IAA 1981: Premiere of the 1st gas car

30 years after the first post-war I AA you have to make it clear what a rapid one Development has gone through the automotive industry from the production plants lying in ruins to the economic engine. Since the end of the war, accompanied by a few rather violent tremors, things have been steadily uphill: exports are going brilliantly, the economic figures are correct, and the automotive industry and its suppliers are the strongest branch of the economy with the most employees in the Federal Republic.

Mass motorization continues to pick up speed, and the aspects of active and passive safety as well as the environment are also being pursued by the mechanization of the automobile. The exhibition grounds of the IAA 1981 ( to current IAA Special ) grows to a total of 199,150 square meters and the number of 1,500 exhibitors from 40 countries is also a new record. The industry leaders now occupy huge booth spaces: VW and Audi together 2,620 square meters, Opel, Ford and Daimler-Benz each 1,900 square meters and in the Italy Hall Fiat, Lancia and Ferrari can be seen on 1,610 square meters.

First production car with gas drive - from Mitsubishi

Ironically, the dreaded Japanese are producing the first gas-powered vehicle in series, but this innovative development is rarely taken up in the following years. The Mitsubishi L 300 is definitely future-oriented: It has two 50-liter tanks, one for LPG and one for regular gasoline - it is possible to switch between the two operating modes while driving. Its 1.6-liter four-cylinder develops 65 hp and accelerates the nine-seater to 120 km /h.

BMW with self-diagnosis system at the 1981 IAA

BMW advertises at the 1981 IAA with his technical competence: 'As the first automobile manufacturer in the world, BMW gives motor vehicles such a highly integrated communication system that has so far only been used in far more complex technical systems.' We are talking about the new SI system - the service interval display. She 'relocates her BMWable to check oneself '. For this, data such as engine speed, distance covered or cooling water temperature are continuously read in and evaluated. The SI computer uses this data to calculate the next service appointment. The advertisers come to the conclusion:' Automobile electronics at BMW: The more powerful system for the future-proof automobile. '- the course has been set ...

Opel is following the trend towards front-wheel drive

Opel is also committed to the future at the IAA 1981: The new Ascona C now has front-wheel drive. It is available as a sedan and hatchback. The trend towards front-wheel drive is now also spreading in the mid-range . The main advantages of this design are the lower costs and the larger interior space. The smooth-surfaced body was optimized in the wind tunnel at Pininfarina, but with a drag coefficient of 0.39 is not particularly good. Mercedes' S-Class comes in at 0.36 and 0.30 is predicted for the new Audi 100, which is due to arrive in 1982.

VW with new conservative bodies

VW shows at the IAA 1981 with the new Derby and Santana two conservatively drawn notchback models. The Derby is presented together with the likewise new Polo, which has become one size larger and will be in the sales rooms from spring 1982. The trunk has grown to 280 liters and the entire interior offers more head and elbow room for all passengers.

At the IAA 1981, Mercedes presents a new luxury coupé and energy concept

In the center of the Mercedes -The new Coupés 380 SEC and 500 SEC will appear at the IAA 1981 in Frankfurt. The new luxury coupés boast extensive equipment and nice details, such as the electric belt feeder. The design is undoubtedly a success and the structure is airy and elegant despite the huge dimensions. In addition, the Cd value of the coupé (0.34) is better than that of the sedan (0.36) and emphasizes the energy saving approach of the Untertürkheim company. Consumption has also been significantly optimized - Mercedes follows its energy concept. The new 3.8-liter V8 consumes an average of 24 percent less fuel, the top model 500 SEC achieves savings of 20 percent.

Porsche's new one is economical

The Porsche 924 gets company at the IAA 1981 in the form of the 944, which finally has a self-developed Porsche engine. Many fans of the brand complained that they had to drive a truck engine. The new 2.5-liter four-cylinder short-stroke engine is based on the V8 of the 928, which has been 'lightened' by one cylinder bank and is still performing163 hp. The consumption of the engine is quite cheap, it is 11.4 liters per 100 kilometers in city traffic, 8.7 liters at a constant 120 km /h and only seven liters at 90 km /h.

Renault with Jetta competitor, R5 Alpine Turbo and reason car

Spurred on by the success of the VW Jetta, Renault brings the R9 to the IAA in 1981 also a notchback sedan on the German roads. In addition, the fun group at the Renault stand will be happy about the impressive R5 Alpine Turbo - and the sensible about the R 30 with the new turbo diesel.