Author: PA Media

Each year, the tech world flocks to Las Vegas for CES — formerly known as the Consumer Electronics Show.

Traditionally it was the place to see the latest phones, televisions and laptops, though now more and more car manufacturers and automotive parts suppliers are showcasing their latest developments at the event as tech plays an ever-more important role in vehicle development.

With CES 2020 having come to a close, we take a look at the stand-out reveals from the automotive world…

Sony Vision-S

Though Sony made a not-so-surprising announcement of the PlayStation 5 logo at CES, it sent shockwaves through the show with a completely different reveal — the Vision-S autonomous car concept.

In what proved to be an incredibly well-kept secret, the Japanese tech giant worked with engineering firm Bosch and automotive manufacturer Magna Steyr to put together this prototype.

There are 33 sensors inside and out of the car to identify and monitor people and objects, as well as a huge panoramic touchscreen up front which houses entertainment, AI and telecommunication functions. It’s unclear at this stage if Sony will put the car into production, or if it is using the Vision-S as a showcase of its technological capabilities.

Bosch Virtual Visor

Sun visors may be one of the least glamorous elements of a car, but they’re certainly one of the most useful — coming in handy to reduce glare when behind the wheel. The problem is they can also drastically reduce visibility on the road, which is a problem Bosch thinks it has solved with its new Virtual Visor.

This LCD display is capable of blocking out only sections of light that are hitting the driver’s eye, leaving a good part of what’s in front of the driver in view while minimising glare. It judges what sections to block out by using a driver-monitoring camera in combination with artificial intelligence.

Hyundai Smart Mobility Solution

Hyundai used CES as a chance to showcase its vision of the future of transport. The firm wants to move to being a ‘smart mobility solution provider’ rather than just a car manufacturer, and this three-part concept could be its key to doing that.

It consists of a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicle which would use urban skies as a means to cut congestion on the roads and make journeys faster, able to land at locations known as a ‘Hub’. From here, travellers are said to be able to socialise or head into an autonomous Purpose-Built Vehicle (PBV). This PBV is used as ground transport, and could play host to a number of services — including coffee shops and medical clinics.

Mercedes-Benz Vision AVTR

Through a strange mash-up between one of the best-known manufacturers in the world and a blockbuster film, the AVTR sees the worlds of Mercedes-Benz and Avatar combined. It features a ‘multifunctional control element’ within the car, which reacts to the driver’s hand and lights up accordingly, as well as 33 ‘bionic flaps’ at the rear of the car which can all independently move. Very Hollywood.

But in real-world terms, there’s some cutting-edge tech here too; the all-electric AVTR makes use of a new type of battery which, Mercedes says, is completely free of rare earth metals. It means the onboard battery is compostable and completely recyclable – limiting the environmental impact of the car enormously.

Land Rover Defender Tech

Land Rover debuted some ground-breaking new tech on its Defender at CES, too. It’s been revealed that the new Defender is arriving this year with a dual-eSim setup, which allows for over-the-air updates while giving the option to simultaneously stream music or apps. Essentially, the car can update on the move while streaming audio with no loss of quality.

NAWA Racer e-Bike

Sadly this stunning electric motorbike is merely a concept built by energy storage system firm NAWA Technology to demonstrate its new hybrid battery technology. It claims the set-up offers 10 times more power and five times more energy than traditional systems and could be fitted to any electric vehicle.

Despite not being a production model, NAWA released some impressive performance numbers for its e-Bike.

If you’re wanting to move lots of people in comfort and luxury, then a seven-seater is the only way to go. Certainly, for out-and-out people-moving you’ve got to go for a seven-seater as they provide the best practicality and spaciousness that passengers will want.

Now, there are plenty of seven-seater options, ranging from the entry-level to the downright luxurious. Let’s take a look at some of the best on sale today.

Mercedes-Benz GLS

The newly-introduced Mercedes-Benz GLS certainly sits at the premium end of the seven-seater segment. It’s packed with features and technology, and it looks good too – even if it’s still one of the largest cars on the road.

There’s a lot of space inside and all three rows are treated to a generous amount of legroom too.

Seat Tarraco

Seat’s Tarraco arrived last year, bringing a sprinkle of Spanish flair to the seven-seater SUV segment. It’s based on the same platform as the Skoda Kodiaq, but gets slightly sharper looks and a different interior too.

