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11/09/2001
Motor Industry gears up for Frankfurt Motor Show
The motor industry is gearing up for the biggest event in the motoring manufacturers’ European calendar.
Among the highlights of the Frankfurt Motor Show 2001 show is the European unveiling of the Ford Fiesta. This all-new model from Ford borrows the styling from its bigger sibling the Focus. The new Fiesta is the most important launch for Ford since the award-winning and radically-styled Focus graced roads and missed Elks in 1998.
As a Fiesta spin-off Ford are set to wow the Frankfurt crowds with Fusion. Based around the Fiesta this trendy on-roader blends off-roader looks with mini people carrier practicality. The Ford Fusion should be gracing showrooms by next year.
At Frankfurt Jaguar officially unveiled their R-Type concept coupe. A cool cruiser which makes it look as though the old leaping cat marque is set to jump to new heights following the recent launch of the X-Type.
Ford’s old rival, Vauxhall are still at the concept stage. Fresh from the recent launch of the new-look Corsa and the surprising VX220 sportster, Vauxhall have unveiled the ‘Frogster’ as a fun concept car. This features four removable seats, but put in two of these and voila you have a fun roadster. The Vectra replacement expected next year is still under wraps.
Meanwhile MG Rover freed from the shackles of BMW ownership are still experiencing a muscle-car high following the successful if short-lived outing of their Le Mans Prototype 275s at the 24-hour race and the launch of their sporty MG Z-variants. Not content with this, the ambitious Brits have revealed plans to market an X80 coupe based on the Qvale Mangusta project bought over by the Midlands car maker earlier this year. The X80 will boast a V8 supercar price tag of around £50,000 and is tipped to steal sales from Porsche.
Italian style supremos at Alfa Romeo have unveiled the GTA saloon. A more heavily muscled version of the 156, the GTA and its Sportwagon variant boast a 3.2 litre V6 producing 250bhp. Sadly, only a few right-hand drive models are expected to make it into the UK.
Of course the Pacific-rim marques have not been disheartened by a resurgence of the European manufacturers’ fortunes. Honda unwrapped a new CR-V off-roader that is pitched against the likes of the Land Rover Freelander and at the Subaru stand people are jostling to get a glimpse of the hottest-ever Subaru Impreza. The WRX STi has the grunt to get to 60mph in 5.2 seconds thanks to a 260bhp power unit in the latest Impreza package due next year. (SP)
Among the highlights of the Frankfurt Motor Show 2001 show is the European unveiling of the Ford Fiesta. This all-new model from Ford borrows the styling from its bigger sibling the Focus. The new Fiesta is the most important launch for Ford since the award-winning and radically-styled Focus graced roads and missed Elks in 1998.
As a Fiesta spin-off Ford are set to wow the Frankfurt crowds with Fusion. Based around the Fiesta this trendy on-roader blends off-roader looks with mini people carrier practicality. The Ford Fusion should be gracing showrooms by next year.
At Frankfurt Jaguar officially unveiled their R-Type concept coupe. A cool cruiser which makes it look as though the old leaping cat marque is set to jump to new heights following the recent launch of the X-Type.
Ford’s old rival, Vauxhall are still at the concept stage. Fresh from the recent launch of the new-look Corsa and the surprising VX220 sportster, Vauxhall have unveiled the ‘Frogster’ as a fun concept car. This features four removable seats, but put in two of these and voila you have a fun roadster. The Vectra replacement expected next year is still under wraps.
Meanwhile MG Rover freed from the shackles of BMW ownership are still experiencing a muscle-car high following the successful if short-lived outing of their Le Mans Prototype 275s at the 24-hour race and the launch of their sporty MG Z-variants. Not content with this, the ambitious Brits have revealed plans to market an X80 coupe based on the Qvale Mangusta project bought over by the Midlands car maker earlier this year. The X80 will boast a V8 supercar price tag of around £50,000 and is tipped to steal sales from Porsche.
Italian style supremos at Alfa Romeo have unveiled the GTA saloon. A more heavily muscled version of the 156, the GTA and its Sportwagon variant boast a 3.2 litre V6 producing 250bhp. Sadly, only a few right-hand drive models are expected to make it into the UK.
Of course the Pacific-rim marques have not been disheartened by a resurgence of the European manufacturers’ fortunes. Honda unwrapped a new CR-V off-roader that is pitched against the likes of the Land Rover Freelander and at the Subaru stand people are jostling to get a glimpse of the hottest-ever Subaru Impreza. The WRX STi has the grunt to get to 60mph in 5.2 seconds thanks to a 260bhp power unit in the latest Impreza package due next year. (SP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:All parts will have a dry day. A lot of cloud expected through the day. A little brightness breaking through at times along the coast. Maximum temperature 16 °C.Tonight:This evening will be dry. The rest of the night will remain dry with variable amounts of cloud and some clear periods. Light southwesterly winds. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
