Let's talk cars: Show stoppers at the Paris Auto Show
The Paris Motor Show, one of the important auto exhibitions in the world, begins on September 29. More than 100 models are expected to be introduced at the show. Here is a look at some of the some of the noteworthy names among the debutants.
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Jaguar F-Type:
Tata Motors-owned JLR is showcasing its much awaited convertible, F-Type, which closely follows the footsteps of its legendary predecessor E-type, whose production was cancelled in the 1970s. It is likely to be one of the showstoppers.
The two-seat roadster, which is likely to enter production by 2013, is designed to compete with roadsters such as the Porsche Boxster, BMW Z4, and Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class. The car is expected to be launched initially as a convertible, with a coupé following. -
Jaguar F-Type:
The convertible sports car can go from 0 to 100 km/h in as little as 5 seconds, with the higher-end model - F-Type V8 S - taking only 4.2 seconds. Its two variants, F-Type and F-Type S, are powered by a 6-cylinder 2995 cc engine while the F-type V8 S comes with an 8-cylinder, 5,000 cc engine. -
Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé - Bespoke Art Deco Edition:
Rolls Royce is presenting the Art Deco editions of its Ghost and Phantom models in homage to the 1925 Paris Exhibition or Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes that gave the movement its name. -
BMW Active Tourer Concept:
BMW's Active Tourer is a hybrid concept car, a little taller than the 1-series hatchback variant, and draws some inspiration from its 3-series models. However, unlike BMW's other models, this one uses a front-wheel drive configuration.
It is armed with 1.5-litre hybrid powertrain with a 3-cylinder turbocharged engine, offering over 190 PS of power and 200 Nm of torque. The crossover can touch 100 km/hr in about 8 seconds and has a top speed of 200 km/hr. -
Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive:
This beauty is AMG's most powerful car that is not only environment friendly with zero emissions, but also promises speed enough to match up to any supercar.
Armed with four electric motors, which will churn out 740 bhp of power and 1,000 Nm of torque, the car can go from 0 to 100 km/hr in under four seconds. However, its top speed is limited to 250 km/hr electronically. -
Volvo V40:
Volvo's 5-door family hatchback will be launched in India in March, and deliveries will begin in May, sources told NDTV Profit. It will compete with the BMW X1 and the Audi Q3. The V40 comes equipped with a few cosmetic changes like the sleek panoramic glass roof. It also has other new features such as Park Assist pilot with sensors and rear camera, mood lighting, with even the gear shift illuminated, five-years of roadside assistance and Bluetooth connectivity. -
Range Rover
The Range Rover is the first SUV from Tata Motors' Jaguar Land Rover stable to use an all-aluminium monocoque body, making the vehicle lighter by as much as 120 kg compared to its predecessor. A monocoque body supports the vehicle's structural load, without just enveloping the structure, thus reducing the load of the internal frame that bears most of the weight. The five-door off-roader will be available in three engine variants—V8 petrol, V8 diesel and V6 diesel. -
Peugeot 301:
The French auto maker will also be showcasing its compact car- 301, aimed at emerging markets.
The 301 is a compact sedan, with features similar to its 308 model. However, its design has undergone some minute changes. Sales of the 301 are likely to start in November.
The carmaker will also roll out its own concept supercar, dubbed the Onyx (seen here). -
Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo:
Porsche has introduced its Panamera wagon concept – Sport Turismo, According to Porsche, 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 auto maker said in a press release. -
Renault Clio IV:
Renault will be unveiling the latest iteration of its top-selling small car. The French auto-maker will be depending on its new model - Clio IV, to attract many of the average French car shoppers who make up the bulk of the visitors to its stand. The new Clio comes as a replacement to the last version, which unveiled seven years ago. -
Renault Clio Estate:
This wagon by the French car maker showcases the brand's new design identity. The Estate is powered by the same range of engines as the hatchback and is slightly longer, promising greater luggage space. It will be going on sale in 2013. -
Opel Adam:
German automaker Opel will showcase their city car - Opel Adam – to rival the MINI, Volkswagen up!, and the Fiat 500. Named after its founder Adam Opel, it will be launched as Vauxhall Adam in the UK. It is likely to be available in the market in early 2013. -
Volkswagen Golf Mk7:
Germany's Volkswagen will be unveiling its successor to the hatchback Volkswagen Golf Mk6 – Golf VII.
Also known as the Volkswagen Golf Mk7, it features a number of new safety systems, including a multi-collision braking system to automatically brake the car after an accident in order to avoid a second collision, adaptive cruise control including an emergency braking function, a lane-keeping assistant, driver fatigue detection, traffic sign recognition and an automatic parking system. -
Suzuki S-Cross:
Suzuki S-Cross is a concept car by Japanese manufacturer Suzuki, unveiled at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, marking the company's entry into the C-segment crossover market. However, it remains unclear whether this will replace Suzuki's SX4 models. -
Ford EcoSport:
The EcoSport is Ford's newest model in the crossover segment, completely developed in South America. It is also Ford's bet in India's increasingly competitive SUV market.
The EcoSport hybrid, built on Blue Oval's platform, is powered by the new 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine with 3 cylinders.
It will be equipped with features like in-car connectivity system that uses voice-activation technology to help select music or answer phone calls over Bluetooth or USB. -
Citroen DS3 Cabriole:
French auto maker Citroen is looking to roll back its lid at the Paris Motor Show with its DS3 Cabriole. The convertible car has a soft canvas-roof that can be retracted back electronically, while the side pillars of the roof stay. Its sales are likely to start in 2013.