The Paris Motor Show has wrapped up, and we think it is time to highlight our favourite cars featured at the exhibition.
It is a sign of the times when a significant, international car event is a no-show for several major manufacturers. Notable on the absentee list included Aston Martin, Bentley, Ford, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Lamborghini, Mazda, McLaren and Rolls-Royce.
Used to be car shows were the best way for manufacturers to highlight their new models. The thing is, as great as they are, they are an expensive way to do business, an average display per car can cost upwards of a million dollars a pop! At those sorts of dollars, you'd want to make certain your money is well spent and pushed up car sales. With the motor industry becoming more and more competitive, and profit margins shrinking, it is hard to justify the expense. Don't be surprised to see these major events continue to get less attention from car makers.
In Australia, car shows for new product have gone the way of the dodo, speaking for literally thousands of car fans, to say we are missing them is an understatement. When the car shows across the globe are finally laid to rest, that will be a sad day. Blame technology, the truth is, manufacturers have more marketing power than they ever did. Why would you bother with expensive car shows when they can target you individually, via social media, Youtube, Facebook and the like. Case in point, Ferrari Adelaide recently set up their own, 'mini car show', and believe me they used a lot of the technology tools mentioned to create the invite only event.
So that is enough for the whining, let's enjoy it while we can and onto the highlights.
2017 Audi R3 sedan.
If you been following Carligious, you would know we are not that keen on the current design language Audi has been using of late. They used to be able to combine purity, sportiness,and Germanic muscularity to define some of the sexiest Euro saloons out there. Not so with their current range, but for our money the new RS3 Saloon certainly nails it. The 'baby' RS, is no baby when it comes to performance and street cred. Sporting the same manic 2.5litre five pot intercooler turbo motor from the also new TTRS, the RS3 is guaranteed to be an absolute ball tearer. With a 0 to 100km/h dash in an eye-watering 4.1 seconds, 394bhp, seven-speed dual clutch automatic, and all wheel drive, what is not to like? Just like the TTRS, the RS3 will top out at a heady 174mph if the speed limiter is disabled, which Audi will derestrict upon request.
We love the look of the new RS3, and we love the all new TTRS, it seems it is the small Audi's in the range that is currently carrying the torch. Bring it on we say.
BMW X2 concept.
Crossovers! They stir up controversy, you are either in the love it or hate it camp. Or if you are like me, you might be going, WTF! I want to say I hate the BMW X2 concept, but I can't. It seems the demand for crossovers is not abating but increasing exponentially! Pretty amazing, when you consider they were created to fill a niche nobody knew existed. The sports car, cum sports utility, cum soft-roader, is a weird mix, that somehow works on the X2 concept. Looking very close to production ready, the X2 certainly looks more aggressive than any previous BMW 'X' series car to date. We especially love the frontal nose treatment and headlight cluster, displaying an evil grin, like it is ready to eat your children. Look for the production version X2 at a school drop-off point near you.
Ferrari GTC4 Lusso T.
A watered down Lusso, like there isn't enough in their model range, but to dismiss it too quickly would be a mistake. Not everyone who can afford the Lusso wants the full force of the hyper-ballistic V12 version of the sedan. They actually might prefer a more 'relaxed' pace of the V8 twin turbo model, a relaxed pace being a relative term with all things Ferrari. What the V8 Lusso may lose in absolute performance over the V12 it gains with a more involving drive. Using a more conventional rear wheel drive, the GTC4 Lusso T is 50kg lighter than its all-wheel drive V12 counterpart.
What sort of performance then? 0 to 62mph in a scant 3.5seconds, 0 to 104mph in 10.8 seconds, and onto a top speed of 200mph even. Still bonkers quick then. Featuring a slightly detuned version of the 3.9litre twin turbo V8 from the 488GTB, the GTC4 Lusso T still punches out a healthy 601bhp @ 7500rpm and 561lb ft of torque between 3000-5250rpm.
Pretty does not describe the GTC4 Lusso T, but a least it is not butt ugly like the model it replaces, the universally unloved Ferrari FF.
2017 Honda Civic Type R.
Our star of the show, the totally sick 2017 Honda Civic Type R, puts the 'R' into Race. It looks like it is doing a 100mph and that is just sitting on the podium. We are so hoping this will see a return to form for Honda and is a real alternative to the current crop of VW Golf GTI's, Subaru WRX's, Ford Focus ST's and Peugeot 308 GTI's. Based on looks alone it is a winner. Remove the Honda badges and there's no doubt it could pose as a WRX, only looking so much better.
What do we know about the Civic Type R? Based on the tenth generation Civic the hatchback will be built in the UK. The aggressive styling has been turned up to 11, featuring pumped up guards, 20" race inspired black alloy wheels, a rear spoiler that would not look out of place on a V8 supercar, a trick triple exhaust a la F40, and an epically sinister snout.
