Paris saw the unveiling of some new super-sexy Grand Touring cars. Ferrari pulled the covers off its new GTC4Lusso T. Replacing its predecessor’s V12 engine with a turbo-charged 3.9-litre V8, the new model is aimed at buyers seeking a sportscar that is drivable on a daily basis, says Ferrari. Switching from four-wheel-drive to rear-wheel-drive has reduced weight, making it only a tenth of a second slower from 0-62mph than the V12. Porsche revealed the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid which was making its world debut at the Paris Show. The all-wheel drive super-coupé’s electric motor combines with a 2.9-litre V6 petrol engine to deliver a total system torque of 700 Nm – enough for a 0-62mph time of 4.6 seconds, or a 31 mile range in pure electric mode. And finally, there was a show debut for the Mercedes AMG GT R. Joining the new Roadster model, the hard-top GT R - finished in a Nurburgring-inspired ‘Green Hell’ paintwork- is powered by a 4.0-litre V8 with 585bhp for a 0-62 time of 3.6 seconds, and a top speed of 198mph.
As the Paris Motor show enters its final week, we round-up some of the top concept cars making the headlines. Mercedes revealed its new Generation EQ SUV. Said to preview how future Mercedes electric cars might look, the concept is powered by two electric motors and has a range of up to 310 miles. Volkswagen unveiled its new zero-emissions I.D. concept. Based on an all-new vehicle architecture, VW says the I.D. will be the first of a new fleet when it launches in 2020, with prices comparable to those of the current Golf. The Lexus UX features rear-hinged doors, sharp lines and a coupe like roofline. The concept is expected to heavily influence a forthcoming CT200h hatchback replacement in a more SUV-like guise. Meanwhile, Mitsubishi pulled the covers off its GT-PHEV Concept. The GT stands for Ground Tourer, with the large SUV’s plug-in hybrid system using three electric motors and a 2.5-litre petrol engine for a combined hybrid cruising range of over 720 miles and CO2 emissions as low as 26g/km.
It isn't all Concepts and performance cars in Paris as many forthcoming production models were also on show. Kia revealed its all new fourth-generation Rio. With a ‘progressive’ new design and a longer wheelbase, Kia promises class-leading practicality and safety. Nissan’s all-new 5th generation Micra is aimed at the European market as opposed to the global design of its predecessor. It will come with a 0.9-litre petrol engine or a 1.5-litre diesel unit when it launches in March 2017. The new Audi RS 3 made its debut in saloon form. The RS 3’s transversely-mounted 2.5-litre TFSI engine delivers a 0-62 mph time of 4.1 seconds, and a top speed of 174mph. Hyundai pulled the covers off it all-new i30. Designed in Europe the i30 features a newly developed Cascading front grille, while power comes from a downsized engine line-up including an all-new 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine.
The 2016 Paris Motor Show saw the unveiling of some highly anticipated performance cars. Ferrari revealed an open top LaFerrari Aperta. Thelimited-edition Aperta is available with a carbon-fibre roof or soft top and retains the same spec as its stablemate - resulting in a sub 3 second dash to 62 and a top speed of over 217mph. Honda gave a world debut to a new Civic Type R Prototype. Previewing an aggressive design direction for the production Type R - with plenty of carbon fibre and large 20-inch alloys - previous prototypes have often proved to be almost identical to the road car, which is set for market launch in late 2017. Hyundai chose Paris to launch its new performance N sub-brand with the RN30. Based on the new i30, the concept features a limited-slip differential, a lower, wider stance thanks to a motorsport-inspired body kit and is powered by an upgraded 2.0-litre turbo engine. Japanese electric vehicle specialist GLM unveiled its new G4 concept, based on the Savage Rivale Roadyacht GTS. Formally powered by a V8 petrol engine, this electric reworking has a total system output of over 540PS, with twin motors launching the G4 to 62 in less than 3.7 seconds.
