Frankfurt is a city of stark contrast. By European standards, it is in many ways quite young. Over 700,000 people call this home, but only a small section remains of the original town center. It is here that cobblestones and Bavarian architecture reside in sharp contrast to the glass and steel edifices of a new Germany. 

At Frankfurt Messe, where the motor show is held every two years, the entire complex has been significantly upgraded in keeping with the tradition of making everything old new again.

BMW took full advantage of this change by building a complete driving track within their expansive display hall. During the opening ceremonies, drivers piloted both new and vintage automobiles around the track demonstrating the best in technology at speeds generally reserved for outdoor display. Frankfurt is, after all, the place to emphasize the power of the automobile. Here are several additional highlights from the show in part two of our coverage.

Mazda MX-5 Superlight



It may not seem possible, but it has been 20 years since the introduction of the first Mazda MX-5 roadster. In North America specifically, the Miata has developed a cult following for being fun-to-drive and economical to own. The Mazda MX-5 Superlight is the next step in the Japanese carmakers desire to become more fuel efficient without sacrificing the expected level of enjoyment.

Looking somewhat like a Le Mans race car of old, the concept only car features no fixed roof or canvas alternative. Instead, wind blows unimpeded through the cabin while roll-over bars add protection for both driver and passenger. A center-mounted rearview mirror looks very similar to the original interstellar travel icon, ET, but the desire to go home is certain to be less of a draw for drivers as it was for him.

Power comes in the form of a 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder engine. It produces 126 hp at 6500 rpm and 167 lb.-ft. of torque at 4500 rpm. Carbon fibre saves weight throughout the vehicle. This includes the “floating design” center console and door reinforcements. Mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, the Mazda MX-5 Superlight is as easy to drive as any of its predecessors. It appears zoom-zoom is here to stay.

Audi R8 Spyder



Having recently spent significant time in the fixed roof version of the fabulous Audi R8, it came as no surprise the Ingolstadt automaker chose a V10 engine for the premier of their new R8 Spyder.

With 525 horsepower on tap and a listed top speed of 194.49 mph, 0-62 mph is achieved in a mere 4.1 seconds. Drop the top and the experience of driving all that power with the wind in your hair must be exhilarating. I can’t wait to find out!

Powerful lines grace the side profile of the exotic Audi R8 Spyder. A standard Audi feature, the new Spyder is equipped with a canvass roof. Lowering the top takes a mere 19 seconds as demonstrated on the Frankfurt show floor. Even at speeds up to 31 mph, the roof slides out of the way and sunshine is encouraged to fill the passenger compartment with warmth and light.

A more exotic German car is hard to find. Designed as a super sports car for the ages, the Audi R8 Spyder provides one of the most visceral and awe-inspiring driving performances of the 21st Century.

Rolls-Royce Ghost



You know the luxury car market has changed when Rolls-Royce makes good on their promise to develop an “affordable” sedan for the road. Reasonably priced and Rolls-Royce automobiles go together like Tiger Woods and the rest of the PGA tour. Understanding both offer first-class performance, only one is certain to be worth your hard earned, or not so hard earned, dollars on Sunday when a trophy is on the line. 

Seating for five is standard on this four-door sedan extraordinaire. Weighing a hefty 6,482 lbs., the Ghost is still quick enough to accelerate from zero-60 mph in just over 4.5 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155 mph.

Rack and pinion steering allows for spirited driving even on undulating country roads. Getting to the guest house at the manor couldn’t be more exciting. Front and rear brakes are ventilated disc with large 20” alloy wheels standard; 21” optional.
 
Though many will say an economical version of a Rolls-Royce automobile is still a frivolous purchase, the fact the company has chosen to produce the Ghost says as much about their progressive thinking as it does about the times we live in. Still exclusive, the admissions list at the country club just got a little longer.

Conclusion

The 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show was bigger and better in every way. With so much going on in the automotive industry these days, bringing any new vehicle to market is nothing more than the roll of a dice. Which vehicles prove successful is a test certain to become tougher as this new millennium goes forward.

Fun is still a hot button for most consumers, but this has been superseded in many ways by the desire to be fuel conscious and “green”. If Frankfurt is any indication, the future looks fascinating. Everything old is new again is a motto certain to be with us for many years to come. Watch for our next auto show coverage coming from at the 2009 LA Auto Show in early December. The results of months spent planning and designing the next generation of cars, trucks and SUV’s is sure to surprise once again.

Go back to:

2009 Frankfurt Motor Show - Part 1