It’s also available with an efficient range of engines and represents excellent value-for-money, with a healthy dose of practicality too.

Land Rover Discovery

Land Rover’s go-anywhere Discovery, as well as being capable of traversing all manner of terrain, is also an excellent seven-seater option. There’s loads of space, and though the boot is quite small when all the seats are in place, there’s enough room to swallow a few bags.

It lies on the more expensive end of things, we’ll admit, but it’s impressively well kitted out as a result.

Audi Q7

Audi’s Q7 is now into its second generation and is now more refined and premium than ever before. It remains an imposing car to look at with a huge grille up front, but it’s a far more elegantly styled car than the one it replaces.

Inside, there are high-tech features aplenty, with large twin-touchscreens controlling most functions, heated front seats, and wireless charging, while on the outside there’s adaptive air suspension for a comfy ride and Matrix LED headlights for great visibility at night.

Skoda Kodiaq

If value for money is at the forefront of your mind when buying a new car, the Skoda Kodiaq should be top of your shopping list. As a member of the VW Group, you get excellent build quality despite the relatively inexpensive cost, and a smart-looking exterior.

Inside, there’s plenty of space with bags of on-board technology, too, so there’s no need to scrimp on important features to save a few quid.

Seat Alhambra

Some of the cars in this list push the idea of being a true seven-seater a bit, because you might find that only children can fit in the very back. However, the Seat Alhambra is one of those where even adults should be able to get comfortable.

It might be a little dull to look at and lack some of the tech of rivals, but as an overall package it has all bases covered.

Volvo XC90

The premium SUV segment has been booming and shows no signs of relenting. Volvo’s XC90 has long been one of the very best, with its sleek exterior styling and unique minimalist interior, it’s easy to see why buyers have flocked to the Swedish brand.

It’s pretty pricey, but for the extra cash you get fantastic quality and style, as well as class-leading safety technology and a decent boot – even in seven-seat mode.

Lexus RX L

The Lexus RX L takes a standard RX, adds some length out back and fits a couple of extra seats where the boot used to be. It features Lexus’s quirky exterior styling and infuriating infotainment system inside, while the driver will be well aware of its heft on a twisty road.

But where it makes up for those negatives is the fact that it’s very relaxing to drive, and features a quiet and fuel-sipping hybrid powertrain.

Tesla Model X

Few brands enjoy the badge appeal Tesla has achieved in its short existence. The Model X is the American electric car maker’s SUV/MPV offering, featuring all the cutting edge tech you expect from Tesla, as well as those show-stopping ‘falcon’ doors.

If you can face the steep starting price you’ll enjoy emission- and guilt-free motoring with incredibly low running costs.

It may seem strange given the climate, but the convertible is an immensely popular option in the UK. That wind-in-your-hair experience is hard to beat, even if the weather across Britain is a little temperamental.

And we’ll admit, winter may not seem like the obvious season to take advantage of a convertible. But wrap up warm, switch the heaters to full and we’re adamant that a drop-top can be just as much fun as when the sun’s shining down.

Porsche 718 Boxster

Convertible and sports car are two terms that go hand-in-hand, with that reputation bolstered by the Porsche 718 Boxster.

It may be seen as Porsche’s entry-level sporting machine, but the 718 Boxster has a lot to offer in the way of a rewarding drive. Its chassis feels sharp and responsive, with a decent amount of power coming from its turbocharged four-cylinder engine too. Oh, and it has an easily-stowed electronic roof that makes taking advantage of a rare ray of sunshine a breeze.

Mazda MX-5

Every list of convertibles has to feature a Mazda MX-5, right? It’s a huge cliche at this point to recommend one when it comes to drop-top considerations, but with very good reason.

Over its four generations of production, it has delivered big on a pure and exciting driving experience without commanding a huge price or offering performance out of the capabilities of most everyday drivers. In its latest ‘ND’ guise, the little Japanese icon has gone back to its roots and is a common sight across the UK.

Mini Convertible

Drivers looking for a convertible supermini may not have the broadest selection of options in the market, but Mini’s unchallenged offering is fortunately pretty impressive in itself.

It blends the iconic and quirky styling of the Mini Hatch with an easily-collapsible soft-top roof so all occupants can catch the fresh air on the move. It’s available in Cooper, Cooper S and John Cooper Works S guise for those looking for a drop-top hot hatch as well.

