2005 Frankfurt Auto Show Photo Gallery

Though it’s held in Germany, the Frankfurt Auto Show holds a fair amount of significance for the North American market. Frankfurt is the first show of the season, and gives automakers a chance to showcase production and concept models, some of which are ready for showrooms, some a few steps shy of the assembly line, and others that are nothing more than exercises in design. This year, Frankfurt was the stage for the debut of near-production models like the BMW Z4 Coupe and was the official launch pad for the 2006 Porsche Cayman, a model that has been publicized for months. Other highlights included a larger, performance-oriented Toyota RAV4 and hints about the next Kia Optima and Saturn Vue (Opel Antara GTC). And then there was the Jaguar XK Convertible, a model that was announced but visible only on an 8x10 sheet of Kodak paper. On the following pages are brief summaries of 24 Frankfurt debuts of particular importance to U.S. car shoppers.

2007 Audi Q7

The 2007 Q7 is Audi’s first true SUV, and is based on its cousins, the Porsche Cayenne and Volkswagen Touareg. Power comes from a 4.2-liter V8 that cranks out 350 horsepower and 325 lb.-ft. of torque, delivered to all four wheels via a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. Prices are expected to in the $50,000 range when the Q7 lands at your local dealer in late 2006.

2006 Bentley Azure

Its creator bills it as “The World’s Most Elegant Convertible,” but the rest of us call it the 2006 Bentley Azure, an exquisite drop top that should set buyers back about $350,000. Power comes from a 450-horsepower, twin turbocharged 6.75-liter V8 that Bentley claims will propel this car of the stars to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, with a top speed of 168 mph.

2006 BMW 3 Series Wagon

For 2006, the BMW 3 Series Wagon makes its way to market with more space, more power, and a fresh new look. Visually, the 2006 BMW 3 Series Wagon offers the same rakish front end and creased body panels as found on the 3 Series Sedan, and under the hood is 3.0-liter, six-cylinder engine that generates 215 horsepower and 185 lb.-ft. of torque. Cargo capacity measures 48.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

2008 BMW Z4 Coupe

BMW executives call it a concept, but word is that this hot ride is headed for production. Based on the popular convertible, the BMW Z4 Coupe houses a 3.0-liter, six-cylinder engine good for 265 horsepower and 232 lb.-ft. of torque. BMW suggests a 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds with max speed electronically limited to 155 mph.

2006 Fisker Tramonto

You love the Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG, but wouldn’t it be just your luck that every other dude in your neighborhood has one? Fret no longer, for the 2006 Fisker Tramonto is here, courtesy of Fisker Coachbuild. Besides the tweaked front and rear styling, the Tramonto remains largely the SL55 AMG, all the way down to its 493-horsepower, AMG-built V8. If that’s not enough, the Performance Plus package bumps horsepower up to 610, the result of which Fisker claims is a 0-60 time of 3.6 seconds.

2007 Jaguar XK Convertible

Close on the heels of the launch of the 2007 Jaguar XK Coupe is the redesigned XK Convertible. Unlike some drop tops that are merely hack jobs of the original, the XK Convertible was designed alongside the XK Coupe, a point that engineers suggest led to excellent rigidity and stiffness (meaning less of a convertible’s main weakness, cowl shake) and allowed them to limit the curb weight to 3,759 pounds. All 2007 Jaguar XK models are powered by a 300-horsepower, 4.2-liter V8 engine.

Jeep Compass Concept

Two Jeep concepts debuted in Frankfurt, both with four-wheel-drive capability, but one had a definite slant toward sport. That would be the Jeep Compass concept, which features a lower body kit, big 19-inch wheels wearing redline tires, black mesh airdam insert, swept back windshield, and flared fenders.

Jeep Patriot Concept

Also making its debut at the 2005 Frankfurt Auto Show was the Jeep Patriot concept, featuring a more Jeep-like boxy, upright shape. Company officials claim that this Jeep is worthy of the brand’s Trail Rated badge. The Patriot concept, like the Jeep Compass, is powered by a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine.

2007 Kia Optima

We’ve had positive things to say about the most recent products from Kia, and it looks like the 2007 Optima (called the Magentis overseas) may keep that streak going. As expected, the overall silhouette resembles that of its cousin, the Hyundai Sonata, which is to say that it’s larger overall, yet provides a sportier and more compact appearance. Kia claims that the redesigned 2007 Optima will be powered by either a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or a 2.7-liter V6, though we’re betting that a version of the Sonata’s 3.3-liter V6 will makes its way to the new Optima.

2005 Maserati Quattroporte GT

Two additional trims are available for the Maserati Quattroporte buyer – the Sport GT and the Executive GT. Sport GT versions get 20-inch wheels, upgraded brakes, interior and exterior enhancements, and a Sport mode for the transmission. The Executive GT features 19-inch wheels, retractable wood tables for rear seat passengers, an Alcantara headliner, and rear seats that include heating, ventilation, and massage.