Tesla Gets Wake-Up Call At Frankfurt Auto Show

To see the future, and why Tesla will be getting a rude awakening, follow news from the recent Frankfurt Auto Show where European automakers showcased their latest and greatest.  This year, the German giants debuted long-distance plug-ins while new crossovers, supercars, and convertibles from familiar names challenged old favorites.  Check the highlights:

Porsche Million E Concept

Tesla is about to get some serious energy thrown its way - like a 600 horsepower electric Porsche that runs 0-60 mph under 3.5s.  Fully charged, it travels 310 miles, but can be re-charged to 80 percent in just 15 minutes.  It's also next-decade sexy with quad LEDs in each front fender.  Eye-tracking, gesture controls, and holograms that let passengers grab apps out of the air advance infotainment.  A production version arrives by 2019.

Mercedes-Benz IAA Concept

Tesla's problems multiply as Mercedes plans an electric sedan with a range near 300 miles before 2020.  Expect that technology to be wrapped in a package that looks something like the IAA concept, including rear panels that extend to morph the car's shape and improve aerodynamics above 50 mph.  In fact, it matches the GM EV1's benchmark 0.19 Cd.

Nissan Gripz Concept

While the next Juke may be a couple of years away, the Gripz gives us a hint of its design direction.  Keeping the crossover coupe theme, Gripz jacks it up with a V-shaped grille, muscular fenders, and boomerang-style headlamps and taillamps.  A four-place interior sports it out with motorcycle-inspired gauges and full-length painted console.

Mazda Koeru Concept

Mazda previews basic styling for its next-generation CX-9 and CX-5 crossovers.  Under the KODO "Soul of Motion" design language is an efficient SKYACTIV four-cylinder powertrain.  Careful attention to aerodynamics should optimize fuel economy and interior space.  As with all Mazdas, Koeru targets people who love to drive and look stylish doing it.

Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo

Here's a preview of Bugatti's upcoming Chiron supercar.  You'll see a family resemblance in the brand's horseshoe grille and center fin taken from the 1936 Type 57 Atlantic.  Blue sueded racing seats, Formula-1 style buttons, and curved glass displays define the interior.  Moving it is a W16 engine, providing in excess of 1,200 horsepower and 250 mph.  Prices should start around $2.5 million circa 2017.

2017 Jaguar F-Pace

To exploit a quickly-growing segment, F-Pace projects a sporty stance with elegant curves.  Powertrains include a 340 horsepower 3.0-liter V6, 2.0-liter diesel, and turbo-four.  U.S. versions will come standard wtih AWD.  Safety equipment includes autonomous braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane keep assist, and sign recognition system that projects speed limit on the head-up display.  Prices will rise from $43,385 when sales commence next May.

2016 Infiniti Q30

Squint at the proportions, examine the switchgear, and you'll realize this is a Mercedes GLA in disguise.  But, Infiniti's expressive lines over 19-inch alloys and LED fog lamps will appeal to younger drivers.  Interiors flaunt themes dubbed "City black", "Cafe teak", and "Gallery white".  Active noise cancellation, 208 horsepower 2.0-liter turbo-four, and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission come standard.  Sales commence late this year.

2017 Rolls-Royce Dawn

Britain's crown jewel offers a smaller convertible.  By smaller, we mean closer to a BMW 7-Series than Ford Excursion.  Based on the Wraith coupe, Dawn is both sleek and traditional with recessed Parthenon grille, boat-tail rear taper, teak tonneau, perfect hides, and book-matched veneers.  The fabric roof raises and lowers in 22s.  Owners will revel in the 6.6-liter twin-turbo V-12's smooth torque.  Prices should start under $350,000.

2017 Bentley Bentayga

QEII may soon toss off her Range Rover for an all-road companion to her Bentley State Limousine.  Dubbed "Bentayga" and priced from $229,100, it's Bentley's first SUV and the segment's most expensive entry.  You'll get a 608 horsepower twin-turbo V-12, active suspension, adjustable ride height, 15 separate wood veneer panels, and available champagne cooler.  Expect 0-60 mph in 4.0s and 187 mph top speed.  Sales start early next year.

Audi e-Tron Quattro Concept

VW's luxury brand shows its vision for a plug-in electric.  It's going crossover, but claims a 310-mile range and combined 496 horsepower.  Audi claims 0-60 mph in 4.6s, 130 mph top speed, and 50-minute re-charge.  Other tech includes AWD, all-wheel steering, OLED exterior lighting, adaptive air suspension, and Audi's virtual cockpit.  Sales begin early 2018.

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