Paris wheels out the future

One of the most glamorous and biggest auto events of the year, the biennial Paris Motor Show kept up its reputation this year as the world's top car manufacturers unveiled their latest and future products. Despite a drop of 8.9% in car registrations in the EU in August, the show, running till October 14, has become a pit-stop for hundreds of auto aficionados.

2013 Mercedes-Benz Sls Amg Electric Drive

At the 2013 Paris Motor Show, German auto giant Mercedes-Benz went electric and unveiled the new SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive. This locally emission-free super sports car features advanced technology from the world of Formula 1 making it one of the most exclusive and dynamic electric vehicles to drive. The most powerful AMG high-performance vehicle of all time has four electric motors producing a total output of 552 kW and a maximum torque of 1,000 Nm. As a result, the gullwing model has become the world's fastest electrically-powered series production vehicle: the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds.

A new dimension of driving performance – a convincing synonym for the AMG brand promise are the outstanding driving dynamics which come courtesy of AMG Torque Dynamics as well as torque distribution to individual wheels, which is made possible by means of wheel-selective all-wheel drive. The most 'electrifying' gullwing model ever has been developed in-house by Mercedes-AMG GmbH. The high-voltage battery for the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive is the result of cooperation between Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains in Brixworth (GB). This is an area in which the British Formula 1 experts were able to contribute their extensive know-how with KERS hybrid concepts.

Bentley Continental Gt3

Signalling Bentley’s return to the racetrack for the first time since its historic sixth Le Mans victory in 2003, Bentley Continental GT3 follows the company's philosophy of developing racing cars from their road-going counterparts.

Dr Wolfgang Schreiber, Bentley's Chairman and Chief Executive said: “The Continental GT3 is the realisation of a dream we’ve had ever since the launch of the Continental GT. The new GT Speed is the perfect car for us to develop into a racer.” The new Bentley Continental GT Speed is a refined, luxury grand tourer but which, if the driver demands, has a distinctly hard-edged sporting character. With exceptional levels of instantly accessible performance, the GT Speed, the fastest road-going Bentley ever, is a supercar that can be used every day, whatever the weather and road conditions.

The Continental GT3 concept capitalises on the prodigious performance, outstanding high-speed stability and renowned durability of Bentley's iconic coupe, while tailoring its specification for the track with the adoption of a rear-wheel drive chassis in accordance with the regulations, state-of-the-art motor sport hardware and a comprehensive aerodynamic package. The dramatic livery of the car enhances the muscular, sculpted form of the Continental GT Speed while remaining proudly patriotic with the inclusion of Union flags.

With the Bentley Continental GT3 concept getting FIA support, Bentley is returning to the motorsport arena towards the end of 2013 with a GT race car. Development of the Bentley Continental GT3 will continue over the coming months in the build-up to the start of a test programme in 2013.

Rolls Royce Art Deco Phantom

Rolls-Royce unveiled the Art Deco-style models of the Rolls Royce Phantom Series II saloon, Phantom Series II Drophead coupe and Ghost, at the 2012 Paris Motor Show paying homage to the company's Art Deco-style geometric coachline pattern.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom saloon and Drophead Coupe Art Deco cars are offered in Infinity Black, Arabian Blue, Powder Blue or Arctic White exterior shades, and feature a bespoke, twin coach line with an Art Deco motif. The art deco Phantom will also get an illuminated Spirit of Ecstasy. On the inside, the Phantom saloon gets black and arctic white interiors with Art Deco-inspired detailing in typical and impeccable Rolls-Royce handcrafted style. Other details include handcrafted stainless steel inlays in the telephone drawer, door cappings, and rear picnic table backs finished in the style of the era.

According to Giles Taylor, Rolls-Royce Design Director, “Art Deco was defined by theatre, glamour and a sense of excitement. Creating contemporary interpretations of these classic themes has been enormously rewarding.” The wood veneers are used with mother of pearl or silver inlays in the pieces are reminiscent of the fine cabinet making prevalent in the Art Deco period.

Maserati Granturismo Convertible Mc

Designed to complete Maserati’s open-top range, the new Maserati GranTurismo Convertible MC blends high performance and sports characteristics with the style, charm and practicality of Maserati’s four seater convertible. The new GranTurismo Convertible MC has a highly sporty and aggressive look, while maintaining the characteristics of a true grand tourer.

The car, 48 mm longer than the GranTurismo Convertible and GranTurismo Convertible Sport, is characterised by a front end inspired directly by the MC Stradale, adopting a profile designed to optimise aerodynamic lift and flow. The rear is characterised by the large spoiler. The standard version comes in the same colour as the body and it is also available in a carbon finish, within various customisation packages.

