The Latest Fall Fashions From Paris

 

By the Editors of, ForbesAutos.com
Photo Credit: Lotus

This year's largest European auto event is host to a staggering number of new vehicles unveiled to the public for the first time. Among the typical odd-ball Euro-only models on display at the 2008 Paris Motor Show are many highly anticipated vehicles headed to the United States. The field is varied and ranges from the ground-breaking Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid to the decadent and rare Bentley Arnage Final Series.

The event is held at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles and is open to the public from Oct. 4 to 19. Below we highlight the production-ready models making their world debut in Paris. More will be added to this page as they're unveiled, so be sure to check back.

In Pictures: The Latest Fall Fashions From Paris

2010 Audi S4 Sedan

On Sale: Mid-2009
Price: $57,000

The next high performance version of the Audi A4 is officially on the way. The 2010 S4 arrives sporting a supercharged 3.0-litrer V6 engine good for 333 horsepower.

This is less thrust than the current V8-engined S4 produces, but the new model’s power is available sooner because of the supercharger. Audi says this potent engine will also provide relatively good fuel economy, on the order of 24 mpg in combined city/highway driving.

That figure is even more impressive considering the car’s 5.1-second 0-62 mph sprint, which puts the S4 in a league with much thirstier sedans. It is still about a half-second slower to 62 mph than its chief archrival, the V8-powered BMW M3 sedan.

A six-speed manual will be standard equipment, with a seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic paddle shift transmission as an option for those who want only two pedals and prefer the car to shift for itself.

Both sedan and wagon (known as the Avant) versions of the S4 will be available.

2009 Bentley Arnage Final Series

On Sale: First quarter 2009
Price: $250,000

After a decade in production, the old man of the Bentley lineup — the Arnage — will be laid to rest following this model year. The automaker is marking the occasion with the Arnage Final Series, made up of the last 150 examples of the stately but rapidly aging sedan.

Ten years is a long life span for any car, but it pales in comparison to the five decades that the company’s massive pushrod V8 — still at work in the Arnage — has been produced. (There have been significant changes over the years, but the same basic engineering lies underneath.) The Arnage Final Series uses the most powerful variant of this engine, its 6.75 liters produce 500 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque with the help of a pair of turbochargers.

Bentley says this is more than double the power of the first 6.23-liter V8 that debuted in 1959, but with emissions that are 99 percent lower and fuel economy 60 percent better. Even so, a super-exclusive luxury sedan that averages less than 10 mpg in the city is simply unacceptable in many markets; likely contributing to the Arnage’s demise are looming fuel-economy standards and increased environmental awareness among high-end buyers.

Sixty-five examples of the Final Series are set to arrive in North America. The car will show off with Final Series badges inside and out, plus what Bentley calls the largest brake discs (just over 16.5 inches in the front) and the most powerful stereo amplifier (1,100 watts) offered on any production car.

2009 BMW 7 Series

On Sale: Nov. 15 in the U.K.
Price: Around $80,000

While the debut of BMW’s next-generation flagship sedan, the 2009 7 Series, is exciting, its premiere couldn’t possibly create more controversy than that of its predecessor — and it doesn’t.

Styling-wise, the 7 Series feels more refreshed than redesigned, but some critical areas have been addressed. Most notably, the lines of its large trunk have been sharpened with a view to ridding it of the so-called “Bangle-butt” that caused many to question the eye of former BMW design chief Chris Bangle.

In North America, the only 7 Series available will be the 750i, which offers a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 that makes 407 horsepower. Six-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines will be offered in Europe, but there is no word on whether they will make it across the pond.

A long wheelbase version with twin rear video screens and Internet access will also be offered with the same powertrain configuration. BMW has discontinued the V12 engine found in the previous 760Li.

The automaker also has given the often-criticized iDrive system a new look and feel. There are more standalone controls surrounding its mouse-like controller to help drivers more easily navigate the numerous menus, likely one of the few instances where more buttons are a good thing.

2010 Chevrolet Cruze

On Sale: Late 2009 or early 2010 in the U.S.
Price: TBD. Likely $15,000-$17,000

The 2010 Chevrolet Cruze is one of the first compact cars from GM to be designed in Europe with the North American market in mind. GM’s recent global restructuring has made Europe the base for its compact cars and Korea the headquarters for subcompact vehicles.

Featuring a steeply raked rear window that the automaker says creates a “four-door coupe” profile, the Cruze aims for boldness in what is traditionally a segment replete with conservatively styled vehicles. GM is also stressing the increased quality of materials and better interior fit and finish. If the Cruze’s cabin looks familiar, it’s because the interior picks up on the twinpod theme used in the Corvette.

