10 Most Disappointing Reveals of Frankfurt’s Auto Show
We already showed you our Top 10 Favorite Reveals from the 2009 Frankfurt (that’s Germany, baby) Auto/Motor Show – but there were plenty of disappointing rides as well…10 at least! Many were design related, and with some auto makers we expected more in the performance avenue. There’s no accounting for taste in today’s world, I guess. Have a look at the 10 biggest disappointments from Frankfurt ’09 – and let us know what you think!
10. Audi A5 Sportback
Audi’s A5 & S5 Sportback does boast a powerful 333 HP, 324.53 lb-ft of torque V6, but the “Back” of this car doesn’t look any fancier then your average Audi.
9. Peugeot BB1 Concept
Peugeot’s 20 HP four-passenger ride, BB1, has confused the heck out of us since we started reviewing vehicles at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show. Loving the suicide doors, but it is uncomfortable to the eyes. Stick to making road bikes Peugeot.
8. Volvo C30 & C70
When you bring new concepts to an event like Frankfurt 2009, you gotta carry the big guns. Volvo, however, showed up with their two-door models for 2010 and, well, we’re not impressed – even with the bevy of engine options that are supposed to come with each vehicle.
7. Volkswagen Up!
We like the idea behind VW’s “3+1″ City Car – but the Up!/E-Motion hasn’t changed much from initial concept phase, which began almost two years ago. Although, Volkswagen claims Up! can reach 30 mph in about 3 seconds, and might be using an Audi engine…sweet.
6. 2010 Saab 9-5
Saab is suffering from the same issues as VW & and Volvo at Frankfurt – bringing a not-so-impressive looking 2010 model and attempting to “wow.” Saab is, according to their press release, bringing out the 2010 9-5 with a 180 HP “all the way up to” a 2.8 turbo V6 putting out 300 HP.
5. Anything Kia Motors
Who the hell let Kia into this (or any) auto show?! Kia’s Venga is basically The Soul for Europe…zzzzzz. A range of 1.4 petrol and 1.6 diesel engines are offered with power ranging from 74 to 113 HP.
4. Citroen Revolte Concept
“Revolte” – really guys? We have nothing against the design, and we’ll give you a pass on the Barney-like paint job. But go back to the drawing board when it comes to names. Seriously.
3. Volkswagen Phaeton
It’s not a Passat, even though it looks like one, and doesn’t have much more of a performance status. Some of the concepts VW brought to Germany were fantastic. The Phaeton…is not.
2. 2010 Dodge Caliber
Dodge took a wrong turn on its way to the junk yard and somehow ended up parking their 2010 Caliber in Frankfurt. Dodge claims they will continue to build “performance cars” for a horse power crazed public – that’s great guys, good luck with everything.
1. The Trabant
The Trabant is a throwback to Russian automobiles of a Cold War Era. Why anyone would produce it is about as bizarre to us as why Dodge would come to the 2009 Frankfurt Auto/Motor Show. Trabant is an all-electric car produced by a toy manufacturer. Yup. In Soviet Russia, car drives you!
photos via jalopnik & worldcarfans
>2010 Caliber (a model which is now canceled in the USA)
That’s going to be news to the guys at Chrysler:
http://www.dodge.com/en/2010/caliber/
SRT4 is gone, but the regular Caliber, unfortunately, remains.
already fixed, good eye buddy!