Paris 2016 - PH news hub
Your regularly updated jump-off point for all the Paris show happenings
We'll be bringing you all the PH-worthy news from the show floor in standalone stories, chipping in with more personal observations on the accompanying liveblog and - data allowance permitting - chucking up pics and other random thoughts via social media. Keep an eye on @PistonHeads, @Trent_Danand@PHMattB on Twitter and @PistonHeads_Speedmatters on Instagram under the hashtag #PHParis2016.
Here we'll gather together the overview of what's going on at the show and links to the individual stories as and when they come in - keep checking by for regular updates!
Last update: Friday, 0900h
Alfa Romeo's Giulia goes gunning for the heartland of sporting junior execs with a new 280hp Veloce version, aimed at the BMW 330i, Audi A4 2.0 TFSI and Jaguar XE 2.0 R-Sport. There's a 2.0 diesel version too, both getting Q4 four-wheel drive. Updated Giulietta and Mito models also join the show.
Audi
As predicted Audi has gone large at Paris, unveiling an all-new (honestly) Q5, showing off the S5 Sportback and - most PH relevant - rebranding Quattro GmbH as Audi Sport. And the first new product of the new division is the RS3 saloon, sharing the stage with a wild looking TCR race version.
Citroen/DS
Local pride dictates plenty of noise from the French manufacturers, Citroen showing a CXperience concept with flourishes harking back to the CX of old. It's also got a new C4 Cactus influenced C3 and the 2017 WRC car it's inspired.
Ferrari loves a bit of motor show theatre but has shown its hand before the event with news of the downsized turbocharged,V8 and RWD-only GTC4 Lusso T that'll join the existing V12 soon. Plus, even though it's sold out already, Paris has seen the official debut of the LaFerrari Aperta.
Fiat
"Two symbols of Italian beauty" are combined with the Riva Aquariva Super and the Fiat 500 Riva; at least that's the official line. There's also the "more dynamic, male version" of the same model (Fiat's words) in the 500S and an 'America' edition 124 Spider.
Honda
As if the existing Civic Type R wasn't wild enough already Honda is showing a properly sinister looking 'concept' of the hot version of the all-new Civic. It doesn't need matt black paint to look properly evil but Honda's done it anyway!
Hyundai
Yes, Hyundai is at Paris. Hyundai are showing off its Motorsport capacity with two releases at Paris. A rally car and a 380hp hot hatch concept. The RN30 concept previews the i30 N but with more drama whilst the new i20 WRC cars take full advantage of the new aero rules.
Jeep
No massive debuts from Jeep but some new metal on show all the same in the shape of the 2017 Grand Cherokee in Trailhawk, Summit and updated SRT form. The macho sounding Renegade Desert Hawk and Cherokee Night Eagle II special editions will also be on show together with the rather less manly sounding news of a dual-clutch transmission option on the 1.6-litre Multijet Renegade.
The Land Rover Discovery reveal featured millions of Lego bricks. The launch coincided with a stunt in Warwickshire which saw two Discoverys drive across a Lego model of Tower Bridge whilst showing off its wading and towing capabilities.
Lexus
The UX concept takes the already distinctive crossover styling of the RX to new extremes while demonstrating a new holographic style 3D interior display. Closer to reality the rather lovely looking LC coupe and a refreshed IS saloon are also on the stand.
Mercedes/AMG
A busy show for Mercedes with new models appearing throughout the product line-up. TheE-Class All Terrain joins the Volvo V90 Cross Country in an unexpected revival of the toughened up off-road estate format while the GLC43 AMG Coupe follows the more predictable path of high performance premium SUV crossovers. PH eyes are on AMG when it debuted the rather lovely looking GT Roadster alongside the AMG GT R and AMG GT3 race car. Or rather they would be if we'd made the preview evening - for some reason they've not brought them along to the show.
