2006 Paris Motor Show - Mondial de l'Automobile 2006

By Feann Torr - 29/Sep/2006

The Paris Motor Show - a place of automotive fantasy that beggars belief for first-timers with it's sheer scope, dazzling array of exhibits and bevy of beautiful models, both human and vehicular.

Unlike most motor shows that come and go like the four seasons each and every year, the Mondial de l'Automobile - otherwise known as the Paris Motor Show - is a strictly biennial event, in that it only rolls around once every two years. Combined with decades of tradition, this often makes the Paris Motor Show the biggest and brightest European automotive event, where many automakers strive to be the centre of attention. 

For 2006 we've been treated to a number of fantastic showcase vehicles, many of which are concepts that hint at upcoming designs, to the production models that will be on sale next year.

Some of the offerings at the '06 Mondial de l'Automobile include Audi's smashing new R8 sports car, which is the German marques first mid-engined sports car, and probably won't be the last either. Powered by a storming 4.2-litre V8 that outputs 309kW of power @ almost 8000rpm, this is the kind of engine that will make super car fans stop and take notice. The German automaker also showed off what could be one of the most powerful 2.0-litre sports hatchbacks ever, in the form of the hawkish Audi S3.

Other production models that made a big impression included the new Volkswagen Touareg. But not for it's looks. No, it's barely changed when compared to the original vehicle, but it has some very intriguing innovations. It features a new ABS system tuned specifically for dirt tracks, and not just rock-hard asphalt, and even a lane-departure warning system. 

Mitsubishi showed off its new 4x4 as well - the next generation Pajero - and though it isn't a huge departure from the current look, it promises to give drivers a powerful platform to get offroad with, while simultaneously adapting to the concrete jungle.

The Italian marques were well represented too, but the standout vehicle was Alfa Romeo's 8C Competizione. This new super coupe is powered by a Ferrari-developed V8 engine and is expected to give the various Porsche, Ferrari, and Lamborghini coupes something to think about, suffice it to say it won't be slow. And unlike a lot of modern super cars, it's a got a retro demeanour that still manages to convey the Alfa Romeo design ethos. This is one hot-headed Mediterranean to keep an eye on.

As well as BMW 1 Series rival from Volvo making it's debut, called the C30, there were many, many concept cars to be seen, and one of the more radical designs was the iosis X concept from Ford's European group. The styling of this concept is completely radical, and will be the basis for a new Euro-themed sporty SUV model in 2008, but in addition to the wild exterior styling the iosis X is also the first vehicle to incorporate a glass roof and a glass floor. If you suffer from car sickness now, wait until you collect roadkill with this badboy. It could get ugly...

Other interesting concept designs included Toyota's Auris, which may well be the first glimpse of the next generation Toyota Corolla. The gold-coloured car sits on 19-inch wheels and is about the same size as the current Corolla small car from Japan's biggest automaker, and borrows many styling cues from its smaller brother, the Yaris.

There was also an Australian connection to one of the concept cars at this year's Paris Motor Show, with the Chevrolet WTCC Ultra concept. This neat little compact touring car was designed with input from two young designers currently in residence at GM Holden in Melbourne, and if the concept car is anything to go by, we could be in store for some intelligently designed vehicles from Holden in the mid-term future.

Both South Korean car makers - Kia and Hyundai - showed off concept cars that both provide clues as their respective marque's upcoming small cars in the form of the Hyundai Arnejs and Kia pro_cee'd. Mad names, to be sure, but the designs are actually quite progressive for the fledgling automakers. Volkswagen also showed off it's Iroc concept, and the French car companies were out in force as well, with Renault showing off no less than three concept vehicles: the gnarly Nepta roadster, the boring Koleos concept and the luminescent Twingo concept. This last one is a tiny little 3.6 metre long mini car that looks sensational, and featuring mixing decks and 15-inch monitor for those drivers who like to mix their own tunes.

Fellow French automaker Citroën showed off a couple of concept cars, including the dynamic C-Métisse concept, which is powered by a diesel-electric hybrid engine that gives it a sports car-like 0-100km/h sprint time of 6.2 seconds. Peugeot also make lots at the 2006 Paris Motor Show, unveiling its hydrogen fuel-cell car, the 207 Epure. This pearl-white convertible kills two birds with one stone by offering up a zero emission vehicle and showing off the upcoming 207 CC styling. The 908 RC yet was a much larger concept car from Peugeot, and looks kind of like a Maybach rival powered by a V12 turbo diesel mill that has all the finesse of asledge hammer.

As well as the largest showing of 20-inch alloy wheels at any one time, the 2006 Paris Motor Show offered up enough automotive treats to keep autophiles busy for weeks. As for an overriding theme, few automakers were heading in the same direction. Diesel-powered vehicles had a solid showing in Paris this year, and there were a few hybrids and the odd fuel cell vehicle too.But enough rambling - let's look at the hardware on offer: