With less than two weeks remaining until the world’s largest, and most influential, automobile show in Frankfurt, Germany, we thought we’d get a head start by looking around the web at the cars expected to be unveiled during the show.

• Sure, new models from Mazda and Volkswagen are interesting, but not nearly as much as the dream cars: Ferrari will be introducing the 458 Italia, a high-performance exotic that already has some taking wagers on how long it will take for someone to wreck one.
• Rolls Royce will be unveiling the Ghost, which is being billed as the “The Most Powerful Rolls Royce Yet.”
• Back in January, we brought you an “Official Rendering” of the Aston Martin Rapide, but high-resolution images of the new Aston Martin, debuting in Frankfurt, make it far more realistic.
• Not to be left out, Maserati will also be introducing a new model at Frankfurt.  The GranCabrio will blow your hair back as the first four passenger convertible in Maserati history and will sport the company’s 4.7 liter, 433 hp V-8 engine.
• Many car enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the debut of the Porsche 911 Sport Classic, though limited production (250) is already fueling rumors that the car won’t be available stateside.
• One Porsche that will be available in the U.S., despite limited production, is the 911 GT3 RS, with a first glimpse of the amazing machine slated for Frankfurt.
• Porsche isn’t the only German car company bringing its racing lineage to the streets, of course.  BMW is set to reveal the M6 Competition Special Edition at Frankfurt (and a new Mini Cooper), while Mercedes-Benz would appear to be introducing the SLS AMG Roadster at the renowned show.
• German automaker Audi, not to be outdone, is bringing no less than three new models to Frankfurt, with rumors continuing to circulate about an imminent RS3 model set to debut as well.

Obviously, though, the Frankfurt Auto Show isn’t only about German and Italian high-performance cars.  With many in the auto industry expecting Frankfurt ’09 to emphasize alternative fuel platforms, it should come as no surprise that car makers are set to unveil eco-minded vehicles.

• Lexus will be introducing its LF-Ch Hatchback Concept with Hybrid Drive.  BMW, meanwhile, is focusing on the 320d EfficientDynamics diesel platform; what it lacks in performance it surely makes up in fuel conservation.  A more affordable alternative fuel platform, though, might just be the Hyundai i10 Electric, starting at about $6,500 and bringing 100 miles from a single charge.
• Derivatives of the conventional combustion engine are often overlooked as a high mileage alternative.  Could Fiat (and parent company Chrysler) become a leader in alternative technology?  Their “MultiAir” engine technology could show up in Frankfurt in a variety of Chrysler and Fiat models.

Whether you’re looking for the latest in high-performance sports cars, luxury exotics, or alternative fuel platforms, the Frankfurt Motor Show is, as always, sure to entertain.  We’ll be reporting on the upcoming auto unveilings in Frankfurt.  Until then, dream on!