The Mondial De L'Automobile
Paris or more simply the Paris Motor Show is being held in the beautiful capital
city of France from October 1 to 16, 2016. Car manufacturers across the globe
have unveiled vehicles, some of them concepts, some more realistic. Here are a
few we felt are significant. Not to miss are the beautiful models who add
glamour to such shows world-wide.
AUDI: Audi has replaced the Audi Q5 with an all-new successor that made
its world debut at the Paris Motor Show. Its ground-up rework brings with it an
intense focus on connectivity, driver assistance, aeroacoustics and driving
dynamics. A sculpturally flared Singleframe grille with a solid frame dominates
its aerodynamically flat front end. It is available with Xenon headlights as
standard and either LED or high-resolution Matrix LED with dynamic indicators
as options.
BMW: The German company has chosen the Paris Motor Show 2016 to
present the BMW Concept X2. This new addition to the compact segment has a
distinctive design that stands apart from that of the other X models and also
draws on the BMW Group’s history of coupe-making. The result is a compact
concept exuding urban sporting appeal. There are also a new BMW 3 Series Gran
Turismo, a BMW i3 with more battery power, a new BMW i8 Protonic Dark Silver
Edition and a new BMW C evolution – innovative electric mobility on two wheels.
FERRARI: Designed for
Ferrari’s most passionate clients, the LaFerrari Aperta is the new
limited-edition special series, an open-top version of the acclaimed LaFerrari
supercar. Available with both a
carbon-fibre hard top (optional) and soft top, the LaFerrari Aperta boasts the
same specification and characteristics as the LaFerrari. The Prancing Horse
announced the arrival of the new GTC4Lusso T, the first four-seater to be
powered by a V8 engine. Ushering in a whole new Ferrari Grand Touring concept,
the car is aimed at drivers seeking a car that is sporty and versatile, as well
as perfect for driving on a daily basis.
HYUNDAI: Hyundai Motor
unleashed its latest high-performance N concept with the world premiere of RN30
at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. The motorsport-inspired racing concept is
developed to deliver passion and pleasure on the track. Based on the New
Generation Hyundai i30, the RN30 was born as a racing machine, developed in
close collaboration with Hyundai Motorsport (HMSG), Hyundai Motor Europe
Technical Center (HMETC) and Hyundai Motor’s Performance Development & High
Performance Vehicle Division.
INFINITI : Infiniti gave visitors to the Paris Motor Show, a
glimpse into automotive future, with the reveal of ground-breaking new engine
technology. Infiniti’s new VC-Turbo (Variable Compression Turbo) is the world’s
first production-ready variable compression ratio engine. Promising to be one
of the most advanced internal combustion engines ever created, VC-Turbo
technology combines the power of a high-performance 2.0-litre turbo gasoline
engine with the torque and efficiency of an advanced diesel powertrain –
without the equivalent emissions. The Infiniti QX Sport Inspiration Concept
also made its European debut.
JEEP: This year, the Jeep brand is celebrating its 75th
anniversary, an important milestone. To honour this landmark year, the brand
has returned to Paris International Motor Show to stage the introduction in the
region of the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Jeep flagship model and the most
awarded SUV in history. The new Trailhawk model strengthens the off-road
capability of Grand Cherokee by adding a host of specific off-road features,
including the Quadra drive II 4x4 system with rear Electronic Limited Slip
Differential, a unique version of the Quadra lift air suspension, for improved
articulation and total suspension travel, as well as Selec-Speed Control with
Hill Ascent Control. The 2017 Grand Cherokee lineup also features an even more
exclusive and premium top-of-the-range Summit model characterised by a more
upscale, hand crafted optional leather-wrapped interior, a new exterior look
and additional standard premium safety features. Two exclusive special edition
models are displayed in preview for the European public: the Jeep Renegade
Desert Hawk and Jeep Cherokee Night Eagle II.
KIA: The new Kia Rio made
its world debut in Paris. Alongside the Rio, Kia also introduced the latest
upgraded versions of two of its cars, the Carens and Soul, as well as a new
high-powered ‘T-GDI’ version of the Soul. The Rio is the Korean manufacturer’s
global best-selling model, with more than 473,000 sold around the world in
2015, accounting for 16 per cent of Kia’s annual sales.
LAND ROVER: Land Rover, part of JLR and an integral part of India’s
Tata Motors, revealed the new Land Rover
Discovery, a full-sized, three-row, seven-seat SUV with unbeatable capability
and versatility. The new Discovery provides world-first Intelligent Seat Fold
technology, allowing customers to reconfigure the second- and third-row seats
with minimal effort using controls at the rear of the vehicle, the central
touchscreen and even remotely via a smartphone app as part of the InControl
Touch Pro Services.
MASERATI: Maserati has taken its entire range to the Paris Motor
Show 2016 with some important updates. To further increase the customization
potential for Maserati’s models, specific luxury and sports options are
available for the Ghibli and Quattroporte. Specifically, for the Maserati
flagship, the New Quattroporte is being launched with an exterior restyling and
a new dedicated range strategy, introduced with the GranLusso and GranSport
trims. For the MY17 upgrade the Maserati Ghibli range remains faithful to its
heritage while offering unmistakable class, top-quality performance and a
thrilling yet comfortable driving experience in a premium saloon which is more
desirable than ever before.