This year’s Paris Motor Show was full of exotic concept car sheetmetal and new car debuts, bringing us everything from bread-and-butter models like the seventh-generation Volkswagen Golf to radical hybrid supercars like the Peugeot Onyx concept. We’ve polled a few of our editors on the show floor to see which 2012 Paris Motor Show vehicles deserve best-in-show status.
Jaguar F-Type
Without a doubt, Jaguar’s E-Type successor was one of the most hyped new model reveal of the show, with the automaker first teasing it in full camo at the New York show in April. And the upcoming roadster delivered, wowing our editors.
Detroit editor Todd Lassa called the F-Type “a credible, modern non-retro successor…for the car Enzo Ferrari called the most beautiful in the world.”
Associate editor Michael Febbo said, “It makes you want to get in and drive it. I can imagine blasting over cobblestone streets and scaring the baguettes out of pedestrians and motor scooter-riders while listening to the V-8 shake the inside of tunnels.”
Peugeot Onyx Concept
The Onyx takes the two-tone color scheme to new heights, with its distinctive matte-black and polished copper exterior look. In addition to having a seductive supercar body, the concept also sports a diesel hybrid V-8 drivetrain.
Lassa called the Onyx concept a “curvy, sexy, brutal-looking mid-engine GT with a body of polished black carbon fiber and copper (!), and the French flag on the driver’s-side sideview mirror.”
McLaren P1
As McLaren’s successor to the legendary F1 supercar, how could the P1 not make the list? With a top speed of at least 240 mph and a body design achieving roughly five times the downforce of the MP4-12C, the P1 is being engineered as the fastest production car ever to lap a race track. Just looking at it, you can see the car’s aerodynamic credentials are in order, and though final powertrain specs have yet to be announced, the P1 is rumored to boast a 799-hp 5.0-liter V-8.
Bentley Continental GT3
There’s something about seeing a car in its racing digs that makes us swoon. The Bentley Continental GT3 race car is one example. The Continental GT3 signifies the British marque’s return to motorsports, and transforms the elegant yet powerful lines of the road-going car into a tuxedo-wearing brute ready for the Le Mans grid.
Febbo had this to say about Bentley’s latest race car creation: “I can’t imagine the ’iron fist in a velvet glove‘ cliché ever being more appropriate than with this racecar. It looks savagely fast, but in such a gentlemanly way. If only it had a blower sticking out the front.”
Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo concept
The Porsche Panamera has polarized critics with its unorthodox body shape, but the Stuttgart-based automaker may have fixed the car’s profile with the Sport Turismo concept. Receiving a more wagon-like rear end, the concept hints at the next-gen Panamera’s design, and could spawn a production version of the shooting brake model if the Paris show response is strong enough.
Febbo had this to say of Porsche’s revamped four-door: “As a true wagon fan, the roof extension on the Sport Turismo is like gold-plated icing on an already delicious cake. The fact that it also operates as a plug in hybrid means I can feel better about my commute while tearing up canyons on the weekend.”
Lexus LF-CC Concept
This Lexus concept takes the spindle grille design theme to another level, and likely previews the next-gen IS. The car’s curvaceous body work and athletic rear-drive proportions give us hope for Lexus’ next 3 Series fighter, which in concept form boasts a 2.5-liter I-4 and Toyota hybrid system.
Volkswagen GTI Concept
VW’s latest iteration of the popular hatchback improved in key areas like interior space and curb weight. The GTI concept gets all of those upgrades plus a bump in power over the current model, which is probably a good indication that VW’s hot hatch is about to get even hotter.
Of the GTI concept, Febbo said: “I am a big fan of the current mk6 GTI, and I think it is probably the best mix of driving fun and utility you can get for under 30 grand. The mk7, however, does feel like a step up. The interior is surprisingly even better than the current car, feeling a little roomier with improved material quality, especially on the seats. The horsepower bump is a nice extra, and the new MQB platform will certainly take the sharpness of the handling to the next level.”
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive
Twinkling like a Christmas tree ornament with its metallic blue finish, the SLS AMG Electric Drive stole the show at the Mercedes booth. Even without its shiny paint scheme, the SLS Electric Drive would still impress with its 740-hp, 738-lb-ft electric drivetrain – a fact that makes it the most powerful car to come out of Mercedes’ in-house tuner. Mercedes says those specs are good enough to accelerate the SLS to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds.
Opel Adam
With subcompacts making up a big part of the European car market, the Opel/Vauxhall Adam may be the next big (small) thing. With quirky styling and a loud exterior color palette, the Adam is GM Europe’s answer to the Fiat 500.
Lassa said of the Adam: “It transcends GM’s semi-clumsy attempt to be hip, with bright, interesting color combinations, interior textures, and accessories that work nearly as seamlessly as in the Mini Cooper. The car needs only more modern, fuel-efficient engines.”
Volvo V40 R-Design
It’s no secret we love wagons, and when Volvo unveiled its not-for-U.S.-consumption V40 R-Design in Paris, we were more than a little bit jealous. It’s punishment enough that the standard V40 isn’t available stateside, and Volvo dangling this sportier-looking model in our faces is like pouring salt on a fresh wound. The R-Design package includes larger wheels, unique bodywork, and an optional Polestar-tuned suspension. The package is offered on all V40 models, including the 250-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter I-5.
