PARIS SHOW: All the action in 2010
Paris Motor Show, the most important European exhibition of 2010 opens this week... So here's a sneak peek at what's ahead2010 PARIS MOTOR SHOW NEWS SPECIAL
As the Carsales Network team shakes off jet lag for a busy week at the Paris International Motor Show, there's anticipation aplenty regarding just which brands and what models will steal the limelight at 2010's most important European show.
So to the whet the appetite we've posted a quick rundown of the news to date. With most manufacturers keeping their best 'til last there will be plenty of surprises to come, but in the meantime, you now know as much as we do...
With the show's media days kicking off Thursday morning European time, the action will follow thick and fast over the next few days at the Carsales Network... All the news and reveals, plenty of photos and best of all, the real inside info from the event will hit the pages here in the coming days... So be sure to check back regularly...
ALFA ROMEO
Paris will be the venue for Alfa Romeo's unveiling of its new Euro 5 JTDM-2 2.0-litre turbodiesel, as well as wider application of the TCT twin-clutch auto first introduced on the Mito model. The new Euro 5-compliant diesel produces 104kW along with 350Nm of torque. CO2 emissions are quoted at 119g/km, while the combined fuel consumption figure is an impressive 4.5L/100km.
The new TCT transmission is now available on the Giulietta and, significantly, also comes with Alfa's Start&Stop system that shuts the engine down when the car comes to a stop.
Also on the Alfa stand will be the Quadrifoglio Verde version of the Giulietta with 175kW at its disposal. Alongside, Alfa will also display the 78kW "Distinctive" version of the Giulietta using a 1.6-litre JTDM engine and claiming impressive economy and CO2 emissions figures. Two MiTo variants, one with a 101kW 1.4-litre MultiAir petrol engine and one with Alfa's 71kW 1.3-litre MultiJet turbodiesel, will be on the stand too. The MY2011 Alfa 159, with revised interior and the availability of the new JTDM-2 turbodiesel will also make an appearance.
ASTON MARTIN
Expect to see the production version of the One-77 Supercar. But if that's absent a mild facelift of the DB9 Grand Tourer will take centrestage in Paris. Other changes including a small power hike and interior refinements are likely, but will be largely invisible.
AUDI
Driving the front wheels through a standard seven-speed dual-clutch S Tronic auto transmission, the A1 1.4 TFSI is claimed to be capable of reaching 100km/h in a swift 6.9 seconds while returning average consumption figure of 5.9L/100km. CO2 emissions are 139g/km.
Standard specifications include Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, LED tail lights, LED interior lighting, High Beam Assistant, auto-on/off headlights, rain-sensing wipers, panoramic sunroof and a 465-Watt Bose audio system.
Hints of two concepts are in the wind, but in production car terms Audi will also be showing off its new A7 – the company's A6-based broadside aimed at the likes of Benz CLS and BMW 5 Series GT. The A7 stems from the Sportback Concept first seen at the 2009 Detroit motor show and is a luxurious maxi-hatch with enormous luggage capacity, low-slung styling, a choice between four V6 engines and front-drive or all-wheel drive quattro motivation.
The A7 is also expected to spawn the performance S7 variant using the new supercharged 3.0-litre V6 or the normally aspirated 4.2-litre V8.
BMW
BMW will bare its best to the world when it strips the covers from its new 6 Series coupe in Paris. Although the new luxury coupe appeared as a "concept" model in images released to the press by BMW last week, the real thing is expected to virtually replicate the car seen in the photos when it goes on sale some time in 2011.
The two-door BMW treads a more conservative styling path than the previous model, especially evident in the cleaner, simpler rear end styling. It will also follow Audi's new A8 with the introduction of LED headlights. The engine lineup is expected to comprise BMW's current range of inline sixes and V8s, with the next M6 version cranking out more than 400kW from its twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8.