The Cruze’s powertrains will offer many improvements over those in the Chevrolet Cobalt and in the current North American market leaders, the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. A six-speed automatic transmission and turbocharged 1.4-liter direct injection four-cylinder are slated for the U.S. version of the Cruze.

The Cruze will go on sale in Europe in the spring and is expected to replace the Cobalt in the U.S. by 2010.

2011 Chevrolet Volt

On Sale: Late 2010
Price: Around $35,000

Although it officially debuted at General Motors’ 100th anniversary bash at company headquarters in September, the production Chevrolet Volt makes its first public auto-show appearance in Paris. This precedes the Volt’s market launch by just over two years, in which time the company hopes to get the cost of this four-seat electric car with a back-up gasoline engine down to profitable levels.

The plug-in Volt’s final production body differs noticeably from the concept, but it is still applauded roundly for not being a Toyota Prius/Honda Insight clone. It was initially thought that a hatchback body style would provide optimal aerodynamics and allow the Volt to extract maximum all-electric range, conservatively estimated at about 40 miles on an eight-hour charge.

After the electricity in its lithium-ion batteries is drained, the Volt relies on a small internal combustion engine to recharge its battery pack. For drivers who commute 15,000 miles a year, GM estimates that the Volt will provide a cost savings of about $1,500 per annum based on current electricity rates and gas priced at $3.60 per gallon.

2009 Ferrari California

On Sale: 2009
Price: Likely $175,000 - $200,000

This year, Ferrari jumps into a segment in which it has never previously competed: front-engine, open-top grand touring cars. The company’s highly anticipated entry into this class is the California, a seductive hardtop convertible. Although it has been nicknamed the “baby Ferrari” because of its size, the California will likely cost about as much as the most affordable Ferrari currently available, the $186,000 F430.

The California marks the first time Ferrari will market a folding hardtop, a system pioneered in the late 1990s by Mercedes-Benz with its small SLK-Class convertibles. The extra weight and visible roof shut lines of such systems work against traditional Ferrari priorities of performance and aesthetic appeal — suggesting this car might be a bit of a departure for the brand — yet it is still far from the radical tradition shifts of Porsche's Cayenne SUV and Aston Martin’s Rapide sedan.

The retractable hardtop gives the California four-season drivability, and there are other practical concessions as well. The car flat rear seating area — really more of a straight-backed, leather-clad parcel shelf — can split fold to carry long items and increase cargo space.

But Ferrari’s sporting spirit still lies within, even if it’s more muted than in the F430 Spider. The California features a completely new direct-injection engine that produces 460 horsepower. It’s also the first Ferrari to use a new a seven-speed F1 paddle-shift transmission. Performance numbers haven’t been confirmed, but a 0-62 mph sprint of less than four seconds seems reasonable.

Ferrari One-to-One 599 GTB Fiorano launch

Ferrari is extending its One-to-One customization program first announced in March at the Geneva Motor Show on the 612 Scaglietti to the 599 GTB Fiorano, the most powerful car Ferrari currently sells.

The program involves visiting the company's factory in Maranello, Italy, where one consults with Ferrari staff at a dedicated One-to-One atelier in order to create a one-of-a-kind vehicle. In Paris, the atelier was in part re-created, and it included a representative array of interior fabrics, textures and color choices.

Ford Ka

On Sale: Later this year in Europe
Price: TBD

The Ford Ka is tiny, smaller than the Fiesta that will go on sale in North America in 2010. Ford has not said whether the Ka will make it to North America. It's likely that the company will see how the Fiesta does before making a move with the Ka.

When it goes on sale in Europe later this year, it will come in three- and five-door version, with styling that follows the "kinetic" theme of the Fiesta. Overall, it has a much more mature look than the popular and visually playful original. The Ka offers a 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine with 69 horsepower as standard equipment, and an optional 1.3-liter four-cylinder diesel that returns 67.2 mpg.

The Ka was developed jointly with Italian automaker Fiat and will be manufactured in Fiat's plant in Tychy, Poland, which also produces the diminutive Fiat 500.

Hyundai i20

On Sale: Europe, January 2009
Price: about $15,000

The Hyundai i20 isn't remarkable for its looks or its performance potential, but it says volumes about where Hyundai is headed. "Our proposition with the i20 and i30 is value for our products," says Allan Rushforth, Hyundai Motor Europe vice president. "It is economy, efficiency, trust and value. And we will defend that." This, and not the Genesis luxury sedan, good car though it may be, is Hyundai's DNA, so expect to see more of it in the United States.

