2005 Frankfurt International Motor Show: IAA

By Feann Torr - 16/9/2005

The biggest and brightest motor show in the cosmos? You better believe it. Frankfurt is arguably the best place to be if you want to launch an all-new concept car, such as BMW's Z4 Coupé, or even a brand-new model, like Jaguar's slinky new XK series.

Websites, newspapers, magazines and television media cover the event, so promotion of your automotive product is more than guaranteed at the show - it's seemingly enforced.

As the world's major automotive brands secure their real estate at the Frankfurt Trade Fair grounds, motoring enthusiasts - ourselves included - salivate at the potential new metal on display, and 2005 is yet another veritable cornucopia of new models, concept cars and the odd prototype that almost defies definition.

If there is a theme to this year's show, it's beyond me. Though it must be said almost every concept car had a USB 2.0 port or at least a multimedia interface of some sort, which is great for those with gigs worth of MP3s, but not so useful when it distracts you from the road or causes you to crash because you downloaded automotive software virus.

There were many convertible cars on show this year - even a convertible SUV! - including models from Volkswagen, Jaguar, Bentley, Nissan and Opel, but the expected hydrogen fuel cell propulsion systems didn't eventuate, with many major car makers suggesting that we come back in a decade or two for such vehicles.

Trend-setting German luxury marque Mercedes-Benz had a large showcase for hybrid technology, and Audi also previewed its stump-pulling 640Nm Q7 Hybrid, and even Daihatsu got in on the act with a clever little hybrid sports car in the vein of an MX-5, all of which were good to see.

But there were not as many alternative fuel technologies as you'd expect to see at such a prestigious event, particularly as oil prices spiral out of control right across the globe.

One of the more intriguing concept cars at this year's IAA was Ford's iosis concept. Even from a design point of view it's a fascinating vehicle, and it's quite a shock when you get a load of how its four doors work. Other interesting concepts included models from Korean car makers Hyundai (the new Accent) and Kia (a people mover crossover) and then there's the convertible SUV from Karmann, aptly called the SUC. Indeed.

Some more traditional wares for the motor show included the Fisker Tramonto supercar, capable of generating more than 800Nm of torque, which is just about enough twist to fry the expensive 20-inch rear wheels. Porsche and Ferrari also delivered the goods with the Cayman S and F430 Challenge respectively

A handful of the stunningly-shiny show cars will also make their way to Australia for their second-ever appearance at the Australian Motor Show that commences about a month later in mid October in Sydney, which will be of interest to our local readers. But enough of my rambling - let's look at the machines on offer: