OpenRoad's Frankfurt Motor Show 2015 top picks
The 66th annual Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA), or Frankfurt Motor Show, is in full swing right now in Germany. There have been dozens of new vehicles and concept debuts since the show opened a few days ago, but we picked out a handful that are particularly intriguing. Here are OpenRoad’s top three cars from this year’s IAA.
Porsche Mission E
Porsche has been very interested lately in the field of hybrid technology, evidenced by their release of several partially electric models last year. The Mission E concept car, however, is the brand’s first four-seater that is completely powered by electricity. With a range of over 500 kilometres on one charge, it only takes approximately 15 minutes to replenish 80 per cent of the battery thanks to Porsche’s unique 800-volt turbo charging system.
Key stats
Horsepower: 600
Powertrain: two permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM)
Transmission: all-wheel drive
Seats: four
Fun fact: A camera mounted to the rear-view mirror detects the driver’s mood.
Mazda KOERU
Before you ask — KOERU means “exceed” or “go beyond” in Japanese, which is what the company is trying to do with their latest crossover concept. It has Mazda’s current KODO styling written all over it, but also includes a few twists like the rings around the LED headlights that are supposed to resemble an untamed animal. As usual, engine specifics aren’t being disclosed but expect some form of SKYACTIV.
Key stats
Horsepower: ?
Powertrain: ?
Transmission: ?
Seats: five
Fun fact: The KOERU is rumoured to lead to a three-door CX-4 model, or a new CX-7 or CX-9.
Toyota C-HR
Consumers’ appetites for compact, fuel-efficient crossovers the world over continue to grow, and Toyota is hoping to capitalize on that with the C-HR Concept hybrid. The automaker has stated plainly they are looking to bring a new model to market, and hope to have a production-ready model to announce in a matter of months. Few specifics are known at this point besides the dimensions: 4,350 millimetres (length); 1,850 mm (width); 1,500 mm (height); 2,640 mm (wheelbase).
Key stats
Horsepower: ?
Powertrain: ?
Transmission: ?
Seats: five
Fun fact: The original concept featured a three-door design with a blue and black roof.