Mini
More doors for your fast Mini as the Clubman gets the JCW treatment in a deliberate move upmarket and offer a more distinctive alternative to the Golf R estate and SEAT Leon Cupra ST. Does it have the power though?
The 3008 C-segment crossover sees Peugeot launching headlong into the crucial compact crossover market and taking on the VW Tiguan and related SEAT Ateca. All very worthy but we're more interested in the bonkers looking Dakar rally version!
Porsche
The public debut for the all-new and decisively more luxurious and stylish Panamera will be a big one for Porsche. If the photos really have done it justice it promises to be a stunner. Oh yes, and there's a rather tasty new GT3 Cup on display as well...
Renault
There's a lot of worthy stuff from Renault this year at Paris, including a Zoe with a 250-mile range and a new dual-clutch gearbox for the Dacia Duster. Of far more interest to PH is the stunning Trezor concept though; there won't be an electric GT for sale anytime soon, but expect the design to influence Renault's next generation.
SEAT
We may be drawn to the supercars and exotica but in the real world the mainstream battleground is the compact crossover market. SEAT's Ateca has got off to a strong start thanks to its Tiguan underpinnings and comes to Paris in toughened up Ateca X-Perience form. This is apparently "inspired by Mediterranean culture, shows off its most adventurous, off-road side and is an exercise that demonstrates the possibilities of the Ateca family" according to SEAT.
Skoda
It's perhaps understandable SEAT wants to make some noise about the Ateca because Skoda's take on the same platform - the Kodiaq - will also be at the show. Given how much fuss was being made at its standalone unveiling Skoda expects big things from its big car...
Toyota
Talk of a celebration of Toyota Gazoo Racing has us interested but the rest of the Toyota display at Paris is rather more business as usual. There's a European premiere for the new Prius Plug-in Hybrid, the FCV Plus hydrogen fuel cell car and a final production version of the C-HR crossover following its styling unveil earlier in the year at Geneva.
Getting excited by a Bonneville speed record in a Beetle probably marks us out as being a bit shallow, especially when VW is promising an electrically powered concept that'll be as revolutionary as Dr Porsche's rear-engined people's car. Bold words, the production version of this "one of a kind concept car" to be the first Volkswagen on the market based on the MEB modular electrification kit. All of which is a little more interesting than reports from our colleagues on Autocar there will also be a long-wheelbase Tiguan for brand snobs who like the idea of the Kodiaq's additional space but still can't bring themselves to buy a Skoda.
[Sources: Autocar]
Adding to the article, couple of new small cars that look fun:
EU launch of the new Suzuki Ingis. Hope they make a 'warm' version. Fun looking little thing IMO!
In the same vein, the Twingo GT will be oficially released in Paris.
And bit more grown up, also haven't seen a Phase 2 Clio 4 RS in the metal yet.
Also haven't managed to take a look at a cooking version Giulia yet. And I hope there is somebody from FCA taking notes on site because I've prepared quite a rant on why it is a silly idea not to give us a manual RWD Veloce
. . I think it's quite a funky looking thing, but so far no PH worthy engines. It's pretty much a brother of the current Clio, but not sure it will get a 'Nismo' treatment or if the group leaves that role to the RS Clio.
Ignis' looks also work in the metal IMO, also seemed fairly well screwed together (for the price). Their new turbocharged 3 and 4 pots get pretty good reviews, with something in the 120-140 PS range and their new AWD system calibrated for a bit of fun this could be rather amusing. Unfortunately, no signs of a 'warm' version yet.
And thought the Giulia looks better in 3D than it does in pics, especially the 'Veloce'. Lovely cabin as well!
Shame they dont' seem to be selling a petrol RWD version with the 280 PS map :/.
As for the fair itself: I thought that it was well worth the € 16 ticket price. Not quite as mad as the IAA in Frankfurt and bit of a focus on EVs this year, but some interesting stuff. If you are passing through and are on a budget, there are some decent Accor group hotels on the T2 tramway line which get you to the fair in 10-15 minutes.
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