Frankfurt 2001.(concept cars shown at auto show)(Brief Article)

Jaguar R Coupe

Future Jaguar design direction is hinted at in the never-to-be-produced R Coupe (Cover Story, AW, Sept. 11). A look at the front of the car instantly says Jaguar, with a large S-Class-like ovoid grille surround and twin round headlights on each side. The proportions give the car an overall balanced look with an aggressive stance. Inside, the cockpit is full of leather (even the floor), ebony macassar wood and silver-plated trim.

Saab 9X

The brainchild of former Smart designer Michael Maurer, who now heads Saab's design studios, the 9X concept car is significant in that the Swedish company has developed only a handful of concept cars-some would say only one-in its history. Look for the 9X, which loosely resembles a large BMW Z3 with a back section that converts to pickup bed, to set the design direction for Saab for years to come.

Spyker C8 Double 12

The small Dutch company, Spyker, has big plans for its limited-edition sports cars: Start production of the all-aluminum, scissor-door coupe (the C8 Laviolette) and convertible (C8 Spyder) and then compete at Le Mans. Next year. The hand-built, mid-engined sports cars feature either a 400-horsepower (stage I) or 450-horsepower (stage II) V8 mated to your choice of a sequential or manual six-speed gearbox. The normally aspirated fuel-injected five-valve motor should give it some kick. Whether or not that kick will make it to the States remains to be seen but the Spyker folks say they took 20 orders when the cars were displayed at this year's Monterey weekend.

Opel Frogster