Frankfurt International Auto Show 2001

BMW (continued) The 3-Series has new headlights (bi-xenon's optional) and other minor styling changes. Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) electro hydraulic microprocessor controlled clutch transmission is offered on the 325i and 330i. Quicker steering ratio and improved elastokinematics combined with spring/shock upgrades have improved the already excellent handling. Europe gets a new 4-cylinder direct injection diesel that can go 134 mph. Also on hand was the M3 CSL Concept Car. Use of carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastics has reduced the power to weight ratio from 1: 9.6 to 1 horsepower per 7.7 pounds! This equates to a staggering 30-second reduction in lap time around the Nurburgring. Visually, this car is stunning. It looks aggressive on its 19-inch wheels that hide 18-inch brake rotors! SMG can snap shift in less than 1/10th of a second. This is a true enthusiast's car, which should be for sale soon. The BMW exclusive tuner, Alpina, housed within the BMW confines, displayed amazing blue examples of their modified BMW's. Obviously, they have close factory ties and it shows in the quality of their work. Oddly, all of their models were equipped with automatic transmissions (Switch Tronic). The X5 goes after the ML55, and gets a new pneumatic leveling suspension and bumps horsepower to 347hp from a 4.6L with a top speed of 149mph. Enter a new round of horsepower wars amongst the new breed of German sport utility vehicles. Next in line is Porsche/VW with the Cayenne. Let the race begin! Mercedes-Benz The stars were shining brightly upon the new SL. The same familiar V8 family of engines, except for one, powers this beautiful car. The SL55 Kompressor AMG is new with 476hp and 520 lb-ft of torque. This is a direct competitor for cars like the Z8, F360, and 911 Turbo. Electro hydraulic brakes used for the first time in any production car sets the stage for new automotive technology. The ceramic brake rotors measure 15 inches with eight piston calipers. Un-sprung weight was reduced with an aluminum multi link suspension with Active Body Control (ABC). Two batteries share the duties of powering the SL's complex electronics systems. The roof is now VARIO just like the SLK's but twice as fast in operation. Overall, weight is similar to the outgoing SL (R129) so performance will be stunning to say the least. The 3-valve V12 has been massaged by AMG for the first time creating the 444hp S/CL 63. AMG allows clients to delete the speed limiter for those who want to explore the cars top speed of 190mph. The ML has a minor facelift and interior additions. The ML500 replaces the ML430 and a new A-class based small MPV was introduced called the Vaneo. Mercedes, the brand, celebrated its 100th birthday! The Mercedes hall had three levels and an excellent motor sports section that even allowed you to refuel a Formula One car.