Audi TT Roadster

Once the poster child of being the wheels of choice for hair salon owners (we’ll argue that’s the Range Rover Evoque now), the Audi TT has been a mainstay in the convertible segment ever since its original 1998 inception.

Though it may not be as famous as its older brethren, the latest Audi TT packs quality and respectable performance into a handsome package. Those looking for a bit of oomph can opt for the TTS Roadster, with the RS Roadster available to those after serious levels of performance.

BMW Z4

The latest-generation Z4 is back and sharper than ever. Though many questioned its looks upon first release, its appearance is certainly striking – and it’s probably one of the best examples of BMW’s latest design language, in our eyes at least.

Lighter than before and incorporating a more centrally-placed cockpit for better weight distribution, it’s incredibly precise to drive, whichever engine variant you opt for.

Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet

The C-Class Cabriolet is a drop-top version of one of Mercedes’ most popular cars, transferring everything people love about the regular C-Class into a soft-top variant. The latest, facelifted model still looks sharp, and the interior is equally tasteful.

Again, like many cars in this list, there are a variety of engines to choose from – as well as a range-topping C63 packing a 4.0-litre biturbo V8 engine.

Audi A5 Convertible

The A5 Convertible is a car which can be used day-to-day without any problems and a range of petrol and diesel engines – both economy-based and performance-orientated – mean that this Audi drop-top is likely to suit anyone.

Plus, it features a well made and high-end interior and a surprising amount of space. There’s a decent boot, too, so it could be a great choice for those who want that soft-top experience without forsaking practicality.

BMW 8 Series Convertible

For jaw-dropping looks, go no further than the BMW 8 Series Convertible. Subtle it certainly isn’t, with a huge front grille dominating the face of the car. Inside, there’s a luxurious and high-quality interior which is brimming with high-tech features.

There’s the option of a powerful diesel or V8 petrol – and both provide more than enough performance.

Classic car owners could be helping towards a more sustainable future, according to a classics expert.

Mike Brewer, classic car expert and presenter of Wheeler Dealers, believes that owning a classic could be seen as the ‘ultimate in recycling’ and should be regarded as a way of preserving history for future generations to enjoy.

“We live in a world where everything is disposable, but every time I go and see a classic car and put it back on the road, I’m recycling”, said Brewer.

“Crucially, I think that the classic car world is doing far more good by recycling cars and keeping them on roads for generations to come.”

Classic car ownership brings with it a variety of bonuses to the potential buyer, with lower insurance rates and cheaper parts being two potential plus points, added the TV star.

Not only is owning a classic car helpful to the environment, but it boosts economies too, says Brewer.

“They generate loads of money for the economy by keeping tradespeople employed and businesses thriving,” he said.

“The owner of a classic car needs to fork out to keep it on the road. It’ll be at an age where it needs to be restored, repainted and have new steel put in it.”

Mike Brewer was speaking about classics ahead of the launch of his latest bookazine, The Ultimate Guide to Classic Cars, which will be unveiled at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the NEC this weekend (November 8-10).

“I’ve loved cars all my life, especially cherished classics,” said Brewer, who has a Mini Cooper and a Citroen SM among his own collection.

“As a result, putting my Ultimate Guide to Classic Cars together has been a labour of love. Classic cars are something I’m so passionate about that the guide practically wrote itself. I hope my enthusiasm for the subject shines from its pages.”

The bookazine is also available to order online at the discounted price of £4.99 (usual price £6.99) from www.bit.ly/breweroffer.

Motoring’s biggest story right now is the imminent merger of French car giant PSA Group and Italian-American behemoths Fiat Chrysler.

With terms agreed for a 50/50 merger to create one of the world’s biggest motoring firms, the likes of Peugeot, Citroen, Fiat, Maserati, Abarth and DS among others are all about to sit under the same giant umbrella.

That gives us huge scope for potential new models and interesting technological crossovers (of the sharing kind, not the pseudo-SUV, though those are likely too). We’ve come up with some cars we’d like to see from the new French-American-Italian alliance…

Abarth 208

Abarth’s 1.4-litre engine is one of the greatest things to come from FCA, and using that as the basis of Peugeot’s next hot hatch is an idea we can get behind.

