Riding the SUV Wave
Americans are crazy for SUVs, but in many auto markets throughout the world drivers still prefer cars — or even wagons. Still, there were a number of significant new SUV debuts at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show with many, if not all, destined for the U.S. market. Here are some of the most important new SUVs from Frankfurt.
BMW Concept X7 iPerformance
From the automaker that forged its reputation with nimble, sporty sedans comes the Concept X7 iPerformance — a full-size luxury SUV to join the top of the X line of Sport Activity Vehicles above the current X5 and X6 models. The largest SUV ever to be offered by BMW, the 6-seat Concept X7 iPerformance provides a look at the production version of the X7 that will follow, scheduled to go on sale in 2018. The plug-in hybrid powertrain of the Concept X7 iPerformance combines a BMW TwinPower Turbo gasoline engine with electric eDrive technology.
BMW Concept X7 iPerformance
Final details still need to be ironed out, but the overall design of the X7 Concept iPerformance looks very close to being production ready. The concept features a large version of the signature BMW dual-kidney grille, ultra-slim headlights and deep lower air intakes. Inside, the Concept X7 iPerformance emphasizes the amount of open space with simple forms and a panoramic roof, while luxury materials and the latest infotainment technology create an exclusive environment. Seats are covered in a combination of Dark Olive-bronze leather and Smoke White quilted leather. The instrument panel is reduced to essential information for a clean look, with the 12.3-inch instrument cluster screen and center touchscreen placed close together for interactive use and a single continuous display.
Jaguar E-PACE
Following the successful launch of the larger F-PACE 7-passenger SUV, Jaguar adds the 5-passenger compact performance E-PACE to its lineup. The design is similar to the F-PACE, combining sport sedan styling with the practicality and versatility of an all-wheel-drive compact utility vehicle. The E-PACE features lightweight suspension, standard all-wheel drive and an available Active Dynamics package. Standard JaguarDrive control offers the choice of four driving modes: Normal, Dynamic, ECO and Rain / Ice / Snow.
Jaguar E-PACE
The E-PACE draws power from a choice of two turbocharged 2.0-liter Ingenium gasoline engines, producing either 246 horsepower or 296 horsepower, both combined with a XF 9-speed automatic transmission. The latest connectivity technology offers streaming for up to 8 devices with the optional 4G Wi-Fi hotspot. A 12.3-inch full-color TFT display and Head-up display are optional.
LED headlights are similar to the F-TYPE sports car design with slim bladelike LED rear lights. The upper trim levels include Jaguar J-blade daytime running lights around the outer edges of the headlights.
Land Rover Discovery SVX
In Frankfurt Land Rover debuted the Discovery SVX, an extreme Land Rover designed for off-road enthusiasts. Produced by Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations, the Discovery SVX adds extreme off-road capability alongside the other SVO offerings: Range Rover Sport SVR and Range Rover SVAutobiography. Discovery SVX will be offered exclusively with a 525-horsepower turbocharged 5.0-liter V8 engine and features increased ground clearance, a lifted body, suspension modifications and large all-terrain tires. Hydraulic Active Roll Control is new for Discovery with increased wheel articulation and improved body control.
Land Rover Discovery SVX
Riding on 275/55 R20 Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tires on forged aluminum alloy wheels, the Discovery SVX also is equipped with a specially-tuned Terrain Response 2 system, an active center differential and electronic locking rear differential. The Discovery SVS at the Frankfurt show has unique front and rear bumpers with skidplates, Rush Orange metal recovery eyes, an anti-glare hood and an integrated rear-mounted electric winch. Finished in satin Tectonic Grey, Discovery SVX features Rush Orange accents, silver roof rails and roof-mounted light pods. Described as a production preview of the coming model, the Discovery SVX will be the first Land Rover hand-assembled at the SVO Technical Center near Coventry, England, with production beginning in 2018.
Porsche Cayenne Turbo
The all-new 2019 Porsche Cayenne Turbo made its world debut at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. The third-generation Cayenne has fresh styling inside and out. The Turbo can be identified by its wider painted wheel arches, quad exhaust outlets, special 21-inch wheels, and an adaptive roof spoiler that adjusts depending on acceleration and braking.
Porsche Cayenne Turbo
Powering the Cayenne Turbo is a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that generates 550 horsepower and 567 lb-ft of torque. Able to reach 60 mph in 3.7 seconds on its way to a top speed of 177 mph, the third gen is quicker and faster than the last-gen Cayenne Turbo S. The Cayenne Turbo also features a new lightweight chassis, 3-chamber air suspension, high-performance Porsche Surface Coated Brake technology, rear-axle steering and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus — all designed to improve ride and handling. The 2019 Porsche Cayenne Turbo will be available for ordering later this year, but don’t look for it to arrive in showrooms until fall 2018.
Toyota C-HR HY-Power Concept
Toyota debuted the new C-HR HY-Power Concept in Frankfurt with a more robust hybrid powertrain. The new hybrid unit in the C-HR HY-Power Concept offers more power than the current production C-HR engine, and indicates a strategy of offering higher performance hybrid options for core Toyota models. Since the C-HR HY-Power is a concept, powertrain details were not announced.
Toyota C-HR HY-Power Concept
Designed by ED2, Toyota’s European design studio, the goal was a more powerful and emotional look for the C-HR HY-Power. The exterior of the C-HR HY-Power Concept is finished in matte Dark Carbon silver paint with a dramatic contrast of anodized Burning Orange. The theme gets carried through the interior with much of it finished in black and Burning Orange elements on the seats, armrests and dashboard.
Toyota Land Cruiser
Toyota debuted the new Land Cruiser full-size SUV in Frankfurt — one of the only SUVS still produced with a body-on-frame design that continues to offer a high-level of off-road capability. The new exterior features a bold new grille, and a new Torsen locking differential provides even better off-road capability in slippery conditions. Inside, Land Cruiser features a redesigned dashboard, new Optitron instrumentation, available ventilated front seats and available heated rear seats.
Toyota Land Cruiser
Sold as a full-size luxury SUV in the U.S., Land Cruiser continues to be popular around the world, especially in countries where true off-road capability is an everyday necessity. The Land Cruiser gets offered with different specifications in other markets, and no details about the U.S. version were available. That said, this new design gives an indication of what to expect when more information about the U.S. model comes to light.
