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4x4, SUV, News

All-new Kia Sportage set for Frankfurt debut

Kia has revealed exterior images of the all-new Sportage, ahead of a global debut in Frankfurt.

Entering its fourth-generation, the new Sportage features a 'bold, progressive design'. Kia says the new model is inspired by the smooth and sharp shapes found on some of the most iconic modern fighter jets, and that the Sportage creates 'visual harmony out of the tension between sharp, defined feature lines and smooth surfacing'.

The face of the new Sportage represents the biggest change to the car's design, with the headlamps no longer integrated with the grille for the new model, instead sweeping back along the outer edges of the more sharply-detailed bonnet and bolder wheel arches. The Sportage's lower, wider 'tiger-nose' grille adds more volume, resulting in what Kia describes as a more imposing appearance and a more stable-looking stance.

The new model retains the swept-back silhouette of the outgoing Sportage, with a roofline that tapers slightly towards the rear of the car, longer front overhangs, shorter rear overhangs and longer wheelbase. At the rear, the horizontal forms and surface volume 'emphasise the car's width', while slim combination lamps are joined by a strip that runs the width of the rear, inspired by the 2013 Kia Provo concept car. Turn signals and reversing lights are separated, relocated lower down to add more 'visual weight and a greater sense of stability' to the lower half of the car.

The Frankfurt International Motor Show runs from 17-27 September 2015.

Crossover, Concept Car, SUV, News

Mazda to unveil new crossover concept in Frankfurt

The Mazda Koeru crossover SUV concept is set to make its debut at the 2015 Frankfurt International Motor Show.

Koeru - Japanese for 'exceed' or 'go beyond' - was the name chosen for Mazda's latest entry into the growing crossover SUV market, which features the company's trademark KODO - Soul of Motion design - expressing "the power and vitality of a predator along with a unique level of refined dignity", according to Mazda.

Mazda will also display its new-generation model line-up in Frankfurt with highlights including an all-new MX-5 complete with accessories as well as several SKYACTIV powertrains. 

Mazda's Frankfurt Motor Show press conference takes place on 15 September and the doors open to the public from 17-27 September.

Coupe, News, Sports Car, Concept Car

Aston Martin DB9 GT at Pebble Beach

Aston Martin's new 2016 DB9 GT will make its global debut as part of the marque's presence at the Pebble Beach
Automotive Week.

Aston Martin will also offer a glimpse of its 'Second Century' with the DBX concept, Lagonda Taraf and Vulcan supercar all set to make appearances.

The GT claims the title of the most potent DB9 yet devised, by virtue of its uprated 6.0-litre V12 engine which now pumps out 540bhp - accompanied by a raft of engineering, equipment and styling developments.

Aston Martin's 'Second Century' plan was announced by Dr. Andy Palmer after completion of his first 150 days as CEO of Aston Martin. A strategy for the ongoing development of the 102-year old sports car maker laid out the principle mid-term actions that will drive the growth of the company.

The DBX concept, now confirmed for production, signals expansion into the luxury GT crossover market as part of a wider strategy to develop the strongest and most diverse product portfolio in the company's history.

Having made a surprise global debut at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, Aston Martin says the DBX has generated interest beyond expectations. 

The 800+bhp Aston Martin Vulcan makes its second bow in North America following a New York debut in April and will also be on display alongside the DBX. Styled entirely in-house by the design team led by Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman, the Vulcan is powered by the most potent iteration yet of Aston Martin's naturally-aspirated, 7.0-litre V12 petrol engine, developed in conjunction with Aston Martin Racing.

Marking a first appearance in the North American market, the new Lagonda Taraf super saloon draws inspiration from the highly sought-after William Towns-designed Lagonda of 1976 and features many of the same cutting edge engineering techniques seen in modern Aston Martin sports cars, such as the extensive use of carbon fibre body panels.

The car is hand-built at Aston Martin's state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Gaydon in a dedicated building previously given over to the creation of the One-77 supercar. 

The Lagonda Taraf will be exclusively available for viewings to customers and invited guests as well as leading the marque's presence at Quail: A Motorsports Gathering on 14 August.

Guests will again be hosted at the exclusive Aston Martin Estate, a private venue, situated high above Carmel with panoramic views across the Monterey Bay, which will also serve as the location for a number of exclusive events including private viewings of new Aston Martins and test drives of the current line-up.

Hypercar, News

Spanish exotica set for Salon Prive

Two exotic Spanish hypercars are to make their debuts at this year's Salon Prive (3-5 September) at its new home of Blenheim Palace.

Bespoke car manufacturer Tramontana will launch its hypercar, Tramontana R. A choice of two engines - a V12 Twin Turbo or a V10 - provide two performance options, and each car is an individually commissioned to a client's requirements. The Tramontana incorporates the latest motorsport derived technology available and is hand built by craftsmen to an exacting standard.

Founded in 1994, Spanish firm Spania GTA gained a wealth of experience in motorsport before manufacturing the GTA Spano. With its own new V10 twin Turbo engine, producing 925hp and 1220Nm torque, it accelerates from 0-62mph in 2.9 seconds and has a top speed of over 230mph.

With a limited production of 99 vehicles, it features a newly-designed sequential seven-speed gearbox and Spania GTA has developed a new carbon monocoque chassis. Unique among super-sportcar manufacturers, it employs materials such as titanium, graphene, and Kevlar for exceptional rigidity and lightness.

Salon Prive managing director Andrew Bagley commented: "We're incredibly excited to host these Spanish hypercars at this year's event, which will inevitably draw plenty of attention from visitors. The fact that Tramontana and Spania GTA have chosen Salon Prive to showcase their models is testament to the influence of Salon Prive as a leading luxury and automotive event."