The new 208 has immediately made an impact for its impressive looks, while early reviews say it has the chassis to cope with a lot more grunt. The perfect candidate for an Abarth makeover, Monza exhaust and all.

Alfa Romeo Giulia Hybrid4

Alfa Romeo has arguably the best looking saloon on the market in the Giulia, though it lacks on powertrain choice when compared with key competitors like the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class and Audi A4.

That could quickly be rectified with access to PSA’s huge selection of powertrains, with its new Hybrid4 plug-in setup a strong contender. It pairs a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 13.2kWh electric motor, in total producing 296bhp and offering 32 miles of EV-only driving. Potent and efficient, what more can you ask for?

Alfa Romeo MiTo electric

With the supermini market ever-more competitive, the Alfa Romeo MiTo would likely struggle to make an impact on the market if FCA alone gave the model a second generation.

PSA has two strong contenders in the market in its portfolio — the Vauxhall Corsa and Peugeot 208 — so draping those cars’ impressive underpinnings in a glorious Alfa Romeo design would surely be a hit. For extra kudos, an all-electric variant using the French giant’s tech would give it all the components for success.

Ram 1500 Aircross

FCA’s literally largest offerings come from RAM, which produces a range of trucks that are incredibly popular in the American market. We’re not saying these trucks aren’t already comfortable, but PSA could certainly add to it.

You see, the French firm currently has no market presence in the US — so the country hasn’t experienced the comforts of Citroen’s squishy Aircross models. We think taking the soft, yet well-judged suspension setup and extra comfy seats from the C5 Aircross and sticking them into a big RAM truck would be a great introduction.

Vauxhall Insignia Hellcat

If there’s one thing the Americans do particularly well, it’s putting massive, high horsepower engines into unassuming vehicles to create unlikely rivals for supercars… in a straight line at least.

This is perhaps best epitomised by the Hellcat series built by Dodge, which utilise a 707bhp V8 for truly tyre-shredding performance. This would prove perfect for Vauxhall to spice up its rather mundane range, giving the Insignia rep-mobile some much-needed fire under its bonnet.

Peugeot 5008 Quadrifoglio

Alfa Romeo might not be best known for its reliability, but if there’s one thing it does really well it’s making cars that driving enthusiasts love to get behind the wheel of. The Quadrifoglio versions of its Giulia saloon and Stelvio SUV are considered up there with the best in their segment.

Despite looking great, though, the same can’t necessarily be said of Peugeot’s bigger cars. They’re some of the most stylish in the business but could do with a little more excitement. The 5008 would be a great match for Alfa’s performance platform – perfect for those families whose kids always make them late on the school run.

DS 7 GranLusso

Maserati is FCA’s luxury group, making it the perfect match for DS, which does the same job for PSA. Except, DS is probably more premium than luxury, so Maserati’s luxury-focused GranLusso trim would push the DS 7 Crossback into a whole new, more expensive segment.

The SUV would remain largely the same, but get more plush materials inside, bigger, sexier alloy wheels, and clever technology such as soft-closing doors.

New Fiat Punto

One of the key advantages for FCA Group is that it’ll have access to tried and tested vehicle platforms and powertrains across a wide range of mainstream vehicles that would allow it to expand its range without too much research and development.

Fiat could benefit hugely from this because its range currently consists of a million varieties of 500, a few Pandas and the Tipo. With the Peugeot 208 and Vauxhall Corsa platforms, Fiat could reintroduce the popular Punto.

As the winter months approach, it’s often best practice to shield a classic car away from the elements. Gritters, increased rainfall and less-than-pristine road surfaces can all play havoc with a classic, ruining fragile parts and damaging bodywork.

It’s why most classic car drivers put their pride and joy into hibernation over winter. However, what do you need to do beforehand – and during – to ensure that your car is left without damage during its deep sleep, and awakes in the spring as right as rain? Read on…

Give it a wash

This step is a reasonably obvious one. Giving your car a thorough clean will ensure that any contaminants on the bodywork or in the cabin will be removed, and therefore won’t be left to fester after the car is put away.

Even when a car is stored, any dampness left behind can eat into bodywork and components – so make sure that it’s thoroughly dried off before you put it away.

Find a proper place to store it

Again, a pretty obvious step. You’ve got to make sure that you have a proper place to store your car over the winter, be that a garage, lock-up or large shed – and anything in between. The most important factors are that it is watertight, dust-free (as much as possible) and void of damp, too.

