Paris Motor Show 2006

It's 8:00 a.m. when the gates open at the Parc des Expositions in Paris's south end. Thousands of frenzied journalists all enter the massive convention center as it plays host to the Mondial de L'Automobile, toting cameras, briefcases and notepads. Every other year the automotive manufacturers converge into the City of Romance for one of the largest European motor shows, providing an opportunity to showcase their latest concepts and unveil the newest models. There were close to 70 new models unveiled in Paris this year, including 13 European premieres and 21 French premieres.

The Concepts
Paris is an ideal setting for the unveiling of new cars. The backdrop of this city—long associated with fashion—induces seductive and radical designs from the automakers as well as the obligatory over-the-top concept car featured prominently on a revolving stand. The French were certainly not outshone in their own land in this respect. All three major automakers presented stunning contemporary masterpieces in the form of three exhilarating models.


Renault showed the Nepta concept, with its nautical design cues and single piece gullwing doors, which provide access into the cabin and under the hood. Not to be outdone, PSA, the Peugeot Citroen group, exhibited some breathtaking concepts of its own. Peugeot unveiled the 908 RC, a four-seat sedan with sports car underpinnings and a mid-mounted diesel V12, while Citroen displayed its C-Metisse, designed to combine the attributes of a hybrid, comfort of a sedan, spaciousness of a wagon and the swooping lines of a sports car.


The C-Metisse (meaning mixture) is an effervescent blend of all aspects that make a successful vehicle, and definitely one of the stars of the show. Powered by hybrid diesel-electric mechanicals, this car is said to sprint to 62 mph in just 6.2 seconds, quite impressive for a vehicle this size, powered by an economical V6 diesel engine. But the car also uses two electric motors mounted in the rear wheels, capable of developing a 295 lb.-ft. of additional torque. And because of this, the car produces zero emissions in urban driving. The Metisse's front doors also open gullwing style, while the rear doors spin round to provide access to the rear.


As with most concepts, the Nepta shows off what will be Renault's new styling direction of future models. It features a 3.5 liter twin-turbo V6 engine with 420 hp, enough to propel the vehicle to from a standstill to 62 mph in under five seconds, the company claims. The Nepta is rear-wheel-drive, uncommon for a Renault car, and wears massive 23-inch alloy wheels.