Mercedes-Benz Concept B Class Electric Drive

A variant running on battery power alone will be added to Mercedes-Benz’s range of compact cars in 2014. Mercedes-Benz offered an initial preview of the electric future for the B-Class at the 2012 Paris Motor Show in the guise of the Concept B-Class Electric Drive. Similarly to the successful B-Class models with conventional drives, the concept vehicle combines a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience with full suitability for everyday and family use. The so-called ‘Energy Space’ in the floor ensures that the concept vehicle offers the same generous and variable space inside as current series production models. The Energy Space provides a safe and space-saving means of accommodating the lithium-ion battery and also has a positive effect on the vehicle’s centre of gravity. The high-torque electric motor ensures that the B-Class Electric Drive is a lively proposition and guarantees hallmark Mercedes-Benz quality.

2013 Aston Martin Vanquish

Sitting proudly at the pinnacle of the luxury British car maker's sports car line-up, this breath-taking new super grand tourer represents the zenith of current Aston Martin design and engineering. Vanquish is a new Aston Martin featuring the next generation of the renowned VH architecture as well as a significantly upgraded 6.0-litre V12 engine that is considerably more potent. Vanquish unquestionably sees the brand continue its tradition of producing some of the most beautiful sports cars in the world. Styling cues such as the elegant new waist, elongated side strakes and LED rear light blades are derived from the One-77 supercar. The performance figures speak for themselves: 573 PS at 6,750 rpm, 620 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm, 0-62 mph in 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 183  mph.

Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo

Porsche presented the Panamera Sport Turismo concept car to show how amazingly intelligent and efficient drive technology might look in the design language of tomorrow. The Sport Turismo unites the next generation hybrid drive with new ideas for an evolutionary, sporty body concept; it combines Porsche performance with comprehensive everyday practicality.

The body concept of the Panamera Sport Turismo is an outlook on a possible Porsche sports car of tomorrow: The overhangs are short, and the boot lid is large–both sporty and functional. The concept car combines the dimensions of a premium vehicle with the interior comfort of the luxury class.

2013 Lexus Lf-Cc Concept

The Lexus LF-CC displays the latest evolution of the L-finesse design language and signature spindle grille. The more compact, rear-wheel drive, full hybrid LF-CC already integrates various design cues from the LF-LC; a first illustration of how concept cars are truly influencing future Lexus models and, in this instance, future D-Segment derivatives. The LF-CC reinforces Lexus’ commitment to create more engaging, inspirational vehicles through attractive design, a superior driving experience and advanced technologies.

2013 Volkswagen Bluemotion Concept

Volkswagen revealed one of the world's most fuel-efficient cars at the ongoing Paris Motor Show: a concept of the new Golf BlueMotion. This Golf-powered by another new 1.6-litre TDI (turbodiesel)—consumes just 3.2 l/100 km; this value equates to CO2 emissions of a mere 85 g/km. Nonetheless, the 110 PS Golf BlueMotion is a five-seat vehicle that is capable of 202 km/h and can accommodate a family comfortably through the year.

2013 Lamborghini Gallardo Lp560-4

The unique design with its razor-sharp lines is one of the key factors in its great success worldwide. Nearly 13,000 units have already left the Sant’Agata Bolognese factory. The Gallardo design has now been further accentuated in the new Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. A new Style Package is available as an option and offers high-gloss black paintwork on the underside of the front spoiler, front and rear grilles and the transverse element of the rear trim to give the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 an even more powerful look.

Suzuki S Cross Concept

Since launching the Jimmy (originally the LJ series) in 1970, Suzuki has expanded its line-up of off-road vehicles, earning a reputation as the pioneer of compact sport utility vehicles (SUVs). At the 2012 Paris Motor Show, Suzuki unveiled the S-Cross Concept car, which heralds its next-generation C-segment crossover model. The new crossover will be the first in a series of European model launches starting in 2013. Suzuki plans to launch models which exceed the environmental performance ceiling in their segments at an even higher level. The production model of the Suzuki S-Cross concept will be among the lowest CO2 emitting cars in the crossover C-segment.

Jaguar F Type

According to Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar, “Jaguar is a founder member of the sports car segment with a rich sporting bloodline stretching over 75 years, and in the F-Type we have reignited that flame. The F-Type isn't designed to be like anyone else’s sports car. It's a Jaguar sports car - ultra-precise, powerful, sensual and, most of all, it feels alive.”

The new Jaguar F-Type represents a return to the company’s heartland: a two-seater, convertible sports car focused on performance, agility and driver involvement. The F-Type is a continuation of a sporting bloodline that stretches back more than 75 years and encompasses some of the most beautiful, thrilling and desirable cars ever built. The engineering ethos underpinning the F-Type is centered on Jaguar’s industry-leading expertise in the use of aluminum. Featuring the most advanced iteration of Jaguar’s acclaimed rigid and lightweight   aluminum architecture to date, the F-Type has ideally balanced weight distribution that allows its involving rear-wheel drive dynamics to be explored to the full. Utilising extensive Computer Aided Engineering programmes, the attention to detail involved in the F-Type’ creation even extended to the development of a new, lighter, aluminum front subframe.

In order to maximise the benefits of its advanced structure, the F-Type features all-aluminum double wishbone front and rear suspension and a quick-ratio steering rack for ultimate responsiveness. Three variants are distinguished by the power output of the supercharged petrol engine with all engines featuring stop/start technology that maximises efficiency.