Mercedes-Benz Viano Vision Pearl Concept

We first reported on Mercedes-Benz's Frankfurt auto show-bound Viano Vision Pearl Concept just last week, but since then, the German automaker has released a slew of new photos detailing the luxury people carrier.

But for those that simply want the skinny on the design concept, Mercedes-Benz crafted a deluxe passenger van out of its Viano model with most changes taking place inside.
These include a full leather treatment in a two-tone white and gray color theme, wood flooring and matching side trim, brushed aluminium accents and a bespoke Bang & Olufsen sound system.
On the outside, there are some modest touches such as the unique "magno pearl grey” and a revised front end featuring LED daytime running lamps.

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Ford to Show Four World Premieres Focus in Frankfur

As we are nearing closer and closer to the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, which will be held for the public from September 15 to 25, automakers are slowly releasing more details about their plans.
Today, Ford revealed that it is planning four global product presentations in Frankfurt including "a new design concept" and what the company described as "details of the next Focus performance car".
“Ford plans to make a strong statement at the Frankfurt Motor Show, with several very exciting global product reveals and our significantly expanded show stand,” said Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe. “We’re excited to be showing customers our best-ever vehicle line-up and a special glimpse of the future,” Odell added.
So what cars is Ford planning to show in Germany? Well, the "next performance Focus" will most likely be the production Focus ST that was previewed at the 2010 Paris Show in concept trim, while the other two product premieres could be the new sporty Fiesta ST and the production version of last year's Veratrek concept compact SUV that will replace both the European Kuga and North American Escape models.
As for the concept model, your guess is as good as ours, but we wouldn't be surprised if Ford showed a design study for a new member of the Focus family.

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Jaguar E-type New Concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show

Over the past few years, we've heard plenty of rumors concerning Jaguar's plans to build a spiritual successor to the famed E-type of the 1960s and 1970s. The latest word on the grapevine comes from British weekly magazine Autocar that claims Jaguar will release a sporty model in the spirit of the E-type as early as next year.
The magazine says the firm's Indian owner Tata Motors is determined to resurrect the spirit of the iconic Jag. The new model, codenamed XE, is planned as a rival to Porsche’s new Boxster.
Company insiders are cited as saying that the XE will not be a retro interpretation of the classic E-type but a modern roadster that will, however, have some styling similarities with the original like a long bonnet and short tail.
The XE will be based on a new, all-aluminum platform that will also underpin the successor to the current XK, itself due for launch in 2014. It will be smaller than the XK with a length of around 4.3 meters, because its wheelbase will be shortened since it will only accommodate the driver and a passenger.
The report goes on to say that the XE will be revealed as a concept at the forthcoming Frankfurt Motor Show in September, while production of the road version is expected to begin at Castle Bromwich in 2012. It will initially be produced only as a roadster, although there is still talk about a coupe version to battle the next generation of the Cayman.
Under the hood will be V6 engines, both normally aspirated and supercharged for the hotter versions. A more affordable turbocharged four-cylinder with lower emissions has also been considered.
What hasn’t been decided yet is what to call the new model. XE will most likely remain just a code. XE-E would be too close to the original, plus Jaguar has already expressed its desire to change the names of its cars. So the brainstorming continues.
Whatever they decide to name it, we hope that they eventually build it and this is not just another false alert.
*All Photos are of the Jaguar F-Type Concept that was introduced in 2000

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Lamborghini "New Supercar Model" at Frankfurt Motor Show

What is claimed to be an official press invitation from Lamborghini for the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in the form of an image that was allegedly sent through email is making the internet rounds today.

The invitation reads: "Discover a new Lamborghini super sports car at the next Frankfurt Motor Show. Press conference 13/09/11, 12:45, Lamborghini stand at IAA."
We can't be 100 percent sure about its authenticity, but if real, it raises the question what will this new "Lamborghini super sports car" be? The answer could be anything from the production version of the evil-looking Sesto Elemento and either a roadster or a more extreme version of the new Aventador, or perhaps a different concept model altogether. Follow the jump to share your thoughts in the comments section.

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Fiat 500 by Gucci, Priced from €20k

With the "500 by Gucci" hatchback having already logged some 3,000 pre-orders online, Fiat wasn't about to let a good run go to waste. Today, the Italians announced the release of topless version that goes by the name "500C by Gucci".


Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini once again customized the special edition version of the 500C in collaboration with the Centro Stile Fiat. The chief difference between the two models is that Giannini removed the green-red-green Gucci web pattern from the 500C's profile and placed it on the car's electrically operated black top.
Like the hatchback model, the 500C by Gucci will be available in either white with matte chrome-plated elements or glossy black with shiny chrome-plated accents.
Other exterior details worth mentioning are the 16-inch spoked alloy wheels with a double "G" logo on the hubcaps and Gucci signature in italics displayed on the tailgate and on the door pillar.
Inside, we find the same upgrades and unique elements seen on the hatch including the bespoke Gucci upholstery, satin and polished chrome-plated elements, and a velvet-effect finish on the radio panel.
The topless model will be available for order this month and from September will be on display in selected Italian Fiat showrooms. In Italy, the 500C by Gucci will have a price tag of €20,000 (approximately US$28,900).

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Mazda Unveils New CX-5 Compact SUV

A little over a year after Mazda previewed the Minagi Concept at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, the Japanese company lifted the curtains off the production version of its compact SUV that we will come to know as the CX-5.

The world premiere of the CX-5 will take place at the 64th Frankfurt Motor Show that opens on September 13 and will go on sale in early 2012.
Mazda says the CX-5 is its first production model to adopt the new “KODO – Soul of Motion” design theme that we saw in the Minagi and Shinari concept cars. The highlights of this new theme are a prominent front fascia and a more dynamic styling which the company says conveys "a strong sense of vitality and agility”.
The CX-7’s smaller “brother” is also the first Mazda model to adopt the full range of the firm's SKYACTIV technologies.
Depending on the market, the CX-5 will be available with gasoline and diesel engines hooked up to manual and automatic transmissions.
The European version will be offered with the SKYACTIV-G gasoline 2.0-liter engine and the SKYACTIV-D 2.2-liter diesel in two configurations, Standard and High Power, which emit less than 120 g of CO2 per km.

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