The 68th International Motor Show (IAA) is set to open next week (12-22 September) in Frankfurt am Main.
As could be expected, German brands will feature at the show. But while national carmakers take centre stage, global trends will dominate the vehicles on display.
This means that along with highly-efficient petrol and diesel models, there will be a predominance of vehicles using electrified powertrains. These will range from mild- and plugin hybrids (PHEVs), through to pure electrics (EVs).
Leading the charge (apologies) is the all-new VW ID.3. Various ID concept models have featured at recent motor shows, but this will be the first production-ready vehicle to be revealed. The model is critical to Volkswagen’s market placement, delivering affordable all-electric transport.
At the other end of the scale is the Porsche Taycan. While the Stuttgart carmaker has already made moves to lower vehicle emissions, by removing diesel engines and adding petrol-hybrids to the range, this is the first pure EV.
As with any Porsche, this new four-door, four-wheel drive sports car promises scintillating performance. The 85kW battery pack is expected to deliver a range of about 250 miles. But with prices at about €125,0000, the Taycan is still out of reach for most buyers.
Looking at models with hybrid powertrains, BMW will unveil the Vision M Next. Powered by a supercharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor on the front axle, the concept hybrid is expected to replace the highly-successful i8 sports coupe.
BMW will also reveal the new X6 Sport SUV. Based on the X5, unveiled at last year’s Paris motor show, the new model will feature a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8. Further to this, the Munich-based OEM will also show the BMW X6 Vantablack. This special model features a coating capable of absorbing nearly 100% of light reaching the body surface, helping to keep the vehicle cool and further reducing energy required to chill the passenger compartment.
Efficiency is becoming more critical across the automotive landscape, to improve fuel economy and to improve EV range. Extended range helps to alleviate ‘range anxiety’, but beyond that, once vehicle range reaches a tipping point of about 400km, that is sufficient to cover any standard day’s driving, with recharging completed overnight instead of enroute.
PRW will be attending the IAA press days next week to speak with a series of OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers to find out more about material selection in these new models and how that both supports performance and also end-of-life vehicle recycling.
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