2011 IAA Frankfurt

AS EXPECTED, the 64th Frankfurt motor show -- which took place between Spetember 15 and 25 -- delivered a vast array of new and future product from the world's biggest car-makers.

To give an idea of the sheer scale and scope of the show, consider a few statistics: 230,000 square metres of exhibition space, 183 world premieres and 1012 individual exhibitors.

More importantly, the show gathered more visitors -- 928,000 to be precise -- than the previous iteration in 2009.

Frankurt alternates as the host of this enormous September show with Paris, which will play host next year to the biennial Mondial de l'Automobile.

The next IAA Frankfurt will take place in the European Autumn of 2013.

*************************************************************GERMAN car-makers Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Volkswagen tend to hold sway at their home event, held biennially, and this September’s showcase looks like being no different.

Truly important models from the big German marques such as the new Porsche 911, Mercedes-Benz B-class, BMW 1 Series, Audi A8 hybrid and Urban EV, and the Volkswagen Up! are set to appear at the IAA event. VW subsidiary Skoda will also show its all-new Ford Focus-sized concept, which at this stage is called MissionL.

From top: Land Rover Defender concept, Ford Evos, Audi Urban Concept EV.

But the monstrous motoring extravaganza – one of the world’s biggest – will also play host to some of the finest product produced by automakers the world over.

The Italian’s are set to be represented by stunning metal like the all-new Ferrari 458 Spyder (see video above), Alfa Romeo 4C and a mystery Lamborghini ‘Super Sports’ car – rumoured to be a limited edition racing-inspired Gallardo derivative.

Other Europeans on display will include the Peugeot 508 RXH diesel-hybrid off-roader, Renault Frendzy concept van, all-new Bentley Continental GTC convertible, Aston Martin V12 Zagato, Jaguar C-X16 small coupe concept and an urban EV trike from Austrian motorcycle-maker KTM.

Land Rover will attempt to re-invent the legendary Defender when it debuts its exciting concept, while an entirely new brand from Britain – to be called Eterniti – will make its debut with the Hemera super-luxury SUV.

Ford, meanwhile, will give the world a first taste of its design future with the spectacular gullwing-doored Evos concept.

The Asian contingent will be led by the rapidly growing Korean twins Hyundai and Kia, which will display the next-generation i30 small-car and a sexy RWD sedan concept respectively. SsangYong will also join the party with its edgy city SUV concept. Product from Japan will include the Mazda CX-5 compact SUV with the full suite of SkyActiv technologies, the new Honda Civic hatch, Subaru’s XV SUV and a tease of its BRZ coupe and the production Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid.

There will be countless more premieres, check out our full range of stories on the right of screen!