Paris stars head to Oz

Organisers of the Australian International Motor Show say at least six new models unveiled at the recent Paris motor show are expected to make their Asia-Pacific debuts in Sydney this month.

Most of us will make a beeline to the Audi stand for the Le Mans-inspired R8. The R8 took pride of place on Audi's stand at the 2006 Paris Mondial de L'Automobile but surprised pundits with its choice of powerplant. Long expected to debut in V10 petrol or even V12 turbodiesel form, the production R8 is powered by the direct-injected, naturally aspirated 8250rpm 309kW 4.2-litre FSI V8 from Audi's RS4 uber-sedan.

Claimed to use technology and expertise gained via Audi's Le Mans racing program, the mid-engined R8 is built on an all-alloy Audi Space Frame chassis and is now officially on sale in Europe. Deliveries will start in the first half of 2007.

Also on its way to Darling Harbour is Hyundai's Arnejs concept car. The Arnejs (pronounced 'Ar-nez') previews the company's upcoming FD-series Elantra hatch and is based on the same underpinnings as the Kia C'eed concept that appeared at the Geneva motor show earlier in the year.

Volvo is sending its C30 hatch and the Citroen Picasso people mover will also be on display at the Sydney show, which opens to the public at 5pm on 26 October and every day until 5 November.

Watch out for CarPoint's extensive coverage from the Australian International Motor Show later this month.