CHEVROLET
Swap Chevrolet for Holden and you can understand why this maker's stand is especially relavent for Australia. The Paris motor show sees the launch of the new Chevrolet Captiva alongside three other world premieres -- the new Aveo (Barina), Cruze hatch and Orlando peoplemover.
Interestingly, the Captiva will be available in front-drive or all-wheel drive form. Engines include a 125kW 2.4-litre petrol engine, as well as two 2.2-litre turbodiesels producing 119kW and 135kW respectively. Standard equipment includes stability control, anti-lock brakes and front, side and curtain airbags. The Captiva will also come with hill-star assist and an electric parking brake.
The Aveo will become the Holden Barina some time after the US version is introduced next year. With no less than three petrol engines in 1.2, 1.4 and 1.6-litre capacity, and two 1.3-litre turbodiesels producing 55kW and 69kW respectively, as well as six-speed auto and manual transmissions, the next-generation Barina could be expected to be a far more sophisticated offering than the present model.
Previewed by the Aveo RS concept seen at both Detroit and Geneva motor shows, the "body in, wheels out" five-door hatch is wider and longer than today's Barina, with more passenger and luggage space.
Australia also comes into the equation with the unveiling of the Cruze five-door hatch on the Chevrolet stand. Styled in Holden's design studio in Melbourne, the Cruze hatch will be produced for Australia, in Australia next year and is expected to offer the same basic mechanicals as the Cruze sedan.
CITROEN
On its home turf, French carmaker Citroen will feature a specially-developed concept model labelled Lacoste that will reflect the famous fashion brand's lifestyle image. Featuring an open cockpit with a retractable windscreen, the Citroen Lacoste is powered by a three-cylinder engine and can be configured to match the owner's requirements – whether it be tennis racquets, golf clubs, skis, surfboards or bicycle(s). Highlights include an inflatable hood that deploys to protect passengers If the weather turns inclement, a swing-away steering wheel allowing easy access and instrument panel graphics similar to those of old-school video games.
The Paris show will also see Citroen's unveiling of its version of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV - the Citroen C-Zero electric car that will also be badged and sold as a Peugeot iOn in Europe before the end of the year.
Paris is also the venue for Citroen's official unveiling of its new, reincarnated DS model – the DS4. The five-door hatch is a virtual dead-ringer for the DS HighRider Concept first seen at the 2010 Geneva motor show in every way except it has five, rather than three doors.
Roughly Golf-size, DS4 fits into the small hatch category and will be available with the choice of five Euro 5 compliant powerplants including two turbodiesels and three petrol engines. On one of these – the HDi 110 turbodiesel – a new "micro hybrid" e-HDi drivetrain employing Stop&Start technology with a reversible alternator that re-starts the engine, as well as a new super-efficient electronically controlled gearbox, is available.
FERRARI
Otherwise known as the SA Aperta, Ferrari's soft-top 599 will be centre of attention on the Italian marque's Paris motor show stand. To be built in left-hand drive form only (meaning there will be no Australian version), the Pininfarina designed soft-top will be subjected to a limited build of just 80 examples and will be motivated by an up-powered version of the 599 coupe's 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 500kW.
Ferrari says the lightweight soft-top is designed to be used "only if the weather gets particularly bad."
FIAT
Small is big with Fiat at this year's Paris motor show as it focuses attention on its new range of small-capacity engines. The new engines include the 900cc TwinAir two-cylinder engine and cover outputs ranging from 48kW to 78kW. Fiat says the "extreme" small-capacity technology has been developed to the point where the engines produce 30 per cent less CO2 than other engines of similar performance.
Start&Stop technology is also part of Fiat's economy/ecology figurings and is extensively employed to help make the company the most eco-friendly of the top 10 European brands.
In keeping with the green theme of this year's Paris show, the Italian company is also featuring its free eco.Drive software package that collects data enabling the user to make decisions on minimising costs and environmental impact on a trip.