Technical specs are yet to be confirmed. There is the suggestion that the Civic Type R will run a 2.0litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine capable of putting out 340bhp, substantially more than the current Type R's 306bhp. Whether the car will feature all-wheel or front wheel drive is not known. The rumour mill is busy pushing out it will be front wheel drive, with Honda wanting to regain its front wheel drive record at the Nurburgring.
Hyundai RN30 concept.
Who's trying to 'out Subaru' Subaru? With Civic Type R looking like it is hot on its heels, surely the Hyundai RN 30 concept is not far behind? The styling on the Hyundai RN30 concept is more insanely over the top than even the Civic Type R. Were it to go into production, we suspect it would be toned down, if praying to the car gods meant it would be released as is, I am all for it.
The RN30 represents Hyundai's N sub-brand intent to be taken seriously as a legitimate performance division.With Albert Biermann, former head of BMW's M performance department, handling the reins, there is no doubt the 'N' brand will become a real force in the marketplace.
It only takes a look at the RN30's spec sheet to see why. With 375bhp on tap, 333lb ft of torque, and all wheel drive, it is set to be a Focus RS killer. An impressive 60mm wider in track than the regular i30, it looks race ready, the exaggerated wheel arches, gaping vents, slots and ceramic coated exhaust tips all playing their part. As if there was not enough going on, with RN30's massive front spoiler and rear diffuser, it looks like it came straight from the set of a Fast and Furious movie.
The Korean juggernaut has been working with global chemical company BASF in developing the plastics that shrouds the RN30's chassis. We can expect a far less radical real world version of the hyper-hatch to be released sometime in 2017, with Biermann promising it will be a viable alternative to the likes of the Golf GTI or Focus ST.
Infiniti Q60.
The Infiniti brand is barely a blip on the Australian radar, with sales and market perception being lukewarm at best. Infiniti is working hard to change that perception, not just in Australia but globally. The handsome Infiniti Q60 sports coupe may just be the car to do it.
The Infiniti Q60 will step into the ring facing some very stiff competition. To put up a good fight, it will have to compete with the BMW M4 series, the Mercedes C-class coupe and the Audi 5 series coupe.
It is a big ask, and the Q60 will have to punch way above its weight. Several different versions of the Infiniti Q60 will go on sale ranging in power from a modest 210bhp to a full fruit 405bhp 'M' hunter.
The Infiniti Q60 coupe is a handsome machine and from most angles looks every bit the competitor to the German rivals. Here's hoping the Q60 does not have a glass jaw.
Infiniti variable compression ratio engines. (VC-T)
If the claims are true, the Infiniti variable compression ratio engine could be a game changer for motors using fossil fuels.
Why is the VC-T engine so important? Combustion engines up to the VC-T work at a set compression ratio. The compression ratio can have a direct impact on an engine's performance. Engineers work hard to optimise an engine's compression ratio to either produce high power or fuel efficiency. What if they were able to do both? The variable compression ratio engine allows just that and promises engines that not only are more powerful but run more efficiently. From an engineering standpoint, mutually exclusive, until now.
Parent company Nissan have been working on making the technology viable for the last 20 years. Rumoured to provide efficiency and power gains of up to 20% over a conventional combustion engine, we can see why the technology could be so important.
New Kia Rio.
The Kio Rio is not a car you can ignore, strong sales in Australia maintain this.You may label the Rio, mundane or run of the mill, but that would be selling the supermini model short.
The spunky little hatch proves that the Korean brand has their finger on the pulse, priced aggressively, and set to go head to head with cars like the Ford Fiesta. The Kia Rio is just what the average 'Joe Schmoe' wants, or 'Joanne Schmoe' as is more the case. It is practical, fun and proves small packaging does not have to mean a cramped cabin.
Lower, wider and longer than the previous model, the Rio's cohesive design language looks 'now' and could teach the Europeans a thing or two about style.
Being the marque's biggest volume seller, they've pulled out all stops to ensure the car appeals to a wider audience. Safety is also high on the new Rio's priority list, a first for the supermini class, the car features autonomous emergency braking and pedestrian detection.
Toyota and Ford should be worried.
Discovery 5.
You may let at a yawn as you gaze upon the all-new Range Rover Discovery, but for Sir Reginald & Lady Dorothy Beauregard this is a significant vehicle. It is also an important vehicle to the Brits that build it.
The 5th generation Discovery, without a doubt, a tough looking SUV. Up to 480kg lighter than the previous generation (depending on the model), the 'Disco' will feature 3 Jag derived drivetrains. All of which boast some impressive figures.
The entry level SD4 features a 237bhp 2.0-litre turbo diesel, four-cylinder, with 369lb ft torque, a 0 to 100km/h dash in 8.3 seconds.
The mid-level Td6 equipped with 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6 with 254bhp, 443lb ft torque and the 0 to 100km/h dash taken care of in 8.1 seconds.
The top of the tree Si6 boasts an angry supercharged V6 petrol, outputting 335bhp, 332lb ft torque and the 0 to 100km/h dash done and dusted in 7.1 seconds.
All feature the silky smooth eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox, which is controlled either via a rotary dial on the centre console, or if you want to be about it, via the paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel.
