2010 Paris Motor Show | 20 Cars that Matter

The 2010 Paris Motor Show had landed and it wouldn’t be unreasonable to for a man to assume an amplitude of impossibly sexy cars, leggy models, and enough bespoke suits to make the men of Positano blush. Well, if this year’s display of supercar prowess is anything more than a declaration that the recession is over (to those who use money managers, not bank accounts) then consider us smitten with the 20 cars (so far) right after the jump.

By Eric Yang

Published September 30, 2010

Updated June 1, 2021

Lotus Elite Concept

The Lotus Elite isn’t your father’s Lotus, and weighing in at 3,600 pounds this Lotus is far heavier than predecessors. The Lotus Elite will be powered by a mid-engine 5.0 liter V8 sourced from the Lexus IS-F generating 611 horsepower good for sub 4 second 0-60mph times, and a 195 mph top speed. Aggressive styling, regenerative breaking, and four doors round out this grand tourer. $180,000. 2014.

Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

Chevy’s somewhat expected announcement of a Camaro convertible doesn’t offset the fact that this domestic soft-top is a looker. Both the V6 and 6.2 liter V8 will be available and mated to a choice of automatic or six-speed (not that you care about the automatic).

Audi E-Tron Spyder

No, it’s not another movie. The E-Tron designates an electric-boosted lineup from Audi, and in this form the E-Tron Spyder. Powered by a 300 horsepower twin-turbo TDI V6 (yes, diesel), the E-Tron Spyder tosses up 479 lb-ft of torque, solid handling despite its cabriolet chassis and batteries. Now, whether it hits dealerships is an entirely different story.

Jaguar C-X75 Concept

The Jaguar C-X75 claims our award as the belle of the ball. Besides a painfully gorgeous silhouette, this 2,970 pound beauty is powered by two 96 horsepower micro gas turbines mated to a lithium-ion batteries, which then power four 195 horsepower electric motors at each wheel. That makes the C-X75 a 780 horsepower (1,197 lb-ft torque), 205 mph sex-rocket. Great, but what’s its range, you ask? 560 miles. Try that in a Veyron.

2012 Range Rover Evoque

Despite its off-road roots, it’s refreshing to see Land Rover trying its hand at something new (but god help us if they ever end production of the Defender). The 2012 Range Rover Evoque’s options list reads more like a list of BMW M series. 19″-20″ wheels, a bespoke exterior treatment, and a 825-watt Meridian sound system. Power comes from a 2.0 liter 240 horsepower engine with regenerative electrics, a six-speed automatic transmission, and a MagneRide adaptive suspension.

Lotus Elan

This one came as a surprise. The Elan is slated to land in 2013 and will feature a 450 horsepower supercharged 4.0 liter V6 engine, seven-speed dual clutch, 3.5 second 0-60mph, and regenerative breaking. Top speed? A blistering 193 mph. $118,000.

2011 Volvo S60 R-Design

You can expect a video review of our man Bradley Hasemeyer’s time behind the wheel of the new S60 in an upcoming review, but for now – just know that this is one shaggin’, wagon. The S60 features Volvo’s R-Design tuning that give this family-stormer a 300 horsepower 3.0 liter inline six with turbo (325 lb-ft of torque), a beefier suspension, and handsome 18″ wheels. Just make sure the kids are strapped in and keep all hands and feet inside the vehicle while moving…

BMW Concept 6 Series Coupe

We wrote about it before, and we’re writing about it again. The new BMW 6 series (shown in light concept disguise here) is an absolute beauty compared to its stumpy predecessor. Now, where’s the M?

Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Concept

The fabled Lamborghini has unveiled its newest bull and even though it’s name sounds more like an espresso machine, this Italian stallion is anything but. A carbon-fiber body (Carbon = sixth element = “sesto elemento”) will feature Reventon-inspired design, a ridiculous V10 engine pumping out 570 horsepower, and 0-60mph time of… wait for it… 2.5 seconds. With a Lambo like this, who needs caffeine?

