Each year, the International Auto Show in Frankfurt rolls out with some of the most thrilling rides revving on earth.
With the buzz of new electric/plug-in hybrid models and autonomous vehicles filling the air—not to mention Apple and Google's imminent presence on the car scene forcing the industry to supplant horsepower with 'connectivity' as the current it-word—the Frankfurt Motor Show has still managed to generate oohs and ahhs with this year's reveals.
Here are some of the most exciting reveals from the annual auto extravaganza:
Bentley Bentayga
Seeing is believing. After months of whispers and even a few secret shots floating around, Bentley finally debuted the first production SUV of its brand at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The Bentayga backs up its tagline for being "the fastest, most luxurious and most exclusive SUV in the world" with a ridiculous 12-cylinder V12 engine, cranking out 600 horsepower and the ability to go 0 to 60 miles per hour in four seconds flat. Not only did Bentley create a splash with unveiling the Bentayga in Frankfurt, but it might have also sparked an entire new division—that of super-luxurious SUVs.
Audi e-tron Quattro and Porsche's Mission E
Audi and Porsche made headlines earlier this week, announcing their splashy entry into the electric vehicle space with the e-tron Quattro and Mission E, respectively, which both could begin production as soon as 2018. The Mission E (shown above), in particular, sports a drool-inducing 600 horsepower, ability to go 0 to 60 in 3.5 seconds and 15-minute charging. Tesla, your competition has arrived.
Ferrari 488 GTB Spider
It's hard to outdo yourself, but Ferrari keeps trying. Its new 488 GTB Spider convertible revs up from 0 to 62 in three seconds, topping out at 203 miles per hour. But how often do you hear of a supercar with 660 horsepower and a twin turbo V8 under the hood being able to give drivers nearly 25 miles per gallon? Not that a Ferrari owner would want to pinch pennies when it comes to gas, but still, that's impressive.
Alfa Romeo Giulia QV
Alfa Romeo wants to be a key player in the ultra-premium car category again and is banking on the Giulia QV to help it get there. Well ahead of its tentative mid-2016 release, the Giulia can top out at speeds of 190 miles per hour. It's one of eight new models from Alfa Romeo scheduled to hit roads by 2018. The Italian brand hopes it drives sales to upwards of 400,000 by the end of 2018, according to Auto Express.
Jaguar C-X75
Why is this vehicle significant? Well, because this Jaguar C-X75—and the Range Rover Sport SVR—are set to appear in the new James Bond film, Spectre. After all, what would 007 be without his Jag. The C-X75's approximate 900 horsepower was enough to leave journalists at the International Auto Show shaken, not stirred. What a rush!
