Paris Motor Show is believed by many to be the largest in the world. With just four days remaining, here is a sum up of the best of show, especially focusing on the ones that we can expect to see on our roads.
Audi A5 Sportnack, Dynamic photo, Color: Ara Blue
Audi highlights sport and style
Audi Q5 is world’s top selling SUV in its class. New engines, reduced weight and improved aerodynamics make for the new Q5. The new quattro drive with ultra technology disengages the rear-axle drive if it is not needed and brings it back predictively. The new concept boosts efficiency without compromising traction or driving dynamics. While more space marks the inside, new chassis on offer includes air suspensions, too.
Audi’s sporty spearheads have now been planted in the compact category too. The RS3 has a 400 hp 2.5 TFSI engine that spins 480 Nm of torque. Audi’s virtual cockpit is available as an option in the new RS.
Audi Q5, Colour: Garnet red
The new Audi A5 Sportback retains its elegance and adds practicality. Interior dimensions have grown, including a boot that can hold 480L. The five-door coupé features a flat, wide singleframe grille and a stretched front lid with power dome and a wavy shoulder line pinched out on the side. In the Middle East, two TFSI engines will provide 190 hp to 252 hp. The Audi S5 Sportback is powered by a 3.0 TFSI producing 354 hp with quattro drive as standard. The coupe versions are also on show.
Audi SQ7 TDI is not only the top model of the large SUV from Audi, but the first Audi production model to be fitted with an electric powered compressor (EPC). A 48-volt electrical subsystem is a segment first and supports the two turbochargers of the 4.0 TDI at low revs making turbo lag a thing of the past. An output of 435 hp and a massive 900 Newton-meters of torque shoots it from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds.
New Audi RS3
Colour: Catalunya Red
Redesigned Land Rover Discovery
When unrivalled capability and technology is improved with a large dose of desirability, it is not surprising that its makers claim the resultant vehicle to be the best family SUV in the world. The legendary Land Rover Discovery that offered a full-sized, three-row, seven-seat comfort with multi-terrain capability will now offer 7 full-sized adult seats in a flexible cabin. The all-new Discovery is equipped with semi-autonomous safety technology and high quality materials.
The legendary all-terrain capability now benefits from a lightweight aluminium construction that saves 480kg while towing is best-in-class at 3500 kg. Convenience in figures add up to 2500 kg of luggage space, up to nine USB ports, and six 12-volt charging points. The limited-run ‘First Edition’ with unique design elements will have only 2,400 examples globally. The launch platform also saw a world record: 5.8 million LEGO bricks forming a 13m high Tower Bridge model!
Elsewhere at the JLR stand, the Jaguar XF turned heads twice when the Sportbrake was confirmed for 2017 and the AWD model was driven in by Hollywood star Nicholas Hoult. Ahead of its first Formula E season, the Jaguar I-Type was given a motor show premiere in Paris.
Two new Ferrari models
LaFerrari Aperta is the new limited-edition special series, an open-top version of the acclaimed LaFerrari supercar launched to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the company. It adds the exhilaration of open-top driving to the extraordinary performance of the hybrid power unit in the coupé: an 800 cv 6,262cc V12 engine coupled with a 120 kW electric motor for a total power output of a 963 cv.
Naturally, the biggest challenge the LaFerrari Aperta posed was to push a convertible to the same extreme limits as the coupé. Changes were kept to the minimum with only those elements above the waistline modified. Maranello describes the result as a carbon-fibre ‘flying bridge’ hunkered into the main volume. With the roof open and the side windows up, the drag figure of the coupé is maintained! The LaFerrari Aperta has the same top speed of over 350 km/h, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in under 3 seconds and 0 to 200 km/h in 7.1 seconds.
The LaFerrari Aperta is available with a carbon-fibre hard top or a soft top. While the hybrid power unit provides a heady soundtrack, a sophisticated wind-stop system allows occupants to carry on a conversation even at high speeds.
The second attraction at the Ferrari stand is the GTC4Lusso T, the first four-seater in Prancing Horse history to sport a V8 turbo engine. This introduces a Ferrari GT concept that is sporty and versatile but also built for frequent driving.
With a maximum power output of 610 cv at 7,500 rpm and maximum torque of 760 Nm, the car’s 3.9-litre V8 turbo is the latest expression of the engine family named “2016 International Engine of the Year”. The dynamic driving skills of the GTC4Lusso T stems from a combination of rear-wheel-only drive, four-wheel steering, reduced weight and increased weight bias towards the rear (46:54).
Read full article on the new GTC4Lusso T and what does Turbo change about the family Ferrari.
Hyundai RN30 concept
BMW has M. Nissan has Nismo. Hyundai will soon have ‘N’. Based on the New Generation Hyundai i30, the RN30 was born as a racing machine, developed in close collaboration with Hyundai Motorsport (HMSG), Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center (HMETC) and Hyundai Motor’s Performance Development & High Performance Vehicle Division. The distinctive silhouette of the RN30 replicates the clean lines of the New Generation Hyundai i30, but with a lower, wider stance for greater stability during high speed driving and cornering.
At the KIA stand, the revamped Soul gets a new 210 hp turbo engine while the Kia Rio makes this its first outing.
Micra Gen5
Nissan powers the future
The rebirth of the new Micra was a highlight at Nissan’s stand. Building on its Intelligent Mobility vision, the 100 percent electric LEAF served as a mobile energy source to power exhibits on Nissan’s stand using vehicle-to-grid technology.
All New Nissan Micra
Honda Civic hatchback follows the newly revamped sedan version and gets the 1.5L turbocharged engine that powers the RS. There is also a 1.0L 128 hp version which is unlikely to turn up here. While the boot is only a litre bigger, the interior is bigger thanks to a 130 mm longer wheelbase, and 30 mm more width. The new sporty design brings you 35 mm closer to the ground while the roofline has fallen by 20 mm.
Mini’s Clubman gets a JCW version bursting at the seams, while Peugeot turns the spotlight on its family double-0s – the 3008 and 5008.
Salone Parigi 2016
Maserati sedans refreshed
The 2017 sedans from the Maserati stables get major interior refreshments. The redesigned central dashboard flaunts a high-resolution 8.4” screen with multi touch function. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring functions enter the cabin space while a new rotary button will now control the main functions.
The Italian known for its macho is finally letting in advanced driver assistance systems like other premium cars. This includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Blind Spot Alert, Lane Departure Warning as well as Forward Collision Warning with Advanced Brake Assist and Automated Emergency Braking as well as Surround View Camera. Maserati is introducing two new trim levels in its Quattroporte range keeping with the two sides of Maserati – GranLusso and GranSport. Similarly, the Ghibli too will offer customized looks and ambience with Luxury and Sport packages.
