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By
ALISTAIR KENNEDY
17 September 2007
The world’s automotive eyes are on Frankfurt this week for the
German city’s annual motor show. Not surprisingly the show’s
dominant theme is environmental responsibility with the emphasis on low
emissions and fuel economy with most of the industry’s leading players
trying to out-do each other with clever designs and innovations.
Mercedes-Benz has given show visitors a sign of its future
directions with the F700 Research Car. A 5.17-metre long luxury
touring sedan it’s powered by a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol
engine which, combined with a diesel drive, provides CO2 emissions
of just 127 grams per kilometre and fuel consumption of 5.3 litres
per 100 kilometers.
Fuel efficiency is a strength of the Mitsubishi Concept-cX, a
compact SUV powered by a new Euro 5 compliant 1.8-litre diesel
engine. Continuing the green theme it makes extensive use of
interior trim materials made from Mitsubishi's Green Plastic,
constructed from a combination of bamboo and other plant-based
resins.
Aimed fairly and squarely at the youth market is the Nissan
Mixim concept. The driver sits in the centre of the car with seats
on either side and with a steering wheel and other controls
straight from computer game controls. Mixim is powered by a Nissan
electric motor/generator and using compact lithium-ion batteries.
One motor powers the front axle and a second drives the rear axle,
thus providing all-wheel drive. Mixim is just 3.7-metres long and
weighs just 950 kg and is in line with the Nissan Green Program.
From BMW comes the Concept X6, the third model in the company’s
SUV range. While it boasts similar off-road credentials to its X3
and X5 siblings, the X6 Concept takes a dramatically different
styling route. Although there are four passenger doors its sleek
styling justifies BMW’s description as the world’s first Sport
Activity Coupe. Short front overhang, good ground clearance and
large flared wheel arches housing 21-inch alloy wheels suggest
that the X6 will cut a fine figure in the Aussie bush.
French car maker Renault has taken a similar path with its
Koleas concept car. A stylish SUV/compact people mover crossover
that’s due for release in 2008 it comes with a new 4WD chassis
and 2.0-litre diesel engine that were both developed as part of
the Renault-Nissan Alliance.
Also from Renault is a coupe concept version of the new Laguna,
the sedan version of which is due for release in October 2007.
The Honda Accord Tourer concept is a station wagon variant of
the popular Accord Euro that has been such a hit with Australian
drivers. Honda’s has hinted that the Accord Tourer concept
contains a number of styling clues to the next generation Accord
Euro due for release in Europe in mid-2008 in both sedan and wagon
form. These clues include sleeker proportions and greater width
for extra interior space. Power will come from a range of
advanced, low emissions Euro 5-compliant engines. Details of the
Australian specification Accord Euro range will be announced
closer to the launch date, expected to be in mid-to-late 2008.
Lots of exciting stuff, some of which we’ll no doubt get
closer to at next month’s Sydney Motor Show.
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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