FORD
Ford will exhibit its whole range of new Focus models in advance of the actual introduction to showrooms in 2011. The display will include the forthcoming new generation Focus ST (XR5 in Australia) although this version will not actually go on sale until 2012.
The new Focus is claimed to be the first model developed under Ford's global ONE strategy. It uses the new global C segment platform that offers as much as 80 per cent parts commonality around the world and will underpin at least 10 new vehicles. Annual production is targeted at two million by 2012.
The ST version is described as the first high-performance model to be developed under the new strategy and will use the new 2.0-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost engine developing 184kW which will, according to Ford, offer drivers "an intoxicating cocktail of exhilarating performance and handling accompanied by an addictive sound".
HYUNDAI
Continuing its groovy new "i" nomenclature, Hyundai will introduce its new ix20 mini MPV at the Paris show. No details or specifications have yet been provided, with Hyundai merely saying the ix20 will attract young families, and boasts class-leading fuel economy and low CO2 emissions. The company says it will feature the latest active and passive safety technology.
The pint-size ix20 will be joined on the stand by a facelifted i10 sub-light hatch which gains a new 1.0-litre engine that emits just 99g/km of CO2.
Paris is also said to be the venue for Hyundai's unveiling of a new coupe to replace the ageing front-drive Tiburon. The name being touted is Veloster, as applied to a front-drive concept coupe seen at both the Seoul and Frankfurt motor shows in 2007. The font-drive aspect is interesting. Remember when everyone got excited by rumours the Hyundai coupe was in line for rear-drive?
The company says the Pop "boasts zero-emissions and brings innovative design chic to the city car segment with its dramatic styling."
LOTUS
Lotus is playing its cards close to the chest with its Paris intentions, but does say four new concepts will be unveiled, as well as the introduction of new models that will significantly expand the company's lineup.The concepts will mix "old" Lotus with "new" Lotus and will bring a revised version of the Lotus Seven that dates back to the 1950s as well as a modern interpretation of the Lotus Esprit that first appeared in 1976. There will also be petrol-electric hybrids - one of which will be a four-door – featuring electric drive and a three-cylinder petrol engine that charges the battery when needed.
Aurally Lotus is on the case too, perhaps recognising that with future electrification the delights of reciprocating engines could become a thing of the past. As well as developing technology that makes an engine sound like anything you want – from a spaceship to something more impressive than it actually is – the company is working on imbuing electric motors with sounds enthusiasts will like.
MASERATI
Paris will be the venue for Maserati's unveiling of the MC Stradale – a development of the GranTurismo that has been given the aero treatment to produce extra downforce without sacrificing drag, a power tweak to 336kW and a weight reduction programme, all aimed at increasing performance and roadholding.
The MC Stradale will go on sale in Europe early in 2011 and is due for Australia in the third quarter.
MERCEDES-BENZ
Swoopy luxury four-door coupe morphs into swoopy luxury five-door hatch with the expected launch of the Mercedes-Benz CLS wagon at the 2010 Paris show. The CLS wagon will appear alongside the new-generation CLS sedan-coupe also due to launch at the show. The maxi-hatch is seen as a 'Benz response to BMW's (7 Series-based) 5 Series GT and the Audi A7 hatch also to be seen for the first time in Paris.
The five-door Mercedes' is a development of the new CLS series and is expected to employ the company's new range of direct-injection V6 and V8 engines claimed to reduce fuel consumption by as much as 25 per cent over comparable existing engines. A hint at what 'Benz was thinking with the CLS wagon could be seen in the Concept Fascination two-door wagon seen at the 2008 Paris motor show.
NISSAN
Exactly what does Nissan's new Townpod Concept EV look like? The teaser image supplied recently by the Japanese company gives absolutely no clues – unless you were intrigued about the headlight/repeater lamp.
All we know about the Townpod is that IT'S all-electric and that it "combines eye-catching design with a spacious and practical interior" and ".heralds a new-era of flexible, stylish vehicles that will bring electric-vehicle mobility to the masses."