You can also find inflatable car storage ‘bubbles’ which circulate treated air inside, effectively isolating the car from any outside fluctuations it humidity or temperature.

Disconnect the battery and equip a trickle charger

If you don’t disconnect the battery, it’ll eventually run out of charge and the car won’t start. Sure, you can just ‘jump it’ to get it started, but if the battery is left too long without charge it’s bad for its health.

By disconnecting the battery from the car and connecting a trickle charger, you can ensure that some charge is constantly put into the battery and slowly discharged, keeping the elements within it healthy. That means when it comes to starting your car up in the warmer months, not only will it start the first time, the battery will be in good health.

Pump up the tyres, or jack the car up

Keeping your tyres in good condition is really important. Not only are they the only point of contact with the road and therefore the first point of concern for safety, but flat spots can also create a really annoying rattle as you drive along.

And that’s exactly what you’ll get if you leave your car in the garage for months and don’t take care of its rubber boots. Leave the car standing and the weight of the car on the ground will flatten the contact point.

To avoid this, either put the car up on jacks or pump the tyres up to a higher pressure.

Check fluids

After a long summer of driving, it’s probable the fluid levels in your classic need a check over to ensure they’re all optimal and ready for next year.

Check the car’s oil to see if it’s in a healthy condition, there is a good amount — too little or too much can result in components seizing. Have a look to see if brake fluids and coolants are at good levels too, while it’s also worth topping up the windscreen washer reservoir.

Car cover

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Huge thanks to @classicadditions and @andrewduncanparker for the fantastic service and help with this cover for the P1. Should have got one years ago! #Carcover #ClassicAdditions

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Once you’re done with the pre-storage cleaning, checks and other TLC bits, it’s time to put your classic away for the winter. We’d recommend storing it in a garage if possible, though whether inside or out, it’s always worth putting a car cover over it.

This will keep the bodywork away from the elements — working to prevent damage to the paintwork, and aid in protecting from corrosion. Car covers come in all different shapes and sizes, so it shouldn’t be a problem finding the right one for your car.

Last week’s Frankfurt Motor Show heralded the arrival of the long-awaited Land Rover Defender. It made quite the splash too, showcasing a bright new look which incorporated several nods to the iconic and much-loved classic.

And it arrived with a reasonably hefty starting price, too – £40,920, in fact. So if you’re after a car capable of mud-plugging with the best of them, but don’t fancy forking out over £40,000 for a new Defender, then what are your options? We’ve delved into the classifieds (and one or two new car forecourts) to find out.

Old Land Rover Defender

Don’t want to wait for the new Land Rover Defender? Simple — get the old one. With a £40k budget, it’s easy to nab a late model — as recent as 2016 — loaded with kit both for off-roading and general on-road comfort.

If you fancy a project car, you could even go for the low end of the market — say, sub-£10k — and invest the rest in making a uniquely restored machine.

Toyota FJ Cruiser

Toyota never officially sold the FJ Cruiser in the UK, though that hasn’t stopped a number of examples arriving on these shores via importers.

Designed for the American market, it’s a proper off-road machine, even though it may look like an oversized toy car. It’s an exceptionally rare car here too, so you’re sure to turn heads.

Nissan Navara AT32

It’s possible you’ve heard of Arctic Truck before, but for those who haven’t, this off-road specialist firm knows how to make a proper rough and tough go-anywhere motor.

Recently, it has teamed up with Nissan to bring a dedicated off-road package to its popular Navara pick-up truck — adding beefier springs, chunky tyres and a whole host of visual upgrades to make it look the part.

Jeep Wrangler

It’s often said the original Willy’s Jeep inspired the classic Land Rover off-roader that became known as the Defender — so why not go for the original?

Recently introduced as a whole new generation, the Wrangler is just as capable on the rough stuff as ever before while also becoming more liveable on the road. Lightly-used examples of the latest car are available well within budget.

Two (new) top-spec Suzuki Jimnys

Why get one basic off-roader, when you can have two well-kitted ones for the same price? Ok so we are cheating a bit here by putting a new car in, but if off-roading is the game, then Suzuki Jimny is the name.

Its latest generation has just arrived, and is an exceptional go-anywhere machine compared with anything on the market — let along a dinky little runabout like this. With top-spec Jimnys coming in at £18,499, you can have two for the price of one entry-level Defender.

