Frankfurt Motor Show 2015: Full preview

The Frankfurt Motor Show is a couple of months away, but there are already plenty of new cars we can look forward to going on display. One of the most important European car events of the year, Frankfurt ranks alongside Geneva and Paris as a big opportunity for the world’s manufacturers to showcase their brand new models and futuristic concepts.

The German show opens its doors on the 17th of September, and we’ll be seeing major launches from Alfa Romeo, Audi, Bentley, Jaguar and Maserati amongst several others. Here’s what we know so far about the cars we’ll be seeing at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show – and make sure to bookmark this page as it will be constantly updated ahead of, during and after this year’s show.

Frankfurt Motor Show 2015 – A to Z of new models

Alfa Romeo Giulia: Alfa caused a big stir with the unveiling of its vital new BMW 3 Series rival. The dramatic, rear-wheel drive Giulia will be shown again in Frankfurt ahead of its mid-2016 release, and we expect to see more variants alongside the flagship 503bhp Quadrifoglio that was revealed first.

2016 Audi A4: The fifth-generation A4 has been unveiled and will make its debut at Frankfurt. While its design is similar to the outgoing version, the new A4 uses the VW Group’s MQB platform – with more interior space and a range of more efficient engines, as well as a raft of new tech.

Bentley Bentayga SUV: Bentley’s first production SUV will be unveiled at the show. It propels the luxury brand into a new marketplace – the super-luxury 4×4 sector. It’ll also be the first model to feature a petrol-electric powertrain, and is expected to offer a 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 engine as well as the familiar 6.0-litre W12.

New BMW 7 Series: The evolutionary design of the new 7 Series is similar to the outgoing car, but key new tech such as the new touchscreen infotainment system, gesture control and a world first ‘Parking Assistant’ features. The new model is 14cm longer, as well as being a notable 130kg lighter than the old model.

2016 BMW X1: BMW’s second-generation small SUV is larger and more rugged than its predecessor, with new petrol engines, increased interior space and the latest safety tech. 

Infiniti Q30: Infiniti’s new small premium hatchback is aiming straight at the Mercedes A-Class, and even shares some of its powertrains and chassis. It’ll be produced at Nissan’s Sunderland plant alongside the Nissan Qashqai and the Nissan Leaf.

Jaguar F-Pace: We’ll finally see Jaguar’s new ‘performance crossover’ in production form at Frankfurt. With premium rivals such as the Porsche Macan and the Audi Q5 in its sights, Jaguar has high hopes it can crack the mid-sized premium SUV class.

Kia Cee’d 2015 facelift: With subtly updated styling, a new 1.0-litre ‘ecoTurbo’ three-cylinder engine, a new dual-clutch auto box, plus updated cabin and safety tech, the enhanced Kia Cee’d is set to go head-to-head with the recently refreshed Hyundai i30 when it goes on sale at the end of the year.

Kia Sportage: The all-new Kia Sportage crossover clearly takes inspiration from the KX3 Concept that was revealed late last year.  A complete engine range overhaul is expected, along with the inclusion of new turbocharged three-cylinder units.

Lotus 3-Eleven: Lotus’ reinvention of the highly-focused 2-Eleven boasts a supercharged 3.5-litre V6 producing 443bhp, and a sub-900kg kerbweight making it the fastest car the firm has ever produced.

Maserati Levante: The Maserati super-SUV will feature a face inspired by the Quattroporte and Ghibli saloons, while its sloping roofline and high sharp creases resemble that of the Porsche Cayenne. The Levante’s engines have been confirmed as a pair of twin-turbo V6s and a top spec V8 petrol.

New MINI Clubman: Now the largest model in the MINI range, the new Clubman replaces its unpopular ‘Clubdoor’ with a more traditional four-door layout, while keeping its traditional ‘barn door’ boot.  The use of BMW’s UKL1 platform means that the new MINI Clubman will be taking on big players in the compact estate market.

Mercedes C-Class Coupe: Mercedes promises refinement and unrivalled luxury in its swoopy new C-Class Coupe. With neatly styled lines and swept-back headlamps, it’s prepared to take on the BMW 4 Series coupe in 2016.

Mercedes GLC: Merc will also be showing the new GLC and possibly the GLC Coupe at Frankfurt. It’s the first time the firm has taken a stab at the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 in the UK, and the rugged mid-size SUV is on sale now.

Peugeot 308 R Hybrid: The French firm has all but confirmed the bonkers 493bhp hatchback will go on sale, and we’re expecting to see a production version based on the original concept at Frankfurt.

Porsche 911 facelift: Although styling revisions will be typically subtle from the Stuttgart firm, we may be seeing more turbocharged variants in the range as Porsche goes on an efficiency drive. We’ll also see new cabin tech and chassis tweaks.

Renault Megane: Renault’s vital new Ford Focus rival will be appearing for the first time at Frankfurt. We’ve spied the upmarket new look on the road, but details of the all-new model are still fairly scarce. We can expect a jump in quality, space and efficiency, however.

Smart ForTwo Cabrio: The third-generation Fortwo city car will, like before, get the option of an electric folding fabric roof. It’s due to go on sale right after Frankfurt.

Vauxhall Astra: The all-new Astra will make its debut in Frankfurt, and will hope to steal the show from the new Megane. With a sharper exterior design, more upmarket cabin, additional safety tech and a more efficient engine range, it aims to be a credible rival to the Auto Express-award-winning SEAT Leon.

VW Tiguan: Although a production version is still a way off, we expect to see a concept of the all-new Tiguan SUV at the show, providing more than a glimpse of the new model.

Bookmark this page for all the latest news from Frankfurt as it happens!

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