Every other year, Paris hosts one of the premier automotive events in the world: the Paris Motor Show. Officially called the Mondial de l’automobile (world of automobiles), this year’s exposition opens to the public on October 4, and runs through the 19th. The Motor Show takes place in seven massive, separate halls at Porte de Versailles, in the southern section of what is accurately described as the “city of light.” Although the weekend prior to the show’s opening had brought lovely weather, that sunshine turned into cloudiness and frequent rain during the days before the show doors opened to the public.
In contrast to prior Paris Motor Shows, which emphasized style and performance, vehicle emission output was the principal theme this season. Rather than talking about acceleration times in kph (kilometers per hour), automakers focused more on emission in gm/km (grams per kilometer)—particularly of CO2. Even some performance-car makers made a noticeable effort to stress the gm/km figures for their latest models.
Consider this a capsule summary of the most important product debuts at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. We’ll take a closer look at everything from a new ultra-exclusive sports car named after a popular U.S. state and new fuel-economy technology installed in one of the most luxurious cars on the market to two new American models and the return of a fuel-economy icon. Until 2010, au revoir!
2009 BMW 7 Series:
BMW used the Paris Motor Show to introduce the next version of its 7 Series flagship, emphasizing the luxury sedan’s impressive array of technological innovations. An 8-speed automatic transmission will be offered, along with 4-wheel steering and in-car Internet access. A new night-vision feature uses an infrared camera to detect people on the street ahead and warn the driver of their presence. Long-wheelbase sedans will again be offered. Sales of the fifth-generation 7 Series will begin in Europe in November, but American buyers will have to wait until 2009.
BMW also intends to market an ActiveHybrid edition of the 7 Series, seen in Paris in concept form. Combining a V-8 gasoline engine with electric drive, the hybrid sedan promises a 15-percent reduction in fuel consumption. Hybrid sales are expected to begin as early as 2009.
BMW also unveiled the Concept X1, claiming it’s the first premium compact sport-activity vehicle (SAV). Clearly related to the current X3 and X5 SAVs, as well as the recently-launched X6, the smaller-size X1 could become a series-production model as early as 2009. Also exhibited was the restyled 3 Series, which will soon reach customers in North America as well as Europe.
See 2009 BMW 7 Series Pictures
2010 Honda Insight:
Almost a decade ago, Honda launched its 2-passenger Insight—along with Toyota’s first-generation Prius, one of the first hybrid-powertrain models in the U.S. market. That 2-seater eventually disappeared, but Honda has revived the name for another hybrid model: a 5-door, 5-passenger hatchback that goes on sale during 2009.
Shown in concept form at the Paris show, this next-generation Insight uses a 1.3-liter gasoline engine combined with battery power. The control unit and battery are mounted beneath the cargo space. Honda promises a "significantly reduced price" compared to current hybrids, presumably including Honda's own Civic Hybrid sedan. Although Honda considers its FCX fuel-cell vehicle to be the “ultimate solution” to fuel concerns, hybrid is best in the “near-term,” according to president/CEO Takeo Fukui.
Insight sales begin in spring 2009, in Europe and Japan as well as North America. Styling is akin to that of the hydrogen fuel-cell FCX Clarity, which is currently being driven and evaluated by a number of families in America. Honda doesn’t hesitate to call the coming-soon Insight its “Prius-fighter.” The production version will be exhibited at Detroit’s North American International Auto Show, in January 2009.
See 2010 Honda Insight Pictures
2010 Lexus IS Convertible:
Retractable hardtops have become something of a trend lately, largely eclipsing the traditional fabric-roof convertible. At the 2008 Paris Motor Show, Lexus revealed its second model in that category: the IS 250C. In contrast to the existing, more costly SC 430 retractable hardtop, the IS 250C has a usable back seat. Some components are shared with the current IS sedans, but body panels have been redone to blend with the 3-panel retractable roof, which is made of lightweight aluminum. The top goes up or down in 20 seconds, Lexus says.