The new Disco is a real tech fest and features such goodies like, up to nine USB ports, four 12 Volt charging points, and in-car 3G wi-fi for up to eight devices. It takes the 'smart car' to a whole new level, connectivity between your phone and the Disco even sees you able to control your seats using the phone.
Don't worry the compliant ride that Range Rover are famous for has not been sidelined, all models in the lineup feature air suspension. With so much technology in the new Disco, it is too much to cover in a short brief. We look forward to doing a full write up once the Disco 'breaks cover' down under.
Mitsubishi GT-PHEV.
Woah! The Mitsubishi GT-PHEV displays some serious nose work. A face may be only a mother can love? Although a concept, what we may be looking at here is design direction the new Outlander will take. Note the little bitty side mirrors, actually cameras. It can't be too long before this becomes a standard feature.
The GT-PHEV is a plug-in hybrid featuring three electric motors, a 90kW unit driving the front wheels and two 45kW units driving the rears, for a combined 180kW total output. A 2.5litre 4 cylinder petrol engine is also included but does not form part of the drivetrain, rather, it sends power to the electric motors. It also serves to charge the battery packs fitted.
With battery packs fully charged, the GT-PHEV is capable of being driven for 75 miles of electric-only running. More impressive is the theoretical range of 750 miles using both the electric and petrol power, with CO2 emissions as low as 26g/km. That should make the tree huggers happy.
2017 Nissan Micra.
Nissan is trying to claw its way back into the passenger car market in Australia, of which it used to have a fair chunk. Now the only Nissan's you see running around are X-Trail, and QASHQAI SUVs and the odd GT-R.
The supermini car class is becoming increasingly important, and Nissan wants a slice of that pie. The all-new Micra is a huge step in the right direction. The Euro styling is a knockout, its sharp lines speak volumes about its intent. Sporty, zippy, fresh, appealing to the younger market, unless it is mechanically subpar, it should be a winner.
It is little wonder that it has a drag coefficient of just 0.29Cd. Designed atNissan's British studio, in Paddington, London, the attention to detail the Micra displays is a testament to the team who came up with the design.
A crowd favourite, we'll let the pictures do the talking.
Renault Electric Trezor concept.
Jeez, again with the French weirdness. A crazy blend of Batmobile and a seventies American disco ball. Jokes aside, the electric Trezor Concept does point to the future.
Featuring an all-electric drivetrain, as used in Formula E racing. The cars weight and outputs suggest supercar performance. 345Bhp and 280lb ft of torque from zero revs should see the Trezor cover the 0 to 100km/h dash in less than 4 seconds.
More a design exercise than a viable production model, none the less, the electric Trezor does indicate where Renault is taking its design language.
Volkswagen I.D. concept.
Volkswagen is making a bold statement. Clearly, trying to distance itself from the disaster that was 'dieselgate'. The VW marketing gurus understand there is no better way than to debut a clean, green, all-electric concept.
While the I.D. is a concept, Volkswagen is set to release a production version for 2020. They are aiming to market the I.D. at the same price point as the diesel-powered Golf.
With the company still trying to recover from their recent troubles, the I.D. is there attempt to show, 'they are doing the right thing'. VW boss Herbert Diess acknowledges that taking on the 'all-electric' challenge is the biggest shake-up in the carmaker's history.
With new rivals such as Tesla looming, the I.D. has to be a success for the brand, anything else could see their demise, it is that serious.
There is little detail on the actual technical specs of the I.D. VW promises however that the all-electric I.D. will be a no compromise real world car, with range and practicality equivalent to its petrol-powered counterparts.
Citroen CXperience concept.
The future is now. Well, that is what comes to mind when I look at the Citroen CXperience concept. Only the future it reminds me of is from the Robin Williams movie Bicentennial man from the late 90's. Does weird sum it up? It is French, and they are famous for outlandishness, but why should we care? Apparently, even though it is a concept, this is a serious look at Citroen's future design direction. What does the CXperience bring to the table? The imposing-looking hatchback features a hybrid drivetrain with a combined total power output of 280bhp. An electric-only range of 37 miles, while such a small range will not stop range anxiety, it is not what the CXperience concept is all about. Feeling good is what Citroen is trying to promote, passenger comfort, cabin ambience, and a pleasurable drive being high priorities. Memory foam seating, an air purifier, twin sunroofs, ease of access via pillarless door entry add to what Citroen call, 'The Advanced Comfort Programme'. It does not stop there, as well as a conventional suspension setup, electronically monitored hydraulics are employed to further 'smooth out and refine the ride'. Considering the added weight of a hybrid drivetrain, the combined quoted output of 280bhp means it will not be a barnstormer. Other notable features, a 19" inch virtual cockpit/touchscreen, camera's in place of side mirrors, and computer tablets for front/rear passengers.
That wraps up our 2016 Paris Motor Show Highlights. We look forward to shedding more light on the models featured once the information becomes available.
Yours in cars,
Andrew (AKA Forza Ferrari)