Daihatsu Fourtrak

In a similar vein to other cars on this list, the Daihatsu Fourtrak which doesn’t look like it’d be all that capable when the going gets rough. The reality is quite the opposite, however, which is probably a reason why it’s such a firm favourite with farmers.

The little Fourtrak is sturdy, reliable and easy to maintain while its short overhangs allow for excellent departure angles, furthering its ability off-road. You can also get tidy examples for well under £2,000, sweetening the deal even further.

Mitsubishi L200

It would be a shame not to feature a pick-up of sorts in this list, and the lucky spot has, on this occasion, been taken by the Mitsubishi L200. Why? Well, it’s superbly rugged, to begin with, with a rough-and-ready approach to off-roading which has seen it become a firm favourite by those who need a no-fuss, no-frills way of getting where others can’t.

Another reason why it features on our list is price. Even brand-new versions tip the scales at around £30,000, while decent used examples can be found for well under half that.

Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen

It’s hard not to be charmed by the big Mercedes G-Wagen. It looks like a tank, for starters, and there’s something delightful about the big, bluff windscreen and ‘get out of my way’ looks. Certainly, when it comes to turning heads there are few like it.

We’ll admit, that this budget won’t come close to fetching a brand new G-Wagen, but it’ll net a tidy used example. Not only do they look good, but they’re formidable off-road and still relatively well-appointed inside.

Daihatsu Terios

Upon first impressions the Daihatsu Terios looks like it wouldn’t pull the skin off a rice pudding, owing to its bulbous design and dinky proportions. However, that’s just not the case – there’s far more lurking here than meets the eye.

The Terios is a real terrier off-road, in fact. Its small size means that it’s not troubled with tighter gaps, while permanent four-wheel-drive allows it to conquer obstacles which would leave other off-roaders quaking in their rubber boots. Plus, you can get the most recent model for around £2,000 on the used market.

It’s that time of year again — the annual Frankfurt Motor Show. Manufacturers, journalists and prospective buyers across the world have flocked to Germany to see what new cars are on the horizon, and the latest cutting-edge concepts.

With the show now started, we’ve seen a number of big hitters revealed. We’ve picked out some of the highlights…

Volkswagen I.D 3

Slated as one of the most important cars for Volkswagen of all time, the I.D 3 arrives as an electric car for all. Offered initially in 1st Edition specification, it’ll go fully on sale next summer.

With a range of electric powertrain options, as well as a high-tech interior, this could be a game-changer for the German brand.

Hyundai i10 N-Line

Hyundai has brought a racier edge to its recently-unveiled i10 city car with N-Line trim, inspired by its ‘N’ performance models.

It boasts a sportier aesthetic, a more potent engine and an enhanced interior that’s lavished with sporting touches. Expect to see it on the market mid-2020.

Land Rover Defender

After teasers, concepts, will-they-won’t-they and countless leaks — the new Land Rover Defender is finally here.

This new version looks set to be as capable as every, with new aluminium underpinnings, advanced off-roading technology and an appropriately spartan approach to design.

Audi RS 7 Sportback

The arrival of any new performance Audi is always an exciting thing, and the RS 7 is no different. It comes onto the scene with a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8, and is capable of up to 189mph.

The exterior look is certainly imposing, but the Sportback retains the standard car’s practicality levels too – and it can even have three seats across the back, too – something the older car couldn’t offer.

BMW Concept 4

It’s hard to see the Concept 4 as anything but a set of grilles which happen to be attached to a car. However, this is a concept which could point to the way the upcoming 4 Series will look.

It follows on from other grille-heavy cars such as the X7 and 7 Series in the range, and though the production car is unlikely to be quite as dramatic it’s still going to be quite the thing to behold.

Hyundai 45

Hyundai has teased how its future cars could look with this — the 45 concept. Harking back to the firm’s 1974 Pony Coupe Concept, it takes on a distinctive boxy shape

Inside is a lounge-like cabin with chairs that swivel when the car is in autonomous mode, allowing front occupants to interact with other passengers. Don’t expect the car to enter production, but it could influence upcoming machines from the firm.

Alpina B3 Touring

Alpina is back again with a new BMW based machine, this time with the B3 Touring. The B3 packs a potent 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine, kicking out 462bhp and 700Nm of torque.

