Audi SUV vrooms into Frankfurt

1,000 exhibitors from 44 countries at mother of all car shows.

The 61st edition of the Frankfurt motor show can easily be called the mother of all auto shows. Over 1,000 exhibitors from 44 countries are present this year at what is formally known as Internationale Automobil-Austellung. Everything, ranging from new cars to bits and pieces that go into them, are being showcased.

The show across 12 sprawling buildings is officially open only tomorrow and that meant a restricted press preview today. As expected, German carmakers have not spared any effort to make their presence felt.

Audi had the world premiere for its their first-ever SUV, the Q7. The function was attended by a record 800 journalists from around the world.

Audi actually missed out on the early SUV "boom" that saw everyone, from Lexus to Porsche, and even parent Volkswagen, launch mammoth machines. The Audi Q7 has come in at a time when the world has started to look at gas-guzzling SUVs with a jaundiced eye.

As if to make amends, soon after the magnificent Q7 was launched, a hybrid version was rolled in. Sure, this petrol-electric Q7 will be launched only as late as 2008, but it will help Audi keep eco-weenies from rioting.

As is expected, Audi is counting on the American market for the success of its SUV, and even imported a basketball star and a singer from across the pond.

What makes the Q7 special is that it is tipped to be an important model for India as well, and is expected to be introduced in the country by mid-2006. Not to be left behind, DaimlerChrysler unveiled what can be termed the best car in the world ""the brand new Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

The S-Class has been the benchmark for luxury sedans for the last 50 years and the tradition continues with the new model. A dozen new technical innovations "" from brake assist plus with radar sensors and dynamic multi-contour seats with an extended massage function to night view assist with the latest infrared technology and a host of other safety systems "" make the new flagship Mercedes unique.

The new car will be offered in two wheelbase lengths, and the S350 version with a 272 bhp V6 engine will debut in India at the Auto Expo 2006 in Delhi.

Fiat Auto's near future, especially in Europe, rests on the success of its mass volume hatchback, the Punto. No less than 10 versions of the Punto, from sporty three-doors to fuel-efficient diesels, are on display at the show.

But Fiat is betting on the Punto Grande, a superbly re-skinned version of the Punto that looks promising. The Punto Grande, penned by Italdesign in association with Fiat's Centro Stile, is large for a hatchback, and will be available in both three- and five-door versions. Fiat is offering it with both petrol and diesel engines at launch.

Dacia, the Romanian arm of Renault, has for the first time showed its direct -injection diesel engine meant for the Logan sedan. The Logan is all set to make its debut in India under the Mahindra-Renault banner and it is this 1500cc diesel engine that will be powering the cars on Indian roads.

It seems that the 68 bhp diesel vehicle with an assured economy of 20 kpl can challenge the Tata Indigo TDI and the upcoming Suzuki diesel range.

Bentley and Lamborghini (both from the VW stable) had brilliant white cars on display. While the Bentley pavilion had a dazzling white Azure convertible, the supercar maker from Italy showed off a Murcielago and a Gallardo in pristine white.

Czech carmaker Skoda is celebrating 100 years of its existence. To mark the occasion, a jet black Monte Carlo sports car from 1936 shares display space with a new iteration of the Yeti concept car, with a sporty, "outdoorsy" removable top.

The Yeti, a good-looking compact SUV, may get the nod for production, and when ready, will be a vital product for Skoda Auto India.