For now, though, the i20 will be sold outside the United States. It was designed in Europe, built in India and is aimed at European drivers. It's the missing piece in the trio of Hyundai i-nameplates, slotting between the smaller i10, whose main market is India, and the larger i30, which is sold in the United States as the Elantra. Designed to replace the Getz (also not sold in the United States), the i20 will come in five- and three-door hatchback models and offer a staggering array of engines, seven altogether. Three will be gasoline engines and four will be turbo diesels. All will be small and fuel-efficient. Rushforth credits Hyundai's new engine technology with boosting fuel economy of the i20 15 percent over that of the model it replaces, from 38 mpg to 43-44 mpg.

The bottom line for American car buyers is get ready for "high quality, frugal turbo-diesel engines," Rushforth says. A few years ago, cars like the i20 with such engines only accounted for 2 percent to 3 percent of the company's volume. Now he expects that number to hit between 20 percent and 30 percent.  

Kia Soul

On Sale: Later this year in Europe, 2009 in the U.S.
Price: TBD

The production Kia Soul hatchback is the product of an American design idea that was further refined in Europe. It will be built in Asia for all three markets.

The tall, boxy hatchback is Kia's "most significant-ever model" because it heralds a "design-led" future, says the Korean company, whose vehicles traditionally have been visually conservative, to put it mildly. The manufacturer announced that the Soul will go on sale in Europe by the end of 2008, and in China, Korea and North America in 2009.

In the U.S., the Soul will go up against the Scion xB and forthcoming Nissan Cube. Engines for the U.S. were not confirmed, but one will likely be a 126-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder — the top powerplant confirmed for Europe.

According to Kia, the Soul will be equipped with six airbags, electronic stability control and four-wheel disc brakes as standard features.

Lexus IS 250C

On Sale: Summer 2009 in Europe, likely in the U.S. soon after
Price: TBD (Current IS 250 sedan starts at $31,155)

Lexus is following other luxury automakers like BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo in offering a convertible with a folding hardtop instead of a traditional fabric one. The four-seat Lexus IS 250C takes only 20 seconds to turn from coupe to convertible. The mechanical exercise is incredibly smooth and sexy. "This is going to be the best-in-class convertible, but it's roomy for four people, like a sedan, even with the retractable roof," said Lexus' Andy Pfeifferberg.

The 250C joins the IS 250, IS 350 and V8-powered IS F sedans as the third vehicle in Lexus' entry-level IS range. The body panels were altered a bit to distinguish the convertible from the sedans, and the 250C further stands out because of its new fog-lamp design and more steeply raked windshield. The IS 250C is powered by the same engine in the IS 250 sedan, a 2.5-liter V6 that makes 208 hp.

It goes on sale in Europe next summer, but Pfeifferberg was "unable to say" when it will come to the United States.

2010 Lotus Evora

On Sale: Taking orders now. On sale in Europe and Asia next spring; likely on sale next fall in the United States. Wait list of 15-18 months.
Price: $75,000

The Evora — named not after the Portuguese town but a combination of "evolution," "vogue" and "aura" — is Lotus' answer to the Porsche 911, an everyday sports car. It's already drawing so much interest that the wait list to get one stretches 15 to 18 months. The Evora takes the race-track prowess of the tiny Elise and adds a larger, more practical body. The Evora seats four and even has a trunk.

Most drivers will use just the two front seats, but the back seats are indeed functional, says Lotus spokesman Alastair Florance. "Yes, you really can put four people back there; I've been back there myself. It's a bit of a squeeze getting in but it's comfortable. Or, you can sling your set of golf clubs in the back and head out to the course. But why would you want to do that when you can just drive the car?"

A modified 275-hp Toyota 3.5-liter V6 delivers more than enough thrust for this 2,975-pound lightweight. Top speed is 160 mph. The 0-60-mph sprint time isn't confirmed yet but is expected to be below 5 seconds.

Lotus first unveiled the Evora at the London Motor Show this summer. It will make its North American debut in November at the Los Angeles auto show.

Mercedes C250 CDI BlueEfficiency Prime Edition

On Sale: Spring 2009; TBD in the U.S. depending on market demand
Price: $58,000, converted from Euros

A limited-edition run of zippy but miserly Mercedes C-Classes on display in Paris hints at the downsized future for premium car buyers in America. The engine divisions at both BMW and Mercedes are gearing up for much more work on the smaller side of things, specifically four-cylinder diesels.

