AUDI R8: Audi ventures into uncharted territory with the all-new R8. A powerful 420 bhp V8 engine resides behind the passenger compartment and, of course, being an Audi, the power gets to the road through all-four wheels via the legendary quattro all-wheel drive system. Audi reports 0-62 mph in just 4.6 seconds with a top speed of 190 mph. One of our top picks of the show based on its importance to the Audi brand and its fantastic styling and performance.
PEUGEOT 908 RC: This big black saloon looks positively mean, with cat-like headlights that make it seem ready to pounce. The windscreen stretches halfway into the roof providing a panoramic view for the passengers. Not only does this car have an amazing presence, it has the power to back up that mean styling. It sports a 700 bhp V12 diesel engine – in the rear. This is the same engine that will power the French car company’s entry at the 24 Hours of LeMans next year. This car won’t be going into production, but it does give an indication of styling direction for the next Peugeot flagship.
ALFA ROMEO 8C COMPETIZIONE: Far from being just a new model for a handful of lucky (and wealthy) buyers, the sexy, new 8C Competizione represents a big statement of intent for the Italian company that not only says it can still do a major league sports car, it says it is about to relaunch the brand in the USA, where it hasn’t been seen for more than a decade. The “production” version of the 8C Competizione concept first shown at the Frankfurt Show in 2003 has stayed pretty true to the original layout and look, which is quite stunning. And the new Alfa has the power to back up the looks; with 450 bhp and 347 lb-ft of torque from its all-aluminum 4.7-litre four-cam V8 engine, it is claimed to have a top speed of around 190 mph and a sub-4.5 second 0-62 mph time.
VOLKSWAGEN IROC: With the plan of bringing back the legendary Scirocco, Volkswagen has created a sporty concept car called the IROC. Looking a bit like a heavily evolved GTI, the IROC is quite noticeable in Viper Green metallic, which was a paint color originally offered on the Scirocco back in 1976. And similar to the GTI, there’s room for four inside plus a useful cargo space. Under the bonnet, IROC boasts Volkswagen’s unique ‘twin-charger’ technology, which utilizes both a turbocharger and supercharger to provide excellent fuel economy along with impressive performance.
CITROËN C-MÉTISSE: On the Citroën stand is this full-blown concept, the C-Métisse – very bold, with huge gull-wing scissor doors. Painted in shiny ruby-red paint, this sleek saloon not only gets kudos for its wild styling, but also its nod to the environment. Powering the C-Matisse is a hybrid combination of V6 HDI turbodiesel power and electric hub motors, with a proclaimed 0-62 mph in just over six seconds while achieving impressive fuel economy of just 6.5 l/100 km.
MERCEDES-BENZ SLR 722: Easily the star of the Mercedes-Benz stand is the magnificent SLR McLaren 722 Edition, named for the starting number of the 300 SLR famously driven to victory by Stirling Moss in the 1955 Mille Miglia race. While the ‘regular’ SLR is no slouch, this limited-edition 722 features 300 changed components, special badging and upgraded power. Each of the 150 planned 722s will be largely hand built at the McLaren headquarters near Woking in southern England. With 650 bhp and a 0-62 mph (0-100km/h) time of 3.6 seconds, this is a car offering truly extraordinary performance.
HYUNDAI ARNEJS: Designed in Europe, the Arnejs has the strong presence and contemporary style that Europeans expect. What’s on show here is a concept, but it will form the basis of a production car that goes on sale next year. Hyundai is serious about this car, which can only be good news for car buyers in this highly competitive segment. Hyundai has shown it can be produce cars for the volume market that compete with the best (think Coupe, Santa Fe, Tucson). If they get this right, it could be a common sight on Europe’s roads two years from now.
RENAULT TWINGO: The Twingo is another concept that’s highly indicative of a production car due next year, which promises every bit as much fun as the original version. But where its namesake was cute and cuddly, this one is athletic and aggressive. With wheels pushed far out to front and rear, it’s boxy and tall without being ungainly, and has a super-efficient low emission engine. Terrific looks and a sporty attitude – it had to make the Paris top 10.
FORD MONDEO: Influential and big-selling, the Mondeo is a benchmark in the large family car sector in Europe. So the next generation model, shown here for the first time, is important as well as attractive. It incorporates Ford’s latest ‘kinetic’ design language. This means a bolder “face” that gives the car a more upmarket bearing, and in profile, stronger definition to the roofline and tapering side windows to impart a more energetic appearance. It’s presented in Estate form first, recognizing the growing importance of this body type, and emphasising that just because it’s an estate, it’s no ugly duckling. Buyers are promised premium comfort and impressive technology.
CHEVROLET WTCC CONCEPT: Aptly described by its design team as “wild,” the WTCC Ultra’s short, high hood, tiny race-style door mirrors, huge air dams, slick tyres, gigantic spoiler, electric blue paintwork, and bold 3D Chevy bow-tie badges give this concept aggressive look. And while it’s clearly representing this traditional American brand, the WTCC with its hatchback body style, its common-rail turbodiesel power plant, and its World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) inspiration ties this car directly to the European market. Like the American Camaro muscle car concept from Detroit’s show earlier this year, the WTCC is indicative of future models this increasing global marquee would like to make.
