The International Auto Show in Frankfurt

The 65th IAA this year is supposed to be the "the world's most automotive show," according to the auto industry association. And, of course, there are a whole series of world premiers. Here is a little taste of the Frankfurt highlights.

It has already had its world premier, but the BMW i3 is still an eye-catcher at the IAA. It's no longer a concept car and has gone into production, hitting the showrooms in mid-November with a pricetag beginning at 35,000 euros ($45,500).

Audi is unveiling the revamped A8 sedan in Frankfurt and celebrating 30 years of the Quattro - with this concept car: 800 hp with two-thirds coming from the V8 engine and one-third from the electric motor.

Daimler subsidiary, Mercedes-Benz, is continuing the facelift of its models. In the limelight this year at the IAA is the series version of the GLA - an SUV based on the Mercedes A class. It comes on the market next summer, starting at around 28,000 euros ($36.500).

A legend on wheels, the Porsche 911 has been around for 50 years, and to celebrate the anniversary Porsche is presenting a new generation. Thanks to 520 hp, the new 911 streaks from 0 to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds.

For Opel, the IAA is a game-changer to put a new shine on its image; for example, with the new Monza concept car. The name is a reminder of past successes and points to a better future for the brand.

At Volkswagen, the focus is on the new Golf. The 7th generation wagon is already on the market in the basic version and the Variant station wagon model has just been unveiled. But, if the Golf GTI version isn't zippy enough for you, there is now the new Golf R with 300 horsepower.

PSA of France has its problems at the moment, but with the new Peugeot 308 the automaker hopes to have fewer of them. The "dernier cri": very few buttons and levers and instead a touchscreen that is supposed to be as easy to use as an iPod.

In the compact class there has always been a lot of competition. Now, Mazda wants to mix things up with its new 3 series The restyled design is more streamlined and sportier than its predecessor and the engines are considerably more economical.

VW subsidiary Skoda has positioned the new Rapid between its successful Fabia and Octavia models. And that's in the Golf class. The Czechs have given their newest offspring a hatchback and call it the Rapid Spaceback.

Seat is also a VW subsidiary - and its Leon compact is also poaching in the Golf reserve. there is also a new family-friendly version, between sporty and practical, so that mom and dad won't have to argue what to buy.

Already a tradition: Toyota's IAA exhibit is again focused on hybrid vehicles. And it's no suprise. For 16 years now, the Japanese carmaker has been producing hybrids. The new Yaris-Hybrid-R concept car is a look into the future.

The Lamborghini Gallardo Squadra Corse needs carbon-ceramic brakes to slow it down from 320 to zero. Everything on this car is special. But don't ask what it costs. The Italians would rather not tell you.