Frankfurt promises high-speed and ecologically responsible thrills

The IAA International Motor Show held every other year in Frankfurt promises something for everyone, from the car enthusiast who likes a brisk drive to the environmentalist looking for better fuel efficiency.

BMW AG is hustling to market with its Z8 open sport car - the production version of the Z07 concept car first launched at the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show.

The Z8 doubtless will be Frankfurt's darling.

The vehicle is built using an aluminum space frame and aluminum body panels; under the hood, it comes equipped with the 400-hp DOHC V-8 filched from the new M5. The car comes standard with a removeable hard top.

Saab Automobile AB will reveal its new Aero range. The 9-5 Aero is equipped with a 230-hp, turbocharged 2.3L 4-cyl. The vehicle has a lower and stiffer suspension and more braking power than its 9-5 sibling. When it goes on sale in the U.S. in October, the 9-5 Aero will be available with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic.

The appearance and performance enhancements of the 9-3 Aero will show up on the 9-3 SE 5-door and convertible, but 9-3s will not wear an Aero badge.

Audi AG completes its S high-performance range with the debut of the S6 and S6 Avant. This sedan and station wagon duo combines performance and a modern appearance, Audi says. The vehicles are equipped with a juicy, 340-hp version of Audi's 4.2L V-8, along with quattro permanent all-wheel-drive.

Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. hopes to make a big splash with at least three new vehicles. The show will be the launch for the new Almera, which will go on sale next spring in Europe. The vehicle was designed for the European market and will be built at the company's plant in the U.K.

"The C-segment is the biggest in Europe, and models in this sector often define the personality of the brand," says Ian Gibson, president of Nissan Europe. "This will mark the first time Nissan has had a European-built contender here, and it will accelerate the communication of our brand value."

The vehicle will be equipped with a new line of engines ranging from 1.5L to 2.2L, including Nissan's new direct-injection diesel technology.The Japanese aut omaker additionally will preview the Tino, a multi-purpose vehicle variant of the Almera. Tino will start production next year at the Nissan Motor Iberica plant, located in Barcelona, Spain.

Another Nissan vehicle to be unwrapped, the Cypact, is the latest 78-mpg (3L/100 km) super fuel-efficient vehicle that Nissan brags combines a dynamic and enjoyable driving experience with a super-economy engine for a reduced environmental impact.

Cypact is equipped with Nissan's next-generation turbocharged Nissan Ecology Oriented Direct injection (NEO Di) 4-cyl. diesel. It makes 74 hp. Mitsubishi Motors Corp. plans to launch its newest fuel-efficient engine, as well. The automaker boasts the 3.2L direct-injection diesel engine reduces fuel consumption by 25% compared to the company's 2.8L indirect-injection diesel. Mitsubishi will introduce several concept vehicles at the show, along with a production version of its Italian-designed Pinin small sport/utility vehicle (SUV).

DaimlerChrysler AG's Mercedes-Benz division will unveil an all-new V-12 to power the equally new S600 and CL 600. Mercedes has new variants of its freshly minted direct-injection diesels, too, shown in the S400 CDI and S320 CDI, along with a convertible version of its SLR and a concept vehicle. Smart will launch a convertible and diesel variant, while Chrysler plans to debut a European concept vehicle in the C segment.