The Paris Motor Show 2016 kicked off on the very first day of October, setting the stage for the most innovative carmakers from all over the world. While big brands such as Ford, Volvo, Aston Martin and Rolls Royce are a no-show in Paris, the event really hasn't suffered a shortage of showstoppers.
We've selected five of the best cars on display at the Paris Motor Show. Whether they are concept cars or already headed for production, these impressive vehicles are sending hardcore auto enthusiasts into overdrive.
Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta
First on the list is a vehicle that's blazing a trail, literally. Ferrari's LaFerrari Aperta reaches a top speed of 217 miles per hour, with 663 pound-feet of torque. The 949 horsepower comes by way of an electric motor and a robust 6.3-liter V12 engine. It's the kind of firepower that allows the vehicle to jet off from 0 to 62 mph (100 kph) in under 3 seconds.
This convertible is a rare find — only 209 were made. The $2 million gem of a car sold off 200 even before it was unveiled to the public. The other nine units are said to be kept by Ferrari to showcase at events in celebration of the legendary carmaker's 70th anniversary.
Renault Trezor
Not to be outdone by the Italians, French carmaker Renault took the wraps off the ultra stylish two-seater Trezor, whose form factor reflects "warm, simple and sensual lines." This masterpiece fuses together speed and power with Renault's expertise in electric vehicle design.
What's even more impressive are the concept car's three driving modes — neutral, sport and autonomous — which aim to deliver a truly versatile performance.
Trezor, with an electric motor that pumps 350 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, blasts off from 0 to 62 in less than 4 seconds.
Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6
The Mercedes-Benz luxury coupé, Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6, is the embodiment of aerodynamic efficiency, particularly with its low roof line and extremely long bonnet. The doors open like wings, and the clean, smooth and aerodynamic body of the coupé makes it the ideal vehicle for riding the breeze and hitting up speeds of up to 155 mph.
The Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 was earlier predicted to have a 6.0 liter twin-turbo V12 engine that can generate 523 hp. The concept car, on display at the Paris Motor Show, instead has four electric motors that can produce 738 hp. Like the Renault Trezor, this masterpiece EV can jet off from 0 to 62 in less than 4 seconds.
Notably, a futuristic touch to this classic-looking aero is the windshield, which displays driving information on-screen.
BMW X2
The concept car BMW X2, showcased at the Paris Motor Show, offers an impressive first look at a robust BMW X vehicle — ideal for sports activities — with the form factor of a coupé. If the predecessor X1 is any indication, then fans of the BMW X line of crossovers can expect the X2 to pack on the same muscle, with 228 hp, a top speed of 129 mph and the ability to go from 0 to 60 in 6.4 seconds, all seen in the X1.
What then is the selling point of the BMW X2? The stylish compact SUV, reportedly slated for a 2017 release, continues BMW's legacy of a suave performance on the road.
Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid
We come full circle with this list courtesy of Porsche's powerful hybrid, the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid.
"At Porsche, the term 'hybrid' is synonymous with not only sustainable mobility, but performance too," the company writes.
The 2018 Panamera has a 2.9 liter twin-turbo V6 engine that packs in 462 hp and a torque of 516 lb-ft while the electric motor offers 136 hp and a torque of 295 lb-ft. This high-class sports car, zooming off from 0 to 60 in 4.4 seconds and topping up at 172 mph, combines superb performance with low fuel consumption.
