Mercedes W222 Compressed Air Reservoir A2228050019 on 2040-parts.com

Show Preview: Frankfurt motor show 2011

The biannual Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung, or the Frankfurt motor show, is again due to take place this September, swapping places with its sister show in Paris. One of the world's largest motor shows – certainly physically – the IAA is held at Frankfurt's Messe complex, and in recent years has been themed, with the last event in 2009 carrying the theme of ‘electrification', with virtually every manufacturer revealing a vehicle using the latest battery technology. Fittingly, the most notable unveil at that show was the BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics Concept, which was easily the most innovative and original car of 2009.

Toyota unveils FT-1 concept at 2014 Detroit Motor Show

There’s nothing quite like a surprise unveiling at a motor show, and the Toyota FT-1 just uncovered at Detroit is exactly that. It’s Toyota’s Calty design studio’s attempt at creating the ultimate sports car. And it looks fantastic.

Volvo Concept You (2011) at Frankfurt motor show

The Concept You, says Volvo, combines a sleek coupe-like exterior with a high-tech interior that keeps the driver in command via intuitive smart-pad technology. It also gives us a first taste of Volvo’s design direction as it readies the next-gen S80. Designed by Peter Horbury, Concept You builds on Concept Universe, which was shown at Shanghai 2011, and is based on Volvo’s new Scalable Platform Architecture.