The Paris International Motor Show took place 4-14 October and celebrated its 120th anniversary in 2018. With a vast array of concepts and production cars going on display, the event opened the eyes of the public to the future cars and designs, some of which may appear in the fleets of company cars in the coming years.
However, it wasn’t all va-va-voom’s and je ne sais quoi’s and more va-va-gloom with the show being marred by upwards of a dozen car makers including the likes of Ford, Vauxhall, VW, Volvo, Bentley, Rolls-Royce and McLaren who failed to attend the event this year.
Many speculated the poor manufacture attendance was down to a variety of factors. Tabloids suggested that the EU’s motorshow was no longer popular and some speculated that it was a manufacturer protest to WLTP. Whatever the real reasons behind the poor manufacturer turn out, it certainly had its impact on the event.
We look back and re-live some of the best bits from one of the biggest auto shows on the planet and bring to you our very own SMC highlights.
Renault EZ-Ultimo (concept car)
It looks like a Star Trek Shuttlecraft; however its Renault’s reveal of an electric-powered, autonomous concept car called the EZ-Ultimo. Designed as a luxury vehicle for short journeys, the vehicle would have a 310-mile range and essentially reinvent the future of taxi’s.
#Peugeot’s e-LEGEND (concept car)
If the Doc and Marty McFly went back to the future to reinvent the DeLorean, then the e-Legend concept by Peugeot might be what you would expect. This 1970’s inspired concept of the Peugeot 504 Pininfarina offers retro looks with modern that styling underpinned by an impress 450bhp EV powertrain – as with all new concept cars EV is now a requirement.
Audi R8 LMS (race car)
Audi debuted their R8 LMS GT3 race car at the show with an impressively aggressive looking beast of a machine set to compete in future GT racing.
Audi PB18 e-tron (concept car)
The Audi PB18 e-tron package follows the traditional architecture of a mid-engine sports car with a cab that is positioned far forward. The EV powertrain has a range of 310.7 miles and can be fully recharged in around 15minutes, demonstrating the fast pace of development for EV power – not to mention its 0-62 time of just over 2 seconds and 612.2 lb-ft
Tesla Model 3 (production car)
With all the recent controversy of Elon Musk at Tesla, the European debut of the Model 3 took the heat away from the internal politics and gave a much needed focus businesses core values – required sales. The Model 3 is already available in the US and has been smashing sales, even as far as to beating both the BMW 3-series and Mercedes C-Class during the first quarter in California. With a 0-60 time of 3.5 seconds and a range of 220 miles or long-range battery of 310 miles, the Model 3 is predicted to be a big hit when it is expected to arrive in the UK later in 2019, provided Tesla can meet customer demand across the atlantic and potential trade sanctions.
Hyundai i30N Fastback (production car)
It looks like a smaller version of Mercedes C-Class Coupe from behind, but like an Audi RS4 from the front and it’s been developed by ex-BMW M division boss! But in fact it’s Hyundai’s Fastback version of i30N. Impressive as it looks, the car bridges the gap between saloon and hatchback and ticks many boxes for the motorway cruiser. If the i30N Fastback is anything to go by from our previous review of the i30N, then we can highly recommend this will get the same positive feedback from all our team.
Hyundai i30N Option (production car)
Not only did Hyundai introduce us to the Fastback, they also introduced the i30N Option, showcasing a variety of (no less than 25 bolt on and changeable) option parts which turn your standard sporty looking i30N into a menacing track inspired monster! More carbon, more aero, bigger 20-inch wheels, huge brakes, hugging bucket seats and more – it certainly looks the part.
Smart ForEase (concept car)
Offering an insight into the future of the dinky Smart car maker, the ForEase demonstrates the future direction of design and looks how Smart is focusing on aerodynamics with low drag wheels, most likely as a way to optimise the EV battery range as consumer demand pushes manufacturers for improved range anxiety. The ForEase takes the existing 17.6kWh electric motor from the ForTwo Cabriolet which currently provides a 100-mile range.
Skoda Vision RS (concept car)
The Vision RS concept by ŠKODA certainly displays positive signs coming out from Skoda’s design department. The ŠKODA VISION RS plug-in hybrid drive combines the 1.5-liter TSI with an output of 110 kW (150 hp) and an electric motor providing 75 kW (102 hp). They unite to deliver a system output of 180 kW (245 hp), which accelerates the concept study from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds, making the intermediate sprint from 80 to 120 km/h in 8.9 seconds. In total, the compact athlete emits only 33g of CO2 per kilometre and can be fully charged in 2.5 hours. The Vision RS, albeit a concept, we believe is set to replace the Rapid in the next 18 months – watch this space!
Mercedes EQC (production car)
Launched prior to the show the Mercedes EQC, Mercedes claims to redefine what EV’s really are. Due for release mid-2019 the time has now come: The EQC is the first Mercedes-Benz vehicle to be launched under the EQ brand. With its seamless, clear design and colour highlights typical of the brand, it is a pioneer for an avant-garde electric look while representing the design idiom of Progressive Luxury. The only thing we don’t yet understand is, why is EV appears to have exhaust tailpipes designed into the rear?
For more news and photos visit https://www.mondial-paris.com/en/visiteur/media/auto
If you’re interested in some of the production cars featured at the Paris Motor Show to be a potential fleet option feel free to contact the SMC team below.
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