It’s received a subtle yet effective exterior makeover, with trademark Alpina touches like a modified front bumper and multi-spoke alloy wheels. Order books are set to open early in 2020.

Audi AI:Trail

Autonomous cars don’t have to mean the end of off-road adventures — at least that’s what Audi reckons with this new concept.

The AI:Trail all-electric, driverless vehicle is built purely to take on the tough stuff. Its mapping system is said to be extensive for perfecting routes off the beaten track, and even has drones in place of headlights.

Mercedes-Benz Vision EQS

Mercedes is grafting hard to push its all-electric EQ subrand, and this new concept shows its take on EV luxury.

It boasts an elegant design, futuristic technology and a plethora of premium materials. Don’t expect it to go into production, but it could easily inspire future road-going models.

One of the biggest events on the motoring calendar kicks off next week – the Frankfurt Motor Show. It’s often home to some of the biggest new car reveals and concepts, giving us a better idea of where the motoring world is going and the vehicles we can start getting excited for.

We’ve picked out some of the key releases that we know are due to take place — though there is always space for surprises when it comes to Frankfurt…

Alpina B3 Touring

Alpina knows a thing or two about making fast estate cars — and the B3 Touring has historically been one of its most popular offerings. Now, there’s a new one, based on the latest BMW 3 Series, promising more power and performance than ever before.

Also, because it’s an Alpina, expect subtle yet purposeful looks and (more likely than not) intricate alloy wheels.

Audi RS6 Avant

It’s the performance car we’ve been waiting for — the all-new RS6 Avant. The previous-generation RS6 proved to be a turning point for Audi, with brutal performance and rock-solid handling combining to create a car which was both practical and savagely quick.

This latest version ups the ante. There’s more power, more tech and a more aggressive look too. It’s definitely one to look out for.

BMW X6

BMW’s X6 has long been a chalk-and-cheese option in the firm’s line-up. It’s now been updated, and the big coupe-styled SUV gets new tech and a refreshed design. A special edition ‘Vantablack’ model has been created too, using ‘the darkest colour’ possible.

It’s still likely that the X6 will divide opinion, but BMW obviously believes it has its worth.

Cupra Tavascan Concept

The Tavascan Concept is the latest model to come from Cupra — the performance brand which is now very much its own thing, rather than a part of Seat. This latest car is all-electric, with motors at each axles, showing the electrification which Cupra is trying to integrate into its line-up.

There’s no indication that the Tavascan will enter production, but it definitely shows the direction that Cupra is trying to head in.

Honda e

Honda’s cutesy all-electric supermini is making yet another public appearance in nearly-but-not-quite production form. Will we finally get to see the final road-going car in Frankfurt? Probably not, but it’s sure to be about 95 per cent identical to what you see here.

We’ll likely be given an indication as to what technology the eventual road-going car will sport though, along with a more production-ready look.

Lamborghini supercar

There’s a lot of mystery surrounding Lamborghini’s big reveal in Frankfurt. So far, we’ve just had a teaser that shows a sinister silhouette of a supercar with a wild headlight design reminiscent of those on the otherworldly Terzo Millennio concept.

The clever money is on the Italian firm’s long-rumoured hybrid hypercar, but with the accounts flush following the huge success of the Urus SUV, whatever it is, it’s sure to have utterly mind-bending performance.

Land Rover Defender

The new Land Rover Defender project has been leakier than an old Defender after a particularly audacious river crossing. So far we know there will be three body styles – a short- and long-wheelbase, and a slightly longer-bodied version – with five- to eight-seat versions, and six engines including a plug-in hybrid.

So unless these facts and figures miss the mark there’s not much to learn about the Defender at Frankfurt, though we’ll get our first proper look at the car Jaguar Land Rover hope will appeal to well-to-do families as much as farmers in need of a new workhorse.

Mercedes-AMG GLB35 

AMG’s mission to increase the number of semi-fast performance cars Mercedes-Benz offers continues with this, the GLB 35. It’s easy to write this off as a mindless niche-filling exercise, but just look at it – it’s a genuinely good-looking thing.

The 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine makes about 300bhp, which should make for brisk if not ballistic performance in a vehicle this size, and will likely make the kind of subtly fruity exhaust note we’ve come to expect from these AMG-lite models.

