2005 Frankfurt Auto Show Index by TCC Team (9/5/2005)
Mitsubishi Concept-Sportback

2005 Mitsubishi Concept-Sportback
Mitsubishi also said that its global recovery is well underway in the European market and in
Smart Crosstown

2005 smart crosstown concept
With an overall length of about 105 inches, only slightly longer than the fortwo’s 98 inches, the crosstown still would be extremely diminutive for U.S. city streets—comparing more in size to a golf cart than a typical “small car.” The shape appears more upright and boxy than the fortwo, and 16-inch tri-spoke wheels that huge and Hot Wheels-like in proportion to the small body.
An especially standout feature of the crosstown is its movable windshield. In addition to the conventional folding convertible top, the windshield pivots forward and down and stows away completely under the hood for a completely open-air experience—but likely not one that would make it into a production car. The crosstown’s 16-inch tri-spoke wheels look huge in proportion to the small body.

2005 smart crosstown concept
The crosstown is also the first smart model to be installed with hybrid drive, a development of the unit first announced in 2001. The hybrid system uses the same 61-hp gasoline engine from the fourtwo, combined with a 23-kW electric motor, to give an estimated 15-percent improvement in fuel economy in the EU cycle. Smart estimates that the crosstown will accelerate to 62 mph “ten percent better” than the fortwo’s 15.5-second time. Top speed is limited to 84 mph.
Škoda Yeti

2005 Skoda Yeti concept
Škoda Octavia RS
On the Frankfurt stand, Škoda marked its 100th anniversary of automaking and chose to make it the world premiere of its sporty Octavia RS model and Combi RS wagon version to its lineup, said to help bring back the company’s “sports car tradition” first started in the 1930s and also build on the Škoda RS’s rally successes in the 1970s and into the ’80s. The model’s new 2.0-liter FSI turbocharged in-line four — fresh from Volkswagen’s lineup — makes 200 hp and can run all the way up to 148 mph. The rich list of equipment upgrades includes a sport exhaust system, six-speed manual transmission, lowered sport suspension, “Cat’s Eye” reflectors, an integrated spoiler, green brake calipers, and available Zenith 18-inch alloys plus new yellow and “Race Blue” metallic colors. The interior is highlighted with aluminum-look trim, sport seats, and a fresh three-spoke steering wheel.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class

2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Inside, there’s an improved COMAND controller, and new seats with massage and ventilation features. Offered for the first time is an infrared-based Night View Assist system.
No matter which powerplant customers choose, power is way up in the new S. The new S500 has a 5.5-liter V-8 offering 388 hp and capable of dashing to 62 mph in 5.4 seconds, while the S350 has a 272-hp V-6 that can reach 62 mph in a still respectable 7.3 seconds. Top of the range will be a S600, with output from the V-12 up to 517 hp. This version is capable of 0-62 mph in a very impressive 4.6 seconds. A seven-speed automatic transmission is standard on all V-6 and V-8 models, and manual shift action is possible through the new steering shift control on the steering column stalk.
The AIRMATIC suspension system has been improved in several significant ways. The Active Damping System that the system works with is now recalibrated, and Active Body Control has been improved such that body motion under hard driving is now reduced by 60 percent
A new system called Brake Assist PLUS calculates the amount of brake assist needed to prevent an impending collision and provides it the moment the brake pedal is pressed, thus reducing the chance that the driver will overcompensate and other vehicles will rear-end the S-Class. Another feature offered on the new S is PRE-SAFE, which recognizes a potential accident and readies safety systems. Additionally, the radar-supported DISTRONIC PLUS cruise-control system now operates in radar-supported mode at all speeds between zero and 124 mph. Overall, the company claims in total a dozen new technologies are seen for the first time on a normal production car.
Email This Page