The Paris Motor Show saw plenty of new SUVs as the segment continues to grow. Audi unveiled its new Q5 which has a completely fresh design. 90kg lighter than its predecessor, it features air suspension, revised engines and a focus on connectivity and technology. Meanwhile Peugeot revealed its seven-seat 5008. Available with a choice of petrol and diesel engines, a sporty GT model will also be on offer when it goes on sale in Spring, 2017 SsangYong's LIV-2 premium SUV is set for market launch next year as the all-new Rexton. Power will come from either a 2.2-litre diesel engine or a newly developed 2.0-litre petrol turbo. Suzuki flyweight Ignis made its European debut in production-ready form, while no SUV round-up would be complete without Land Rover and in this case, the all-new Discovery.
With the Paris Motor Show in full swing we take a look at some of the homegrown concept cars that are making the headlines. Renault revealed its super sexy all-electric Trezor concept. Featuring a power unit borrowed from the Renault Formula E team, it boasts 350 brake horse power and can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in under four seconds. Not to be outdone, Peugeot brought along its Fractal concept which has an electric motor on each axle delivering a combined total output of just over 200bhp. Described as an urban coupé, it comes with a removable roof to turn it into a stylish cabriolet. Citroën meanwhile, debuted its new CXPERIENCE petrol-electric plug-in hybrid concept. At just 1.37m tall, the low slung prototype features rear-hinged doors and a concave rear window for improved aerodynamics.
Land Rover has revealed its all-new seven seat Discovery SUV at the Paris Motor Show. The new model is up to 480kg lighter than its predecessor, helping to deliver enhanced efficiency - with CO2 emissions as low as 171g/km. The engine range has been expanded to now include a 240PS diesel unit, while on the inside the new Discovery debuts Land Rover’s ‘Intelligent Seat Fold’ technology which allows you to adjust the second- and third-row of seats using a smartphone app. The new Land Rover Discovery is set to go on sale in Spring next year priced from £43,495 on-the-road.
BMW has revealed a new Concept X2 at the Paris Motor Show. Previewing a forthcoming production model, the compact concept has a sporty design with a stretched roofline, short overhangs and a heavily raked windscreen. Up front, huge air intakes give it a low-slung look while the tapering roof line finishes with a rear spoiler. Muscular wheel arches house large 21-inch-alloys, while grey body cladding contrasts with the Luminous Red paint finish.
Mercedes has unveiled its new AMG GT Roadster in Paris. The open-top two-seater will be available in two model variants when it goes on sale in 2017. The base model is powered by a 476 bhp 4.0-litre V8 while the flagship AMG GT C Roadster is tuned to deliver even more horse power, resulting in a 0-62mph time of 3.7 seconds and top speed of 196mph. AMG RIDE CONTROL and a widened track help with high speed cornering and if it rains, the roof will close in 11 seconds at speeds of up to 31mph.
Hyundai challenged NEWCARNET’s very own Massimo Pini to take a driving test – with a difference…
His wrists, fingers and ear were hooked up to a series of sensors designed to monitor his emotional state behind the wheel for a special Driving Emotion Test.
Our driver was monitored during a 45-minute trip through busy London streets using clever facial coding technology developed by Hyundai, working with expert behavioural psychologists.
Taking his seat as one of the very first people in the UK to sample the brand new IONIQ Hybrid model, our Editor-in-Chief was subjected to something of an assault on the senses:
• A variety of drinks and snacks were fed to him
• He was blasted with loud music as well as the sound of car horns and irate drivers
• A range of scents and smells - some pleasant, some less so - were introduced to the interior
Despite the heating also being cranked up a number of times with the windows closed to get him all ‘hot and bothered’, Massimo seemed to come through the Driving Emotion Test relatively unscathed.
But the proof of the pudding will be in the final results, when his score will be benchmarked against 1,000 respondents from a nationwide study.
The new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman will debut at the Paris Motor Show next week. The latest member of the JCW family is powered by the same 231 bhp engine as the Hatch and Convertible models, for a 0-62 time of 6.3-seconds and a top speed of 148 mph, while returning 41.5mpg on the combined cycle. The JCW Clubman also features sports suspension, an uprated braking system and more aggressive front and rear styling. Orders books are open now, with prices starting at £29,345 on-the-road.
