Top 10 Cars of the 2012 Paris Motor Show

CAR BRANDS

So the Paris Motor Show brought us a few amazing rides from the world’s most renowned carmakers. For some, we already knew what’s coming and others stunned us with their design and technology. Here’s our opinion on the top 10 most interesting cars from the Paris Motor Show 2012.

10. Toyota GT86 TRD

 

This Toyota GT86, also known as the Scion FR-S in America, has a rather long list of upgrades under its beautiful white paint. Starting with an exhaust system and an optional push-button ignition to a complete coilover suspension system with 40 way adjustable shock absorbers and massive 18-inch wheels with six-piston brakes.

No official news from what’s under the bonnet though, but rumors state a 2.0-litre engine with 315HP.

9. Bentley Continental GT3

This is what happens if you put a car on steroids. The Bentley Continental GT3 Concept is, without a doubt, the meanest car on the floor of the Paris Motor Show. With its fancy new bodykit, massive spoiler and revised engine, the GT3 has also been approved for use in several competitive series by the FIA, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Though technical details haven’t been released yet, Bentley has given us a heads-up in terms of the racecar that will ultimately result from this program. The GT3 will be based on the very strong performance of the Continental GT Speed combined with “state-of-the-art motorsport hardware.”

8. Mercedes SLS Electric Drive

Probably one of the hardest to miss car at the Paris Motor Show, the Mercedes SLS Electric Drive represents the next step in Mercedes’ electric SLS development project.

Under the bonnet, the German sports car utilizes four electric motors to produce 740 HP and 1000 Nm of torque. Connected to a lithium-ion battery pack the blue rocket sprints from 0 to 100 in just 3.9 seconds. It has a range of 250 km and can be charged in as little as just three hours.

7. Audi Crosslane Coupe

The Crosslane Concept is a unique new package from Audi. With a 1.5 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine connected to a plug-in hybrid system, Audi wants this 177 HP SUV to obtain a staggering 214 mpg. Audi designed this interesting SUV to have an unique chassis made of both aluminum and carbon fiber.

There’s also a chance Audi will bring a sub-compact crossover of this size to market to slot in below the European Q3.

6. Lexus LF-CC Concept

Surely one of the most beautiful cars at the Paris Motor Show is the exciting new Lexus LF-CC Concept. The new design previews the first ever Lexus IS coupe that might also boast Lexus’ all-new hybrid 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine.

Wider and lower than it appears in the press photos, the LF-CC concept is an exceptionally crisp evolution of Lexus’ L-Finesse design language.

5. The 2013 Range Rover

The new Range Rover looks stunning with it’s new design and features. Among the ones that make it so special is the all-aluminum monocoque body and chassis that have lowered the SUV’s weight by 420 kg.

Under the bonnet, customers can choose from a 3.0-liter twin-turbo diesel V6 with 255 HP – 190 kW and 599 Nm of torque, or the larger 4.4-liter twin-turbo diesel V8 that produces  335 HP – 250 kW and 699 Nm of torque. On the gasoline side, we have a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 that boasts 504 HP – 376 kW and 624 Nm of torque that accelerates the vehicle from 0 to 100km/h in 5.1 seconds and all the way to a top speed of 225km/h.

4. Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo

The Panamera Sport Turismo is somewhere between a wagon and a 4-door coupe. Even though it’s actually shorter in length than the normal Panamera, and nowhere near an utility vehicle, the Sport Turismo is an original vehicle. Under the bonnet, it boasts a 333 HP V6 engine connected to a 95 HP electric motor that outputs a total of 416 HP. As a result, it can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 6.0 seconds.

3. Peugeot Onyx Concept

Peugeot caused quite a stirr at the Paris Motor Show with the Onyx Concept. The ride easily made everyone look twice in its direction as the French manufacturer went crazy with the design. The Onyx is powered by a 3.7-liter diesel V8 that outputs 600 HP. Adding to the total power output is a kinetic energy recovery system that stores power while the vehicle is braking and then uses it later to motivate the car, adding an extra 80 HP.

2. The Jaguar F-Type

The long awaited Jaguar F-type is an astonishing vehicle, hands down. Reminding us of the beautiful and classic E-Type, the sporty new Jaguar is based on a modified version of the XK’s platform. Under the bonnet, customers can choose from a choice of either a 335 HP 3.0-liter supercharged V6, a 375 HP version of that same engine or a 488 HP supercharged 5.0L V8.

1. McLaren P1

This being McLaren’s first ever appearance at an international motor show, the famous carmaker took its chance to present the successor to the McLaren F1. The Awesome new McLaren P1 is expected to use the same twin-turbo V8 engine found in the MP4-12C with added power and perhaps even a hybrid setup. Further details have yet to surface exept the fact that the vehicle’s aerodynamics create over 450kg of downforce at full speed.