Woohoo, Frankfart here we come

[Barry Cade]

Just decided, as we are in the area next week, non HGF withstanding, we will be spending a whole day at the Frankfahrt motor show. Not too interested in Jag's new SUV, or the BMW i whatever. I've decided I'm going in overalls and I'm going to slide under any models that interest me, as I'm more interested in the bits I'll have to look at in 5 years time rather than fancy paint and park sensors. Wonder if it'll go down well?

 

New Monza, and New Quattro?  Hmmm.

 

 

Best bit for me they have a stand celebrating cars that were launched in 1983, and having a "discussion" about cars then and now. So, what models were launched in 1983, and any points you want raised? Hopefully they'll have a Stellar and an Arna to waffle about...

[Junkman]

 I've decided I'm going in overalls and I'm going to slide under any models that interest me, as I'm more interested in the bits I'll have to look at in 5 years time rather than fancy paint and park sensors. Wonder if it'll go down well?

 

Not sure whether grey plastic cladding will keep you excited for long.

[Grundig]

. I've decided I'm going in overalls and I'm going to slide under any models that interest me, as I'm more interested in the bits I'll have to look at in 5 years time  Wonder if it'll go down well?

 

 

 

 

 

A word to the wise guv - I slid under a model that interested me, to see the bits that I would like to look at  - I was soon escorted out of the NEC & received a strong letter from her solicitor  

[chaseracer]

Wasn't the TVR stand then...?

 

 

[Barry Cade]

Well, Frankfurt was  BUSY.

 

The place is bloody massive- we got there about 10am, and left at 7pm, and still missed a lot. I was knackered. Flamin' 26 Euros for parking too.. 

 

Star of the show for me was the new Stratos, followed by the new NSX concept- stunning. Loved the new Alfa 4c, and actually dribbled a bit, but sucked it back up as it just about hit the floor when I saw the headlights. Totally spoiled it for me ugly aftermarket looking carbon things.

 

More worryingly, and I have made an appointment for it, is that the real stars of the show, best stand, most interesting concepts and just the most fun stand for me went to Renault. They really seem to have decided to go for it, and it shows, looking forwards, and backwards. Some nice design, bright original colours and a real passion to regenerate themselves. Watching with interest!

 

Citroen, and even more so Peugeot were just shit. The TESLA is just amazing, but were stuck in a grotty stand right at the back of a shitty hall. I reckon they'll stick a custard pie in the face of Merc and BMW very soon.

 

G-wagen display was amazing, climbing up a sheer metal climbing frame thing, then over a see-saw then down the other side, all whilst carrying giggling kids and scared looking adults, in contrast Land Rover had a high kerb and a very excited running commentary. pish.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Junkman]

 

 

 

 

What in God's fuck went wrong here? Can't believe they actually took this stylistic placenta to a show. If I was involved, I'd deny to have anything to do with it.

[forddeliveryboy]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CukdCUDLm3c

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bv5Eonm-B4A

 

 

Is the roof bent on the one coming down the ramp or is it the light?

[Station]

Speaking to British designer Mark Adams at the Frankfurt Motor Show while the Monza circled in front of us, he told TG.com how his gullwinged shooting brake "is Vauxhall design 2.0, if you like."

He's back at Vauxhall now, after a stint heading up Cadillac's design team, and is tasked with creating a better ‘synergy' between GM's more premium US brand Buick, and Vauxhall. "Going forward we'll have a broader consistency on the fundamentals of the cars, but each will still be tailored within the region and within the brand. We're not going to dilute what an Opel or a Vauxhall needs to be, but what is clear is we do have the opportunity to get much more synergy between the brands around the world.

 

I hate how typical American design from Cadillac and Buick are creeping into the look of Opel/Vauxhalls, they're going to look horrible, with those rancid big grilles and US spec headlights.

The new Monza looks like "every other car concept in 2013" (ie horrid).

 

[mercrocker]

What in God's fuck went wrong here? Can't believe they actually took this stylistic placenta to a show. If I was involved, I'd deny to have anything to do with it

it is indeed a misformed pipsqueak of the highest order, unfortunately the baby-zoo and gym car parks will be full of them by 2016 probably!

[mercrocker]

Incredible stand design by the Solara club!

[Sigmund Fraud]

An over-excited work colleague mentioned the i8 the other day, so I did some googling... Some ignoramus journalist* was praising it's 'featherweight construction', with a weight of only... 1500kg

 

That's 200kg more than my lardy Volvo estate, FFS !

[John F]

I love the (original!) Monza, but echo Station's comments about hideous american 'styling' being foisted upon us Europeans.

 

Fuck off, GM. If we wanted to buy things that look like they've been designed for children we'd go to Toys 'R' Us. Or Chrysler.

[Junkman]

I hate how typical American design from Cadillac and Buick are creeping into the look of Opel/Vauxhalls, they're going to look horrible, with those rancid big grilles and US spec headlights.

Errrrrrm....

When in automotive history did typical American design from Cadillac and Buick not creep into the look of Opel/Vauxhalls?

[John F]

Aspects of american car design have always been present, true enough - and in many brands... Ford, Vauxhall and also in 1970s Jap designs. But the successful ones have always been watered down for the European market.

 

Recently, however, they've been taking the piss with things like the PMT Cruiser and that Chrysler hearse.

[vulgalour]

 

What is this?  I like it.

[Barry Cade]

It's a Yebbujana S4. Fuggin hilarious too, with the build quality of my piecebox. 625kg, 2.9 m long. 2+2 (LOL)

 

500km range (LOL) ....Just LOL. I couldn't even get in, and standing looking around it, the sniggers and groffles were coming from all around. Guy on the stand looked rather embarrassed.

 

I'd love one .. but not in pink...

[Barry Cade]

Aspects of american car design have always been present, true enough - and in many brands... Ford, Vauxhall and also in 1970s Jap designs. But the successful ones have always been watered down for the European market.

 

Recently, however, they've been taking the piss with things like the PMT Cruiser and that Chrysler hearse.

The new Lancia Thema doesn't look at all American, thankfully.