2005 Frankfurt Auto Show - Part I

October 1, 2005 - By John LeBlanc

FRANKFURT - With Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Volkswagen playing up to the home crowd, it's always a full agenda when the auto show circus comes to Frankfurt every two years.

You've probably seen some of this year's highlights already. So after two days spent tromping around the largest auto show in the world, here are six production and concept cars that, as a car zealot, you might want to start saving up your pennies for:

COMING SOON TO A DEALER NEAR YOU


JAGUAR XK Quick to dispel the notion that this is merely a re-clothed Aston Martin DB9, Jaguar wants you to look hard, really hard, at the traditional Jag touches such as the aluminum interior bits, the front hood's power bulge, the hatchback and the quintessential oval grille that's been on Jag two-seaters since the Queen was in her nappies. Design context aside, what you need to know is that the next-generation XK combines the same rigid aluminum structure as the latest XJ sedan and a 300-horsepower, 4.2-litre V8 that springs this cat to 100 kilometres an hour in 5.9 seconds, topping out at an electronically limited 250 km/h. On sale Spring '06 Estimated price $100,000, or so Future competitors BMW 650i Coupe $101,500, Lexus SC430 $88,770, Maserati Coupe GT $94,003, Mercedes-Benz CL 500 $138,750.


BMW Z4 COUPE CONCEPT Scrap the "concept" tag, this is a keeper. With the cult-like status given to the original Z3 M Coupe, all it took was rival Porsche to unveil its two-seater coupe (see Cayman below), et voila! Out back, there's a bit more luggage space with the hatch configuration. Up front, a 260-hp, 3.0L in-line six-cylinder engine will initally be on tap. Expect the inevitable M version with a 360-hp take on the current M3's mill to follow. On sale Summer '06 Estimated price $65,000 Future competitors Audi TT 3.2 $60,450, Chevrolet Corvette Coupe $67,395, Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 $62,575, Mercedes-Benz SLT $75,000 (est.), Nissan 350Z $45,400, Porsche Cayman S $70,000 (est.).


PORSCHE CAYMAN S The buff magazines have already done photo spreads and road tests, but this was the official unveiling to the public of what some say is a better drive than the hallowed 911. The Boxster-based, two-seat, mid-engined sports car is sized and priced midway between its progenitor and the 911, with a 3.4L, 295-hp flat-six-cylinder engine. On sale Spring '06 Estimated price $70,000 Future competitors Audi TT 3.2 $60,450, BMW Z4 Coupe $65,000, Chevrolet Corvette Coupe $67,395, Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 $62,575, Mercedes-Benz SLT $75,000 (est.), Nissan 350Z $45,400.

CONCEPTUALLY SPEAKING...


MITSUBISHI LANCER SPORTBACK Compared to its DaimlerChrysler platform-mates and Frankfurt debutantes -- Dodge's Caliber and Jeep's Compass Rallye and Patriot -- the Mitsu, potentially, will be the most fun to drive. To shed the school-marm rep of the current Lancer (EVO excepted), a Dakar rally car-inspired five-door hatch body with a tall, raised-roof profile, rather than the traditional four- door, notchback sedan was shown. Depending on how successful Mitsu management does with its bottle-drive fundraisers, we may eventually see a three-door, folding hardtop convertible, station wagon and some mini-MPV variants. Chance of importation If not, Mitsu might as well close up shop here in Canada In the meantime, try Ford Focus ZX5 $21,755, Mazda3 Sport GT $21,485, Subaru Impreza 2.5i Sport Wagon $23,495, Toyota Matrix FWD $16,925, Volkswagen Golf CL $18,530.
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MAZDA SASSOU If you think the Mini Cooper needs some competition, then start the letter campaign to Mazda. Designed in its European studio right here in Frankfurt, the three-door concept has a direct-injection 1.0L three-cylinder engine and a minimalist interior with front seats mounted aircraft-style. Mazda claims the Sassou indicates the future of its global B-car plans, currently represented by the European Ford Fiesta-based Mazda2. Chance of importation Not bad. If the price of gas keeps on keeping on, then expect to see the next-gen five-door Mazda2 first, then this little firecracker later. In the meantime, try Mini Cooper Classic $23,500, smart fortwo cdi $16,700, Toyota Echo hatchback $12,995.


MINI TRAVELLER Parent BMW wants you to look back 45 years to the original Mini Traveller as the inspiration for this very modern car. The reality is the Traveller speaks to the future of Mini and how the brand can be extended -- literally. The front end's higher hood reveals how BMW is dealing with the new European pedestrian safety regulations. The parallelogram doors won't make it into production, but the extra length will, along with some kind of Mazda RX-8-like clamshell door design to get people into the back of this bigger small car easier. Chance of importation Slam dunk. Selling a "fun little four-door" to the spouse just got a whole lot easier. In the meantime, try Audi A3 2.0 T $33,650, Mazda3 Sport GT $21,485, Subaru WRX Wagon $35,495.

- John LeBlanc, Publisher, www.straight-six.com

© National Post 2005. This article originally appeared in The National Post's Driver's Edge.