Frankfurt show: Borgward teases mystery new model

RESURRECTED German car-maker Borgward has revealed a second teaser image of its mysterious new model ahead of a likely debut at the Frankfurt motor show next month, this time releasing a shaded rear three-quarter sketch that gives some clues as to the car’s design.

The teaser suggests that Borgward, which has marketed itself as an SUV brand since being reborn in 2015, is moving away from the high-riding wagon bodystyle with the new model, and will instead show off a new sportscar.

A low, sloping liftback-style rear roofline is visible on the teaser sketch, as well as slim, boomerang-like tail-lights stretching from the top of the rear window almost to the rear wheelarch.

The rounded rear end and Borgward lettering across the rear bumper is reminiscent of the first-generation Porsche Cayenne, while the small wing panel and aerodynamic channel over the rear wheelarch is similar to the BMW i8.

Large alloy wheels and a high doorline are the other cues revealed in the sketch image.

It is the second teaser posted by Borgward after one was posted in July showing a low, front-on image of the car with the brand’s logo front and centre, as well as a patterned bonnet, pronounced front wheel arches and the front windshield.

The long bonnet and bulky wheelarches are reminiscent of 1970s and 80s-era muscle cars, while the caption accompanying both photos – ‘She is back!’ – gives a hint to what nameplate the new model may take.

Before Borgward was forced into liquidation back in 1961, it released a couple of two-door models bearing female names – the Isabella and Arabella.

The Isabella was Borgward’s most popular model before its bankruptcy, so it would be the most likely nameplate to be recalled.

With the help of Chinese investors, Borgward was revived in 2008, with its first production model, the BX7, revealed at the 2015 Frankfurt motor show.

It has since released the smaller BX5 SUV, and has recorded more than 50,000 sales in China since launching in mid-2016.

Since its re-launch, the brand has announced plans for expansion into other markets including Europe, with an ambitious sales target of 500,000 vehicles worldwide.