2011 Frankfurt Auto Show logo
The auto show wars are heating up in Germany, with the local luxury marques fighting it out to see which will have the most impressive stand. Right now Audi looks to be moving into the lead, with a $14.3 million indoor test track planned.
Breaking free from its VW Group parentage, Audi is moving into its own pavilion for the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, seeking to raise its profile and outdo the likes of Mercedes-Benz and BMW.
The German competition isn't sleeping, however. Mercedes-Benz is building its own track, too, and both are playing catchup with BMW, which built a track at the 2009 Frankfurt show.
Audi's track will be 400 meters long, or about one-quarter mile. It loops into the interior of the brand's 328-ft. by 230-ft. display building. Don't expect Race of Champions-style stadium action, but it should give a nice opportunity to see and hear the cars in more sedate action.
We'll be covering the Frankfurt Auto Show live, so mark your calendars for September 13-14, the start of the pre-show press days.
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