2012 Ford Focus ST Hatch

This author’s love for hot-hatchbacks never seemed to match that of the domestic market, but Ford has finally heard the call and delivered. The Focus ST will land in 2012 and come mated with a turbocharged 2.0 liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine that delivers 247 horsepower (266 lb-foot of torque), a six-speed transmission, and torque-vectoring. The 19″ wheels, GP-certified paint scheme, and Aston Mortin-esque fascia make this an official want.

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2011 Porsche 911 Speedster

The 911 continues its quest for model-variation king, but if the Speedster is proof of what Porsche cand by model expansion, then by all means keep it up. The limited-edition 2011 Porsche 911 Speedster will feature a 408 horsepower flat-six, a French Racing Blue, and gobs of Porsche street cred.

2011 Bentley Continental GT

We couldn’t resist including this one again. The 2011 Bentley Contintal GT is just too much of a blockbuster. The stunning new bodywork, 657 horsepower W12 engine, Quickshift transmission, 198 mph top speed, and a 4.4 second 0-60 mph. Now, would we spend our hard-earned money on it? Probably not (a second home comes to mind).

Audi Quattro Concept

The Quattro Concept isn’t so much a car to celebrate with, but rather a car of celebration – in celebration of the Quattro all-wheel drive system’s 30th anniversary. The Quattro Concept builds off the formidable Audi RS5 with a shorter, lower silhouette and lighter curb weight. In a back-to-basics move, the Quattro’s powerplant is a 408 horsepower five-cylinder inline turbo engine mated to a six-speed manual giving it R8 level performance. And that’s saying something because our time behind the wheel of an Audi R8 absolutely floored us. A modern classic, literally.

2011 Infiniti IPL G Coupe – G37

When it comes to the Infiniti G37 you’re either in a camp love or team loathe. If it’s the former, then the new Infiniti Performance Line (IPL) tuned G Coupe will get your oil moving. In IPL form, the G Coupe will feature a 348 horsepower version of the award-wining V6, 19″ IPL wheels, aggressive body work, and exclusive interior trim.

Fiskar Karma Hybrid

The American brand, Fiskar Automotive will finally bring to light the $88,000 Karma plug-in hybrid this coming February.

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Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420 Roadster

Aston Martin. Two words that might as well be followed-up with “dead sexy”, has unveiled the V8 Vantage N420 roadster and despite its less-than-sexy name, the N420 will pack the potent 420 horsepower 4.7 liter V8 currently used in the coupe. It’s feature of differentation: a stouter suspension, tuned exhaust, interior-updates, 10-spoke diamond-turned alloy wheels, carbon-fiber splitter, and black-mesh grille. The $153k price tag? A mere speed bump on the quest for a definition of sex on wheels.

Mazda Shinari Concept

Yes, it’s actually a Mazda. Even in concept form, this four-door coupe looks highlight Mazda’s new tri-contental collaboration design language called “Kodo”. The dynamic language is certainly more aggressive than Mazdas of the past, and represent a change we wholeheartedly welcome.

Renault DeZir Concept

Renault may never land on U.S. shores, but the brand certainly has given good reason to with its DeZir (desire) concept. The electric car will feature gull-wing doors, rear-wheel drive, and visual cues the rest of the world will see in future Renaults.

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS

The introduction of the CLS four-door coupe several years back set off a storm of imitators. Mercedes-Benz, not one to rest on their laurels recently unveiled the all-new iteration of the CLS, which will make it stateside in mid-2011. Not much is known about the CLS other than its stunning lines, signature LED headlamps, and equally sensual interior, but really – what else is there?

Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale

After a rocky start (hello, transmission), Maserati has made the GranTurismo somewhat of a unique-man’s alternative to a Ferrari, its engineering bretheren. This luxo-Ferrari is entitled, MC Stradale and marks the ultimate version of the GranTurismo. A tuned chassis, engine, and bodywork give this Maz a decidedly race-tuned pedigree. 450 horsepower doesn’t hurt either.