And the companies want to do it all without compromising performance. A Mercedes spokesperson said the C250 BlueEfficiency CDI points the way ahead. It does so with turbocharging and high torque. Eventually, this model line will contain three variants with 200 hp, 220 hp and 250 hp, and up to 380 pounds-feet of torque. That's about twice as much torque as the new Audi A4 that lands in American showrooms this fall with its turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine.

The Prime Edition that Mercedes is showing in Paris is a frontrunner special, of which only 5,000 will be made. After that, the Stuttgart automaker plans to implement a newer type of four-cylinder engine that will be used across its product range.

Mercedes claims the C250 CDI will return about 45 mpg in combined city/highway driving. The idea propagated here is that frugality and high output exist together. Maybe frugality is the wrong word, considering the steep price. And really, a Mercedes is never a frugal purchase, but as far as luxury cars go, this is one of the most efficient around.

Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid

On Sale: Fall 2009
Price: TBD (Current S-Class starts at $90,225)

Earlier this year, Mercedes announced it would soon roll out a fleet of fuel-efficient models underneath the "Blue" banner. The S400, for one, looks ready to hit dealerships.

After years of researching hydrogen fuel cells and other technology, Mercedes is now firmly committed to the relatively straightforward gas-electric hybrid approach. And the S400's hybrid battery is amazing: It's a lithium-ion unit encased in gray metal the size of a regular car battery, far smaller than most hybrid batteries.

It's no accident the hybrid technology found its way into the S-Class line. After all, Mercedes wants to make a bold statement. "That's traditionally been our technology leader," says Mercedes product spokesman Michael Allner.

The S400's electric motor delivers 15 kw at 120 volts, according to Allner. Combined with a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine, the total package makes 299 hp, with plenty of torque delivered by the electric motor.

The motor powers another nifty feature found on other hybrids: a compact module that acts as a starter and onboard generator. "It boosts the engine from the start," Allner says, and during acceleration, this spinning rotor also helps crank up the torque. The S400 BlueHybrid powers down its combustion engine at temporary stops, which helps deliver around 30 mpg in mixed city/highway driving.

2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S

On Sale: January 2009
Price: About $500,000

Stuttgart superstars at Mercedes put the gas pedal to the floor with the limited-edition SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S. But even extremely fast, extremely expensive cars can leave you scratching your head and asking, "Why'd they do that?"

Let's start with the good things. First, this car is drop-dead gorgeous. Sporting a sleek "Crystal Antimony Grey" paint scheme, the 722's long nose boldly announces the car's speedy intentions. That nose also features a menacing "air splitter" that improves aerodynamic down-force.

The heart of the SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S is a supercharged 5.5-liter V8 engine that develops 650 hp and 627 pounds-feet of torque. It's hand-built in Affalterbach, Germany, and catapults the car from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, and on to 125 mph in a mere 6 seconds more. The McLaren maxes out at about 200 mph and change.

It's a puzzle, though, why this car has a five-speed automatic transmission instead of Mercedes' more sophisticated seven-speed unit. At least it has with "two sets of shift characteristics," an automatic mode and a manual one backed by paddle shifters.

Other quibbles: The sound system is from Bose, but it sure does look clunky behind its hideaway panel. And getting behind the wheel of the McLaren Roadster 722 S can be difficult. If you are tall, you will bang your knees or shins every time you struggle in and out of the entryway. And it's not the fault of the gull-wing doors.

2009 Mercedes-Benz S600 Pullman Guard

On Sale: Spring 2009
Price: Let your assistant handle the details

Can you really put a price on how much a head of state is worth to his or her country? Mercedes-Benz has. It's somewhere in the six-figure range.

That's all we know about the price of the new Mercedes S600 Pullman Guard, an armored limousine that goes on sale next spring. This stretched S-Class allows four very important passengers — be they presidents, royalty, rock stars or Wall Street Pooh-Bahs — to sit opposite one another in high style and high security.

The car is 20 feet long and made to withstand grenades, car bombs and assassins' bullets. Put more technically, it resists military-grade small-arms projectiles and provides protection against fragments from hand grenades and other explosive charges. It also boasts run-flat tires, a self-sealing fuel tank and a fire-extinguishing system. The limo can raise about 6 inches to wade through water, then lower back down so passengers don't have to leap to the ground.

These are not retrofitted measures — the armor and other tech stuff is built into the car as it is assembled. These layers of protection add heft, though, and Mercedes answers that with a 5.5-liter 12-cylinder engine packing 517 horsepower.

If you think the interior of the Mercedes Fascination concept is an example of livin' large, you haven't rolled in the S600 Pullman Guard. It's all about wood and leather, and there's a soundproof barrier between the back seat and front. All rear seats have massage capability to ensure a truly stress-free ride, even if rebels are making a ruckus outside. Just draw the curtains, sit back and relax.

