer bought earlier this year. A true V8 supercar claimed to reach a top speed of 260 km/h, the X80 is aimed at stealing sales from the likes of Porsche’s 911.
Mitsubishi
The successor to the outrageous 4×4, the Pajero Evolution, has arrived. Blending the lines of a coupé with monstrous off-road potential, the car has had the Frankfurt crowd on its feet. It is still unclear whether this radical car will make it into production.
Honda
The new CR-V – designed to go head to head with Land Rover’s Freelander – looks “chunkier” than the outgoing model, but retains the two-litre engine from its predecessor. The interior has been altered to make the vehicle more user-friendly, and standard specification comprises side-airbags and fold-out picnic table.