Lexus promises “class-leading trunk space and rear-seat access” when this model reaches American dealerships, in late spring of 2009. It will come in both IS 250 and IS 350 form. A 2.5-liter, 204-hp engine will power the IS 250C, with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. The IS 350 will hold a 306-hp, 3.5-liter engine and 6-speed automatic transmission.
See 2010 Lexus IS Convertible Pictures
Mini Crossover Concept:
Paris was the showcase for the debut of the most recent generation of the Mini, and a different breed of Mini made its world debut at this year’s Paris show. Exhibited and promoted as a show vehicle, the Mini Crossover Concept adds elements of a sport-activity vehicle and some extra passenger capacity to the basic Mini.
Measuring 4 meters long overall (just over 13 feet), the Crossover Concept has a roof that opens front to back or vice versa. The rear door slides rearward, like a minivan’s. Inside, four individual seats flank a new type of fastening rail that runs front to rear and can be used to install cupholders or other accessories. A new type of ignition key simply drops into a well inside the cockpit, and the concept’s cabin is decked out in wood, porcelain, glass and aluminum trim.
Unlike the Mini Cooper and Clubman, which have front-wheel drive, the Crossover Concept has all-wheel drive, promising a “thoroughly new driving experience” for Mini enthusiasts. The Mini crossover model is expected on the market by 2010, and this concept is the starting point. For now, Mini only says that "series production is planned in the foreseeable future."
See Mini Crossover Concept Pictures
2009 Ferrari California:
New models from Ferrari, the legendary Italian sports car maker, are occasions to commemorate. Ferrari spokespersons characterized the unveiling of the California model as “an historic day” and “a challenge for us.” Ferrari developers wanted a vehicle that would differ from the current F430 series, which has been called an “extreme” 2-seater. With the chosen name, they also wanted to pay tribute to the state of California, marking America’s role in keeping Ferrari a profitable automaker.
Basic architecture is said to be “completely different” from the F430’s. The 460-hp V-8 engine mates with a brand-new dual-clutch gearbox. While acknowledging the California’s CO2 output of a rather hefty 305 grams/kilometer, Ferrari announced acceleration to 100 kph (62 mph) in a swift 3.9 seconds.
This is the first Ferrari model with a retractable hardtop, which moves up or down in 13 seconds. Rather than offer just two seats, like the F430, the California includes two small seats in the back for potential 4-passenger capacity. First deliveries begin in January, but the first two years of production output has already been spoken for. To “maintain exclusivity,” Ferrari wants to keep production below 2,700 units for the first year.
See 2009 Ferrari California Pictures
2010 Volkswagen Golf and GTI:
Several weeks prior to the Paris Motor Show, Volkswagen unveiled its next-generation Golf (Rabbit in the U.S.). In Paris, VW followed up with a special world premiere of the redesigned 2010 GTI—the performance-oriented version of the Golf. When it arrives in the U.S. for 2010, the Golf (Rabbit) promises improved fuel economy—as much as 28 percent better than before, according to VW.
The 2010 Volkswagen Golf will be the first to be equipped with an adaptive chassis and automatic distance control. All major body elements are redesigned: VW says the car is “more three-dimensional” in its fresh form. In Europe, Volkswagen produces the Golf with gasoline or diesel power, with manual shift or—in most versions—the Direct Shift Gearbox dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Golf is “bread and butter in Europe,” according to Stefan Jacoby, president of Volkswagen of America. Therefore, that model gets an early start in the European market before making its way across the Atlantic.
The reworked 2010 Volkswagen GTI, offered in 3- and 5-door form, gets a turbocharged engine with an output boost to 207 hp. VW says the new GTI and Golf (Rabbit) will reach U.S. dealerships in calendar-year 2009.
See 2010 Volkswagen Golf Pictures
See 2010 Volkswagen GTI Pictures
2010 Kia Soul:
Almost three years have passed since Kia unveiled the Soul in concept form, at the 2006 North American International Auto Show. Finally, the production Soul debuts at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. Targeting youthful city dwellers, the Soul is billed as an “urban crossover” vehicle.
