Unconventional Designs Steal the Spotlight at World's Largest Car Show

The world's largest car show, opening in Frankfurt today, is all about making a statement, and sometimes that means being unorthodox. Prototypes that defy conventional design are the ones that capture the most attention, and this year's show is no exception. Volkswagen's Noah, for instance, boasts a "one-box" styling that provides an enormous interior space, while Audi's TT is a modern interpretation of the 1930s, complete with a 20-valve four-cylinder engine and a turbocharger.

Key Takeaways:

• Volkswagen's Noah concept car features a unique "one-box" design, providing a huge interior space.
• The Noah's doors swing up through 90 degrees to form a canopy roof, with no door handles but an infra-red control.
• Audi's TT is a modern interpretation of the 1930s, using mainly aluminium for the body and a 1.8-litre 20-valve four-cylinder engine.
• The TT will top 225 kmh.
• Mercedes-Benz's Vario is a research car that can be changed into a station wagon, convertible, or van.
• The Vario's one-piece superstructure can be lifted off and swapped for another variant as needed.
• Chrysler's Atlantic coupe takes its styling from the 1930s Bugatti, with giant wheels and a four-litre straight-eight engine.

Statistics:

• The Volkswagen Noah has a huge interior space.
• The Audi TT has a top speed of 225 kmh.
• The TT's body is made of mainly aluminium.
• The Vario can be changed into a station wagon, convertible, or van in eight attachment points controlled by lock-levers, electro-magnets, and six servo motors.
• Chrysler's Atlantic coupe has giant wheels and a four-litre straight-eight engine.

Sources:

• [Bill Tuckey, Frankfurt]
• [Advertising Week]