Mini Electric

The mainstream electric vehicle onslaught is getting into full swing, and the Mini Electric might be the car to watch. It’ll be going toe-to-toe with the Honda e, but while the Japanese firm will have to win over buyers not convinced by spending circa-£30k on a supermini, the German-British brand should have no trouble.

In fact, in August, Mini confirmed to the PA news agency that over 45,000 people had expressed an interest in buying one, with about half those coming from the UK.

Porsche Taycan

It seems like an age since Porsche first revealed plans for an all-electric sports car, but Frankfurt will see them deliver the production car at last.

The Taycan could be the first genuine ‘Tesla killer’ — boasting an impressive range that’s said to be upwards of 300 miles while delivering big on performance. Time will tell if it can take the new electric crown…

Vauxhall Corsa

The return of the Corsa marks a big moment for Vauxhall. It’s underpinned by the same platform that you’ll find under the latest Peugeot 208, as a result of the firm’s PSA ownership. It already looks to be one well-proportioned car.

There’s also going to be an all-electric version – though it’s unclear if we’ll see this at Frankfurt or not.

Volkswagen ID. 3

Said to be the third most important car in Volkswagen’s history, after the Beetle and Golf, the ID.3 could be a revolution for the new car market.

It’s not the firm’s first fully-electric vehicle, but its first real attempt at making the technology rival internal combustion-powered options. Expect to see it at the Frankfurt show, and then everywhere on UK roads soon after.

Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet

When Volkswagen first showed off the T-Roc crossover, it was in ‘Breeze’ concept form — a drop-top look at what would become a hard-top car.

Nobody was ever quite sure if a convertible version would happen — and yet, the T-Roc Cabriolet was born. It’ll be making its public debut at Frankfurt.

Getting a car into production is no easy feat – a lot of changes and complications can occur along the way. Though many may make the cut, it’s not unusual for some cars to get close to reality before being prematurely axed, destined to never hit the road.

These elusive machines leave a lot of ‘what if?’ questions, and sadly we’ll never know the answer. We’ve picked out some of the best cars that could’ve been…

Honda NSX V10

That’s right, the reborn NSX almost reached production with a V10 – and a front-mounted one, in fact. Back in 2008, videos and pictures emerged of Honda testing a camouflaged sportscar, sparking a lot of excitement from fans of the ‘90s icon.

Unfortunately, Honda scrapped the idea to focus on more fuel-efficient models, meaning the front-engined V10 NSX never saw the light of day. Well, it partially did actually, in the form of the HSV-010 race car — though a road-going variant wasn’t to be. The NSX instead was reborn as a mid-engined, V6 hybrid machine that’s still interesting — but it could’ve been a whole different beast…

Jaguar C-X75

 

You may recognise this sleek supercar from the Bond movie Spectre where it was used to chase 007 and his Aston Martin DB10 through the streets of Rome. The development C-X75 features a hybrid powertrain consisting of batteries that were charged by two diesel-fed micro gas turbines, while the production model was set to replace the turbines with a small internal combustion engine.

In 2011, Jaguar had plans to put the C-X75 into limited production, with the British brand announcing that a maximum of 250 cars would be produced and each costing just under £1 million. Just a year later though, the project was canned.

BMW M3 Compact

 In an attempt to attract younger buyers into the showroom, BMW thought of producing an M version of the ‘90s 3 Series Compact. The German firm even built a prototype featuring the E36 M3’s 317bhp straight-six engine – although the production model was likely to receive a less powerful six-cylinder – and a 150kg drop in weight. Sadly, it was never to be.

Range Rover SV Coupe

 This niche two-door luxury SUV was very much set for production. Land Rover was going to make 999 examples, each costing around £240,000, until the manufacturer informed customers that it had decided not to go ahead with the model earlier this year.

Instead, as with most of the carmakers on this list, it decided to focus on other, future products, including electrification. Maybe 5.0-litre supercharged V8 SUVs with only two doors isn’t such a booming segment after all.

Lamborghini Estoque

 

Now this is a complicated one – there’s no shortage of rumours and speculation surrounding the Estoque. In 2008, Lamborghini came out with this – a four-door concept car with a V10 powerplant under the bonnet.

The Italian supercar manufacturer never officially announced the car would go into production, to a lot of enthusiast’s disappointment, but that didn’t stop the reports of the car hitting the roads.