The 2007 Frankfurt International Motor Show will feature numerous vehicles with a green theme as the concerns for global warming continue to grow. Let take a look at some of my favorite vehicles hitting the scene at the Frankfurt Auto Show…..
Mercedes-Benz: Mercedes-Benz F 700 Research Car
The high-tech F 700 previews a full range of new technology from Mercedes-Benz, including a green-friendly powertrain, a laser-equipped suspension that looks ahead at road conditions, and even an interactive voice-recognition system that incorporates the best features of a video game.
The big four-door sedan is said to provide solid clues to the sort of features that are likely to appear on the next-generation Mercedes Benz S Class that is due to be introduced in 2012
Mercedes-Benz says this small-displacement engine's output of 238 horsepower compares favorably with its existing 3.5-liter V6 gasoline and 3.0-liter V6 diesel engines. It is in fuel economy and air emissions where the DiesOtto engine really excels. Mercedes-Benz rates the car's fuel economy on the European cycle at an astonishing 53 mpg, an 18-mpg improvement over the current Mercedes S350 sedan. 
The F 700 also showcases what Mercedes calls Pre-Scan suspension. Two lasers integrated into the headlights scan the road ahead and then the Pre-Scan control unit determines an appropriate strategy for the hydraulically operated suspension based on speed and road conditions. The headlights feature two linear arrays of LEDs to provide supplemental driving lights, while a third row functions as daytime running lights. Mercedes also has worked hard to simplify its notoriously complex arrangement of interior controls. A key contribution is a new voice-activation strategy, in which the voice of a young woman enters into a dialogue with the driver, posing questions that the driver answers.
BMW: AC Schnitzer GP3.10
At a cost of $274,600 AC Schnitzer's GP3.10 adds a heavy dollop of efficiency, economy and ecology with its LPG-fueled driveline. Schnitzer has reprogrammed the engine control unit on 
the 5.0-liter V10 and modified the exhaust system, fitting sport mufflers and catalysts creating 552 horsepower and 398 lb-feet of torque. With this 552 horsepower 4.5 seconds is all it takes to reach 60 mph…(and I thought my 5.3 second 40 yard dash time was fast)!!! Ac Schnitzer added a few other features to keep up with its very powerful engine… a racing suspension, enhanced 
brakes and its Type VI racing wheels.Since you can’t have all go with no show…AC Schnitzer added an aero body kit that includes a front skirt with coarse-mesh grille insert, air intakes with chrome ribs in the front fenders, rear wheel-arch extensions, a rear skirt with integral diffuser and a rear roof wing.
I think this was one of my favorite cars…but at a cost of $275K….I would rather get a Ferrari!!
Speaking of Ferrari….Novitec Ferrari 599 GTB
The exterior modifications that Ferrari made with this 599 GTB made this Ferrari very attractive. However, some of these mods were provided other benefits, such as … additional cooling and more downforce. These exterior mods are comprised of amodest aero body kit that bundles a front lip spoiler, side skirts with larger air intakes, side flaps, rear wing and rear fascia with integrated diffuser.
Thanks to a reprogrammed ECU and upgraded exhaust system..this Ferrari puses 645 horsepower. The suspension and brake mods used to stop this beast are a KW Automotive aluminum suspension kit with adjustable ride height and brakes are specially fabricated Brembos with six-piston calipers.
Now lets look at a car that I like which a normal individual could afford….
Lexus: 2008 GS Sedan
This Lexus GS sedan is nothing new. There weren’t much advancement to the 2007 model; 
however, it’s still a good looking car that we don’t just have to dream about. Shaving off 0.3 seconds from the GS 430’s zero to 60 time, The GS 460's V8 produces 339 pound-feet of torque and accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, yet both models achieve similar fuel economy. The GS 460 earned an EPA-estimated fuel-mileage rating of 17/24 city/highway mpg, compared to the GS 430's 18/25 mpg numbers.The minor exterior changes that were made consist of a revised front fascia, a new front bumper and lower intake design and a new chrome grille 
surround, plus side-view-mirror turn signals and an all new wheel design.The interior mods for the 2008 GS include a new brushed-aluminum shift plate for the instrument panel and interior trim choices which include dark gray bird's eye maple wood and light gray leather.
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