What was your favorite Paris Motor Show production or concept car? Take another look at our Paris show coverage here and tell us what you think below.
Jaguar F-Type
Without a doubt, Jaguar’s E-Type successor was one of the most hyped new model reveal of the show, with the automaker first teasing it in full camo at the New York show in April. And the upcoming roadster delivered, wowing our editors.Detroit editor Todd Lassa called the F-Type “a credible, modern non-retro successor…for the car Enzo Ferrari called the most beautiful in the world.”
Associate editor Michael Febbo said, “It makes you want to get in and drive it. I can imagine blasting over cobblestone streets and scaring the baguettes out of pedestrians and motor scooter-riders while listening to the V-8 shake the inside of tunnels.”
Peugeot Onyx Concept
The Onyx takes the two-tone color scheme to new heights, with its distinctive matte-black and polished copper exterior look. In addition to having a seductive supercar body, the concept also sports a diesel hybrid V-8 drivetrain.Lassa called the Onyx concept a “curvy, sexy, brutal-looking mid-engine GT with a body of polished black carbon fiber and copper (!), and the French flag on the driver’s-side sideview mirror.”
McLaren P1
As McLaren’s successor to the legendary F1 supercar, how could the P1 not make the list? With a top speed of at least 240 mph and a body design achieving roughly five times the downforce of the MP4-12C, the P1 is being engineered as the fastest production car ever to lap a race track. Just looking at it, you can see the car’s aerodynamic credentials are in order, and though final powertrain specs have yet to be announced, the P1 is rumored to boast a 799-hp 5.0-liter V-8.Bentley Continental GT3
There’s something about seeing a car in its racing digs that makes us swoon. The Bentley Continental GT3 race car is one example. The Continental GT3 signifies the British marque’s return to motorsports, and transforms the elegant yet powerful lines of the road-going car into a tuxedo-wearing brute ready for the Le Mans grid.Febbo had this to say about Bentley’s latest race car creation: “I can’t imagine the ’iron fist in a velvet glove‘ cliché ever being more appropriate than with this racecar. It looks savagely fast, but in such a gentlemanly way. If only it had a blower sticking out the front.”
Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo concept
The Porsche Panamera has polarized critics with its unorthodox body shape, but the Stuttgart-based automaker may have fixed the car’s profile with the Sport Turismo concept. Receiving a more wagon-like rear end, the concept hints at the next-gen Panamera’s design, and could spawn a production version of the shooting brake model if the Paris show response is strong enough.Febbo had this to say of Porsche’s revamped four-door: “As a true wagon fan, the roof extension on the Sport Turismo is like gold-plated icing on an already delicious cake. The fact that it also operates as a plug in hybrid means I can feel better about my commute while tearing up canyons on the weekend.”
Lexus LF-CC Concept
This Lexus concept takes the spindle grille design theme to another level, and likely previews the next-gen IS. The car’s curvaceous body work and athletic rear-drive proportions give us hope for Lexus’ next 3 Series fighter, which in concept form boasts a 2.5-liter I-4 and Toyota hybrid system.Volkswagen GTI Concept
VW’s latest iteration of the popular hatchback improved in key areas like interior space and curb weight. The GTI concept gets all of those upgrades plus a bump in power over the current model, which is probably a good indication that VW’s hot hatch is about to get even hotter.Of the GTI concept, Febbo said: “I am a big fan of the current mk6 GTI, and I think it is probably the best mix of driving fun and utility you can get for under 30 grand. The mk7, however, does feel like a step up. The interior is surprisingly even better than the current car, feeling a little roomier with improved material quality, especially on the seats. The horsepower bump is a nice extra, and the new MQB platform will certainly take the sharpness of the handling to the next level.”
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive
Twinkling like a Christmas tree ornament with its metallic blue finish, the SLS AMG Electric Drive stole the show at the Mercedes booth. Even without its shiny paint scheme, the SLS Electric Drive would still impress with its 740-hp, 738-lb-ft electric drivetrain – a fact that makes it the most powerful car to come out of Mercedes’ in-house tuner. Mercedes says those specs are good enough to accelerate the SLS to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds.Opel Adam
With subcompacts making up a big part of the European car market, the Opel/Vauxhall Adam may be the next big (small) thing. With quirky styling and a loud exterior color palette, the Adam is GM Europe’s answer to the Fiat 500.Lassa said of the Adam: “It transcends GM’s semi-clumsy attempt to be hip, with bright, interesting color combinations, interior textures, and accessories that work nearly as seamlessly as in the Mini Cooper. The car needs only more modern, fuel-efficient engines.”
Volvo V40 R-Design
It’s no secret we love wagons, and when Volvo unveiled its not-for-U.S.-consumption V40 R-Design in Paris, we were more than a little bit jealous. It’s punishment enough that the standard V40 isn’t available stateside, and Volvo dangling this sportier-looking model in our faces is like pouring salt on a fresh wound. The R-Design package includes larger wheels, unique bodywork, and an optional Polestar-tuned suspension. The package is offered on all V40 models, including the 250-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter I-5.What was your favorite Paris Motor Show production or concept car? Take another look at our Paris show coverage here and tell us what you think below.
Source : wot[dot]motortrend[dot]com
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