Sales begin in Europe early in 2009, with either gasoline or diesel power. Both engines are 1.6-liter 4-cylinders. A manual transmission and an automatic transmission will be offered, but the diesel engine won’t be installed in U.S. models—at least initially. Styling resembles no other Kia model, and the grille is said to set the pace for Kia design in the years to come. A 5-door hatchback with front-wheel drive, the Soul features a tall roofline and long wheelbase. Like other models in this class, the Soul will be highly customizable, with Kia planning to offer a broad selection of dealer-supplied accessories.
Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID:
Lately, like Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz has been a leader in reviving diesel power for passenger vehicles in the U.S. The German luxury-car maker also is moving into the hybrid field. Paris saw the debut of the all-new Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID sedan, which will be the first hybrid-powertrain passenger car produced by the venerable German automaker. Promising the lowest CO2 level in its class, with a sizable 7.9-liter engine, the BlueHYBRID has a combined (gasoline and electric) output of 299 hp.
Paris also was the locale for the world premiere of a concept model called Fascination, which is said to “strongly foreshadow” Mercedes-Benz design themes that are coming in 2009 (read: new E-Class front styling). Now a design study rather than a production-intended model, the Fascination is the modern-day equivalent of an old "shooting brake," a station-wagon body style that's been popular in Europe but essentially unheard-of in the U.S. Mercedes-Benz says it combines the streamlined shape of a coupe with a functional rear end. Styling themes include a long hood and small side glass. Mercedes’ new design chief added that the Fascination’s interior "is our homage to Paris."
Smart ED:
When the tiny Smart Fortwo finally went on sale in the U.S., as a 2008 model, the company had already developed a prototype electric version. Now, in Paris, Smart (a subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz) introduced the Smart ED (electric) as a forthcoming variant of the original gasoline-engine model. Special batteries have been developed, promising 150 kilometers (93 miles) per charge. A pilot project has been taking place in London for the past year, using the first-generation Smart. Additional pilot projects are planned for several cities, and production will begin "as early as next year" according to Mercedes-Benz. Some critics have charged that the gasoline-engine Smart Fortwo does not achieve sterling gas mileage, considering the minuscule size of the car. Such complaints would become moot with the electric edition.
2011 Chevrolet Cruze and Chevrolet Orlando Concept: Even before the 2008 Paris Motor Show opened, these two show vehicles from General Motors were getting considerable attention. Both wear Chevrolet badges, but one is a concept while the other is headed for production.
Planned for sale in Europe next March, the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze sedan features a new global “design language,” according to GM. With its arching roofline, steep windshield, sloping rear pillars, and short rear deck, the Cruze is said to be wider and longer than class rivals. Inside is a "twin cockpit" interior, pioneered in Corvettes. For Europe, 1.6- and 1.8-liter petrol engines will be offered. GM says that after its European release, Cruze availability will be “followed by other global markets.” Whether that includes the North American side of the world has not officially been stated.
The Chevrolet Orlando show car suggests a new segment: specifically, a 7-passenger multi-purpose vehicle, based upon the new Cruze’s engineering. Flared fenders help highlight the 5-door design, which lacks the expected flat bodysides. In show-car form, the 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine develops 150 hp. No word on production plans for the Orlando.
See 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Pictures
See Chevrolet Orlando Concept Pictures
Toyota’s three world premieres:
Even though none of the three vehicles Toyota debuted in Paris are intended for the American market, each suggests what might be coming soon. Like other automakers, Toyota began its presentation by speaking about the forthcoming "low carbon society" and "sustainable technological innovations."
The final production version of the Toyota iQ is intended to address issues of traffic congestion, reacting to studies suggesting that by 2015, 70 percent of the European population will live in urban areas. Nine air bags are installed in the iQ, including the world's first rear-window curtain shield air bag. European sales begin in January 2009, with both gasoline and diesel engines.
At the upper end of the European scale, the third-generation Toyota Avensis flagship sedan is the first core product to benefit from what Toyota calls “Optimal Drive” technology, which promises reduced CO2 emissions.
Toyota also unveiled an Urban Cruiser all-road vehicle, which goes on sale in Europe in May of 2009. The 2-wheel-drive version with a 1.3-liter Dual VVT-i gasoline engine will have a standard Stop & Start system, for improved fuel economy as well as reduced emissions.
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