From high-concept cop show, to concept car on the show floor, Audi's quattro has returned from the ashes (geddit?!) and might just make it into full-scale production. Harks back to '80s super coupe as seen in BBC's Ashes-to-Ashes, but updates the old timer with petrol-electric tech for 700hp and just 59g/km CO2 emissions.
Audio | Release date: 2015 (estimated)
2. Frankfurt Motor Show 2013: Citroën Cactus
Odd name for a car that quenches Citroën's creative design drought with a flood of inspiration. But the crazy Cactus is refreshingly quirky and exactly the kind of car that once made Citroën famous. Left-field features include 'Hybrid Air' tech to deliver almost 100mpg and padded capsules on body sides and bumpers to absorb minor impacts.
Citroën | Release date: 2014
3. Frankfurt Motor Show 2013: Volvo Concept Coupé
Apparently, Volvo couldn't think of something clever to call its latest coupé concept, so Concept Coupé it is. Uncharacteristic elegance aside (for Volvo), intriguing innovations abound including a twin-charged motor, electric drive and touchscreen multimedia kit. Volvo says its u-shaped lights will be seen in production Volvos soon.
Volvo | Release date: Never!
When is a car not just a car but also a high-tech hospital on wheels? When it's the Ford S-Max concept. The concept is really a thinly disguised derivative of the new S-Max mid-sized people carrier, due out imminently. But this show star is packed with clever health kit including heart rate and blood sugar monitors. Nurse!
Ford | Release date: Early 2014
5. Frankfurt Motor Show 2013: Honda NSX
Honda's hybrid hypercar is one of those on-again, off-again projects that never quite makes it to the showroom. But this latest NSX concept is a letter of intent from Honda HQ. You'll be able to buy yours in 2015. 400 mid-engine hybrid horsepower combine with Honda's legendary reliability to deliver the ultimate everyday exotic car.
Honda | Release date: 2015
6. Frankfurt Motor Show 2013: Jaguar CX-17
A Jaguar offroader? What next, a Range Rover roadster? But wait, crossovers and SUVs are all the rage and this one packs a techy punch thanks to touchscreens and a wi-fi hotspot. So a mud-plugging Jag with mod cons is a no brainer. If the final production version looks anything like this, the big cat will be a huge money spinner.
Jaguar | Release date: 2016 (estimated)
7. Frankfurt Motor Show 2013: Lexus LF-NX
Yup, it's another luxury SUV concept, this time from Lexus. Styling-wise, the LF-NX takes Lexus's increasingly assertive design vibe to homicidal new levels of aggression. But here's the twist. It's not actually four-wheel drive. The 200hp petrol-electric hybrid powertrain only pumps the front wheels, though full 4x4 is an option for production.
Lexus | Release date: 2015 (estimated)
8. Frankfurt Motor Show 2013: Audi Nanuk
If it seems unfair to give Audi a second slot, the Nanuk is one of the few genuine surprises on the Frankfurt show floor. Audi's elevator pitch involves a world's first fusion of supercar and SUV. There's well over 500hp. But it drinks diesel not petrol and has adaptive air suspension and four-wheel steering for all-terrain escapades.
Audi | Release date: Not likely!
9. Frankfurt Motor Show 2013: Mercedes-Benz Concept S-class Coupé
Mercedes' show star is a preposterously luxurious four-wheeled wink. This so-called concept will hit show rooms with just a handful of tweaks. Traditional pillarless design meets techtastic opulence on an epic scale, is the general idea. So, how about door panels hewn from computer-milled alloy and a chrome centre console forged at 1,000 degrees C?
Mercedes-Benz | Release date: 2014
10. Frankfurt Motor Show 2013: Smart Fourjoy
Happy, happy, joy, joy, joy, joy. Yup, the Smart Fourjoy is a conspicously upbeat effort from Mercedes' troubled maker of microcars. It previews what is surely the last chance for the Smart brand, the next-gen Forfour hatchback. Airy, open-plan concept has no doors or central pillars, while power comes from 17.7kWh of lithium-ion do-goodness.
Smart | Release date: 2014
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