Frankfurt 2009: Porsche confirms development of electric sportscar

Quick trivia question: what automaker was the first to build a hybrid? Did you guess Honda or Toyota? Interestingly, a full 109 years ago, Professor Ferdinand Porsche built a fully functional hybrid automobile, though it was certainly a much different animal compared to the Prius and Insight hatchbacks of 2010. In any case, Porsche is looking to enter the hybrid and electric automobile market in a big way just as soon as battery technology will allow...

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Frankfurt 2009: Audi A5 Sportback

Although the U.S. market won't be getting the Audi A5 Sportback, based on the reaction here on the floor in Frankfurt, Audi won't have any problem moving them in Europe. It took us longer to get clear shots of the A5 than any other car at Audi (even the R8 Spyder), and when we returned at the end of the day there were still numerous fascinated Euro types examining the car like it was CSI evidence.The A5 is so beautiful on its own we weren't sure...

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Frankfurt 2009: Lexus LF-Ch Concept

From certain angles it's brilliant – everything the Lincoln Concept C tried to be, but wasn't. Yet from other angles... the word 'deformity' comes to mind. As does the term 'puffer fish.' Designed to be a 1 Series competitor, the little Lexus luxury hybrid hatchback answers one very important question: what does Chris Bangle dream about after eating a few sheets of blotter acid? Again, there are parts we like and parts that might have been put on...

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Frankfurt 2009: Lotus Elise Club Racer and Exige Cup 260

Another show, another pair of special editions from Lotus. This time around it's the Elise Club Racer and the Exige Cup 260, two lightweight specials based on the company's core product range.We brought you details and photos of both a few weeks ago in the ramp-up to the show, but stopped by to have a closer look at the pair while we were there checking out the race-spec Evo...

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Frankfurt 2009: 2011 Bentley Mulsanne

So far, we've only seen the one champagne-colored Bentley Mulsanne. While not our first choice, it's the shade Bentley thought would drum up the most interest amongst potential customers. Not knowing too much about how the mega-wealthy think, we'll trust Bentley. However, us plebes ain't been too pleased with the Mulsanne in the looks department. Until now. We think the blue (one of 126 standard colors) helps tremendously. We know there will be disagreement...

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Frankfurt 2009: Mazda MX-5 Superlight Concept

If you're one of the many enthusiasts out there oohing and ahhing over the pair of pre-production Mini concepts that debuted in Frankfurt today, know that the BMW division isn't the only one here with a tempting speedster on display. Amidst all the exciting and pivotal new vehicle debuts at the show, Mazda took the wraps off the MX-5 Superlight Version.Unfortunately it's just a show car, and it's not the first time Mazda's toyed with the idea (and...

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Frankfurt 2009: Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari

The battle has been raging since time immemorial. From Point A to Point B, which is faster: a big exotic supercar or a nimble li;' hatch? Fiat's two performance divisions, Abarth and Ferrari, ask why you can't have the best of both worlds with the new Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari.The special-edition 500 packs a 180+hp 1.4-liter 16-valve turbo four, a retuned suspension, paddle-shift transmission, 17-inch rims, Brembo brakes and unique touches in every...

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