Audi Sport Quattro concept

Audi have a new Sport Quattro on display at the forth coming Frankfurt IAA Motorshow. Inspired by the ever popular Sport version of the Ur-Quattro the 2013 concept might take its styling concept from the short wheel base Group B rally car but it benefits from a very modern combination of electric and petrol powerplants that offer a total of 700PS (800Nm of torque) when working together. The 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine develops 552PS with the electric motor providing a healthy 148PS on its own (driving range on the electric motor alone is claimed as 31 miles). Power is transmitted via an eight-speed automatic gear box with a claimed top speed of 189mph and the the 0-62 dash taking 3.7 seconds.

The Sport Quattro concept is slightly shorter than an Audi A5 Coupe, although it has a longer wheelbase, it is however slightly wider than an A5 Coupe. Many of the car's design details hark back to the original Sport Quattro with modern composite and aluminium panels keeping weight to around 1850kg.

Whilst there are no concrete plans for production just yet it is more than possible that a small production run of Sport Quattros could be ready for customers by 2016. As a range topping halo model the Sport Quattro would certainly find buyers, although the expected price of £150,000 means a production run similar to the original's 224 could be as many as Audi can sell.

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Smart ForJoy - IAA Concept

The IAA in Frankfurt is the debut show for Smart's FourJoy concept which, according to Smart themselves, previews its new four seater (ForFour) model that is due to go on sale in late 2014.

The ForJoy offers glimpses of the new ForFour as well as traditional concept car styling. The Smart FourJoy does not have any doors nor does it have roof or tailgate glass but its silhouette and dimensions are expected to be very close to the new incarnation of the ForFour (which was dropped in 2006 because of poor sales). The ForJoy is a design study that focuses on adventure and pleasure (why else would you include two electric powered longboards??) but lurking underneath is an important model for Smart, their return to 'family' motoring. Whilst the FourJoy emphasises the traditional Smart Tridion cell (an exposed metal frame or exo-skeleton to which the body panels attach.) by using polished aluminium, the production model will use less dramatic painted steel. Expect a return to original Smart styling for the rear lights though, these are almost certain to follow the ForJoy's lead and be sculptured within the rear Tridion area.

The production version of the ForFour may well have both the electric drive line from the ForJoy and current ForTwo (55kW motor) as well as a new 900cc three-cylinder direct-injection petrol engine.

The new Smart ForFour will be built alongside the new (3rd generation) Renault Twingo Slovenia, continuing the tradition of the ForFour being a joint venture.