Fortunately we do know more about the LEAF EV also to be introduced at the show. Said to be "the first purpose-designed, mass produced affordable EV from any major motor manufacturer," the Nissan LEAF utilises a compact electric motor developing 80kW/280Nm and driving the front wheels. It is fed by a lithium-ion battery stack located under the floor and has a top speed capability of "more than 140km/h."
Also on the Paris motor show stand will be the next-generation Micra that is claimed to offer a spacious interior despite being similar in overall size. It will also be available with a new three-cylinder 1.2-litre petrol engine able to return 5.0L/100km.
The 508 is expected to be offered with a variety of petrol and diesel engines pretty much reflecting the current range – although a diesel-electric hybrid could be on the cards. It is expected to go on sale in Europe next year.
Eyes are also on Peugeot to reveal another concept based on the SR1 Concept seen earlier this year. Expected to be dubbed H1, the Concept is said to use a hybrid diesel configuration providing four-wheel drive through conventional reciprocating- engine front-drive, plus supplementary electric power for the rear wheels.
RANGE ROVER
British offroad specialist brand Range Rover will announce its new Evoque SUV in Paris – the compact "cross coupe" model that includes a two-wheel drive version in its repertoire. Offering a choice of petrol or diesel engines, the new Range Rover, in 110kW 2.2-litre diesel two-wheel drive form, will offer CO2 emissions below 130g/km and a claimed combined cycle fuel consumption of 4.9L/100km.
All-wheel drive versions get the choice of a 140kW version of the same diesel, or a 177kW direct-injection turbo petrol four-cylinder.
To provide what is claimed to be rival-beating off-road performance, all-wheel drive versions of the Evoque utilise Land Rover's TerrainResponse system.
RENAULT
Former Mazda designer Laurens van den Acker makes his stamp at Renault – his new employer – with the DeZir Concept EV. The fluid two-seater uses a Kevlar body and is powered by a mid-mounted electric motor developing 110kW/226Nm. With its light weight of just 830kg, it is said to be capable of reaching 100km/h from a standstill in a mere five seconds and will top out at 180km/h.
Cruising range is another matter – as it is with all EVs. On a full charge, Renault says it will travel about 160km – but you can bet it would be less in real-world circumstances.
ROLLS-ROYCE
BMW-owned Rolls-Royce will wheel out no less than eight vehicles on its 2010 Paris motor show stand. This will include two examples of the new entry-level Ghost, as well as a Phantom Coupé and five personalised Phantoms including a unique Gunmetal metallic Phantom Extended Wheelbase with Sunrise leather interior and a Carrara White metallic Phantom Drophead Coupé with Hotspur Red leather interior.
Essentially Rolls-Royce and also on display in Paris is a bespoke four-person picnic set designed at the company's plant in Goodwood, England. Don't even ask about the price.
SAAB
SAAB is getting into the electrified spirit of 2010 Paris show with its 9-3 ePower wagon prototype – the company's first fully-electric vehicle. Powered by a 140kW electric motor residing under the bonnet and driving the front wheels, the 9-3 ePower wagon feeds from a 35.5kWh battery pack taking up the space normally occupied by a conventional vehicle's fuel tank and exhaust system.
Range is said to be around 200km on a full charge – an operation claimed to take from three to six hours via a domestic power supply – and the 9-2 ePower will accelerate from rest top 100km/h in 8.5 seconds to a top speed of 150km/h.
Field trials start with a fleet of 70 9-3 ePowers early in 2011.
VOLVO
Now under Chinese ownership, Volvo will show its V60 wagon version of the S60 sedan. The wagon will offer the same drivetrain choices as sedan versions, as well as developments of the City Safety medium-speed impact protection system introduced on the XC60 SUV. It can also be assumed the V60 will feature the user-friendly wagon features that have become something of a tradition with Volvo. The long-awaited wagon will mean an expanded choice for Australian Volvo buyers because it will sell alongside the existing V70 and V50 wagons.
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