One week ago this Hyundai was in Seoul, South Korea. Currently it is the only hybrid Hyundai IONIQ in the UK and NEWCARNET Editor-in-Chief Massimo Pini was among the first to get behind the wheel for an exclusive drive on the streets of London.
Driving impressions are still under embargo until October 3, but you can get a closer look at the car on the move.
The IONIQ is the world's first vehicle to be built on a platform that can accommodate a choice of three electrified powertrains - Hybrid, Electric and Plug-in.
The most powerful series production Audi TT ever, goes on sale later this month. Available in both Coupé and Roadster form, the new TT RS delivers a sub-four-second 0-62 time for both models and a potential top speed of 174mph. Lighter than its predecessor by 26kg, it’s powered by a newly developed 2.5-litre TFSI engine pumping out 400PS - that’s 60PS more than the outgoing model. The new Audi TT RS is priced from £51,800 OTR for the Coupé and £53,550 for the Roadster.
Audi has revealed its new, second generation A5 and S5 Sportback. The A5 continues to mix a coupé design with family car functionality but is built on a new platform and now features even more tightly wrought lines. Power comes from a choice of two petrol and three diesel engines with fuel consumption reduced by up to 22 percent. The new flagship S5 is 85kg lighter than its predecessor and features sporty styling additions finished in matt grey. The S5 is powered by a V6 turbo engine with 500Nm of torque for a 0 to 62mph in 4.7 seconds and a limited top speed of 155mph.
Hyundai has revealed its new i30, ahead of a Paris Motor Show debut. The new hatchback is powered by a choice of one diesel and three petrol engines - including a new 140 PS, 1.4 that debuts on a Hyundai for the first time. It also includes the brand’s new cascading grille while on the inside there is more active safety features than any other Hyundai. With a sporty design, the South Korean carmaker also confirmed the i30 will be the first model in its new high performance ’N’ sub-brand, joining the range in 2017.
Global Vehicle Trust has revealed the world’s first ‘flat-pack’ truck - the OX - at London’s Roundhouse. Designed to provide low-cost all-terrain mobility for remote parts of Africa and the developing world, the truck was penned by McLaren F1 designer Gordon Murray. The brief called for a lightweight and cost effective way of transporting heavy goods - with high ground clearance and low maintenance. The Ox arrives ‘flat packed’ within its own chassis and can be assembled by a small team with set of included tools. With testing underway, the aim now is to raise further funds to take the project to fruition.
Mazda has refreshed its Saloon and Estate Mazda6 models. Highlights include technology updates, interior improvements and the introduction of G-Vectoring Control - which varies engine torque to each individual wheel, improving handling. As before, there are two petrol and two diesel engines on offer, although the 2.2 diesel unit now has reduced turbo lag and more torque. Prices are set to remain unchanged when the revamped Mazda6 goes on sale later this year.
Skoda has revealed its all-new new Kodiaq SUV. At 4.7m long it becomes Skoda’s first ever seven-seater and features the largest boot in its class. Available in three trim levels, the all-wheel drive Kodiaq is powered by a choice of two diesel and three petrol engines - with the diesel option returning up to 56.5 mpg, while the 2.0-litre petrol unit pumps out 180 PS. These can be mated to either a 6-speed manual or, making its debut in a Skoda, a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Prices have yet to be announced.
Citroën has revealed a new CXPERIENCE concept ahead of its Paris Motor Show debut next month. The plug-in hybrid features a new body style and is powered by a petrol engine combined with an 80 kW electric motor, for a total power output of 300bhp. The low slung concept is only 1.37m tall and features an elegant ‘living room’ inspired interior accessed via rear-hinged doors. The concept’s front end includes an original light signature with a new take on the Citroën's layered headlight identity, while at the rear, a concave window improves aerodynamics.