2009 Opel Insignia Ecoflex

On Sale: Early 2009 in Europe, TBD in United States
Price: TBD

With a whopping nine engines offered in the Opel Insignia so far — the latest two unveiled in Paris — it's hard to tell how the vehicle will be equipped when it comes to North America as the 2011 Saturn Aura. Opel is one of General Motors' European brands. The current Saturn Aura is based on the Opel Vectra, which the Insignia replaces.

The Ecoflex is the most fuel-efficient Insignia variant, with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine that puts out 160 horsepower. But it's not just about economizing fuel. With a massive 280 pounds-feet of torque and an over-boost function that adds even more power for up to 15 seconds, it should be a hoot to drive.

Official mileage numbers were not available and there was no mention of whether the Ecoflex engine would be sold in the United States.

2009 Opel Insignia Sports Tourer

On Sale: Early 2009 in Europe, possibly in 2010 as the 2011 Saturn Aura Wagon
Price: TBD. (Current Saturn Aura starts at $21,055)

The next-generation Saturn Aura will borrow technology from the aggressively styled Opel Insignia, but the exterior and interior will be tweaked for North American tastes. Hopefully GM will bring this svelte wagon version of the Insignia to the United States as part of the Saturn Aura line and not dull its sharp looks.

It would make a smart and sporty alternative to a compact SUV, thanks to its generous cargo area that expands from 19 cubic feet with the rear seats up, to 53.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Compared to the Insignia sedan, which was unveiled at the the 2008 British International Motor Show in London, the wagon is 3 inches longer.

Opel says the Insignia Sports Tourer its most aerodynamic wagon ever — reducing wind resistance, called aerodynamic drag, helps reduce fuel consumption and wind noise.

Smart ED

On Sale: Small-series production begins in Europe in 2009, TBD in the United States
Price: TBD

If you're thinking about picking up a Smart Fortwo as a second (or third) car, you might want to wait, because soon an all-electric version will be available, called the Smart ED. For the United States, it will be as much a taste-making experiment as it is a technological development, given Americans' preference for bigger cars and driving long distances. But there's no mistaking it: micro-cars are going to be on the menu for a long time to come.

Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche seems to be a true believer — he rode into Paris in the Smart ED. "This is the future of urban mobility, in Paris and in a lot of cities in the world," Zetsche says.

Last month, Daimler launched a pilot program in Berlin: A local power company set up 500 charging stations, and the automaker farmed out 100 electric Smarts running on lithium-ion batteries. The manufacturer is confident enough to be planning a small production run for select customers at the end of 2009.

Furthermore, Smart is already sorting through feedback from a lease program of old electric Smart prototypes used by a borough council in London. A city employee figured out that it cost about 4 cents a mile to run his electric Smart, which went about 60 miles on a charge — plenty of range to get around the city for a couple of days.

Suzuki Alto

On Sale: Spring 2009 in Europe, U.S. availability TBD
Price: TBD

Suzuki will introduce the small five-door hatchback Alto in Europe in the spring of 2009. The company said it will be the smallest vehicle in its new globally-marketed lineup, but didn't specify what other markets would get it.  

The Alto slots beneath the Swift as Suzuki's entry-level model in Europe, offering a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine that makes just 67 hp. Its the same engine use in the base Suzuki Splash mini-minivan in Europe. The Alto averages 62.7 mpg overall, Suzuki said, and is one of the few micro-cars to offer a four-speed automatic transmission.

Safety is assured with six standard airbags — including two seat-mounted side airbags and two curtain airbags — as well as available electronic stability control.

Toyota iQ

On Sale: Early 2009 in Europe
Price: TBD

After two previous auto-show appearances, in Frankfurt last fall and Geneva this past spring, gave the world advance looks at the concept and near-production versions of the Toyota iQ micro-car, there was considerably less buzz surrounding the miniscule four-seater's official production debut in Paris.

The iQ will compete with the Smart Fortwo in Europe. Like the Smart, it's a tiny two-door hatchback designed for space-deprived cities. It measures about a foot longer than the Fortwo, but the iQ makes good use of this extra length with seating for three adults. It employs a unique seating arrangement and the extra seat provides "room to spare to accommodate a child or carry luggage," Toyota said.

The iQ is not planned for North American markets, but its platform is believed to form the basis for the next Toyota Yaris, in which innovations such as the iQ's industry-first rear-windshield airbags, super-thin seats and skateboard-like under-floor gas tank could be implemented.

• In pictures: A Lexus Sedan that is going Convertible