Audi, Audi R8, Frankfurt Motor Show, Galleries, New Cars

Audi, Audi R8, Frankfurt Motor Show, Galleries, New Cars

We know that many of you weren't exactly thrilled about the cocoa bean color of the R8 Spyder in the press shots, but in Frankfurt, Audi displayed two examples of its stunning topless sports car finished in white and red respectively. We wouldn't mind either color, though to be honest, what we'd really like to see it in is a deep metallic black finish. At launch, the R8 Spyder will be available exclusively with the Lambo-sourced 5.2-liter V10 engine that cranks out 525 horsepower and can be combined with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Audi says that acceleration from zero to 100km/h (62mph) comes after 4,1 seconds instead of the coupe's 3,9 seconds while the two-seater can reach a maximum speed of 313 km/h (195 mph). First deliveries are expected sometime in the first quarter of 2010. For the 'Full Monty' on the R8 Spyder

Volkswagen's L1 Diesel-Electric Hybrid Concept Returns 170mpg!

Volkswagen's L1 Diesel-Electric Hybrid Concept Returns 170mpg!

The Frankfurt Motor Show marked the world debut of the new Volkswagen L1 Concept, a cigar-shaped diesel-electric hybrid that draws inspiration from Wolfsburg's original 1-litre concept car that was unveiled back in April 2002. Despite its name, the L1 actually burns a little over 1 lt at 1,38 liter of diesel for every 100 kilometers or about 170mpg US / 204.7mpg UK, while emitting just 39 g/km of CO2.

It may look weird, but the L1 is extremely aerodynamic featuring a co-efficient of drag figure of just 0.195 while the use of aluminium and carbon fibre materials in its construction results to a kerb weight of only 380kg or 830 pounds.

Measuring 3,813 mm in length, the L1 is about as long as a Polo, however at just 1,143 mm in height, it's as low as a Lamborghini Murcielago while its width, at just 1,200 mm, is narrower than any conventional car in the market today.

The concept model can seat two passengers in tandem, with the driver of course sitting up front. Both occupants enter the car through a side-hinging, electrically operated canopy.

Power is provided from a 0.8-liter diesel engine derived from the 1.6-litre TDI unit found in the new Golf BlueMotion and a 14-horsepower electric motor that engages either to take over from the diesel for short distances or to offer extra grunt when additional acceleration is required.

Volkswagen says that the L1 accelerates to 100km/h (62 mph) from rest in 14.3 seconds before reaching a maximum speed of 160km/h or 99 mph. Even though the L1 has a small 10-litre fuel tank, thanks to its extremely low fuel consumption, the driver can cover a distance (in theory always) of 725 kilometers or 450 miles between stops.

VW 1-Liter Concept - 2002

VW L1 Concept - 2009