Audi‘s E-Tron Spyder debuted at the Paris Auto Show today, and surprised observers by departing from the purely electric setup seen in previous E-Tron concepts.

The Spyder will use a 3.0L TDI V6 and a DSG transmission to power the rear wheels, while the fronts get a pair of twin electric motors. An aluminum space frame chassis helps keep weight low, as does carbon-fiber re-enforced plastic bodywork. With the E-Tron coupe set to go on sale in 2012, it’s possible that it could be joined by the Spyder shown here.

Gallery: Audi E-Tron Spyder

Audi‘s R8 GT, the most hardcore version of its R8 sports car, got its first public premiere at the Paris Auto Show. Sporting a 40 horsepower bump from its 5.2L V10 engine (up to 560 horsepower) and a host of weight reductions thanks to the use of carbon fiber, polycarbonate windows and thinner glass, the R8 GT should satisfy the most hardcore sports car addicts.

Only 333 examples will be made, and if you haven’t already been invited to buy one, you probably will never have the chance to own one. That and the $256,000 price tag.

Hit the jump to read the official press release

Gallery: Audi R8 GT

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Volkswagen‘s Passat had its official unveiling today in Paris, and while the car boasts sharp, Phaeton-inspired lines, it won’t be coming to North America.

Our side of the Atlantic will get a market-specific sedan, but the Passat soldiers on in Eurpoe and the rest of the world. With a whole new range of engines, both diesel and gasoline and features like a start-stop system and Park Assist, which can parallel park the car on its own, the Passat looks like yet another great car we won’t get.

Hit the jump for more information

Gallery: 2011 Volkswagen Passat

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Porsche has just unveiled its new Carrera GTS model at the Paris Auto Show, expanding the Carrera lineup to a total of four models. And it doesn’t get much better than this.

The Carrera GTS takes the S model’s 3.8-liter flat-six and ups power by 23 ponies for a total of 408-hp, while 310 ft-lbs of torque are on tap at 4200 rpm (slightly earlier than in the S). Perhaps more importantly, however, is the fact that this rear-drive model makes use of the wider Carrera 4 platform, allowing for added grip in the rear end – thanks also to the 19-inch single bolt RS Spyder wheels with 305-wide tires in the rear.

Together this setup will deliver a 0-60 mph time of 4.0 seconds when equipped with the PDK transmission and SportsChrono package. A six-speed manual will be standard.

Added design highlights include a SportDesign front lip, new black sideskirts and a black section on the rear diffuser. Inside there’s lots of Alcantara, including on the seats and the steering wheel.

Both a coupe and convertible will be offered, priced from $103,100 and $112,900 respectively.

GALLERY: Porsche Carrera GTS Coupe and Cabriolet

Debuting alongside the Carrera GTS, Porsche has just unveiled the new, limited edition 911 Speedster at the Paris Auto Show.

An homage to the original 356 Speedster just 356 versions of this convertible sports car will be offered. Powered by a more powerful version of the 3.8-liter flat-six engine, the Speedster makes 408-hp and is offered exclusively with Porsche’s 7-speed PDK gearbox.

Exterior design highlights follow after the Boxster Spyder and take inspiration from the Carrera GT with a shorter and more steeply raked windshield and a double-bubble rear clamshell. It will also get a manual soft top – although its not yet clear if it will be as useless as the Boxster Spyder’s. Also accentuating the car’s performance is a suspension that has been lowered by 60 millimeters (roughly 2-inches), while the rear-drive Speedster runs on the wider Carrera 4 platform. Other highlights include a custom aero kit, Fuchs-style Sport Classic wheels and an exclusive Pure Blue paint color – although it will also be available in Carrara White.

Inside the originality continues with plenty of blue detailing and a checkerboard pattern on the seats.

The 911 Speedster is the latest product to come from Porsche’s in-house Porsche Exclusive tuning arm as the division celebrates its 25th anniversary.

GALLERY: Porsche 911 Speedster

After much anticipation, Lamborghini has finally released it’s Paris Auto Show debut – a carbon fiber concept vehicle dubbed the Sesto Element (Sixth Element). Weighing just 2,202-lbs, it is named after the sixth element in the periodic table of the elements – Carbon. And as mentioned, this is a serious carbon fiber machine, taking even the carbon fiber elements of such modern supercars as the McLaren MP4-12C and Lexus LFA to an entirely new level.

Along with a carbon fiber tub for the cockpit, the front and rear crash boxes are also made of carbon fiber, as are the suspension components. In addition, there are carbon fiber wheels, carbon ceramic brakes and even an exhaust system made from a special mix of ceramic powder and synthetic resin.

With an interior that would make Colin Chapman proud, Lamborghini has designed seats into the carbon tub in a bid to keep weight to an absolute minimum.

In fact the only heavy things left on the car are integral to it being a Lamborghini, namely, a big engine and the company’s trademark AWD system. Sporting a 5.2-liter V10 engine with the same 562-hp output as the Superleggera, Lamborghini claims a 0-62-mph time of 2.5 seconds.

“The Lamborghini Sesto Elemento shows how the future of the super sports car can look – extreme lightweight engineering, combined with extreme performance results in extreme driving fun. We put all of our technological competence into one stunning form to create the Sesto Elemento,” says Stephan Winkelmann, CEO of  Lamborghini. “It is our abilities in carbon-fiber technology that have facilitated such a forward-thinking concept, and we of course also benefit from the undisputed lightweight expertise of Audi AG. Systematic lightweight engineering is crucial for future super sports cars: for the most dynamic performance, as well as for low emissions. We will apply this technological advantage right across our model range. Every future Lamborghini will be touched by the spirit of the Sesto Elemento.”

That being said, there’s a possibility that the next-generation Murcielago and Gallardo models will use a great deal of this technology and it’s long been rumored that the successor to the Murcie would get a carbon fiber tub.

GALLERY: Lamborghini Sesto Elemento

With styling hints reminiscent of the stunning XJ220, Jaguar has just released the first photos of an 780-hp range-extended electric supercar concept ahead of its official debut tomorrow at the Paris Auto Show.

Along with being achingly beautiful, as a range-extended electric car it has a propulsion system similar to that found in the Chevy Volt, using electric power to drive the wheels, while additional “micro gas turbines” can recharge the lithium-ion battery packs to add extended range. The C-x75 is touted to be capable of 68 miles of range before the two 96-hp gas turbines kick in to give a total range of 560 miles. It also makes an incredible 780-hp from the four 195-hp electric motors, while 1,187 ft-lbs of torque enables a 0-62 mph time of just 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 205-mph.

The goal, says Jaguar, “was to produce not only the most innovative but also one of the most beautiful Jaguars ever; one which hints at an exciting evolution of the marque’s award-winning design language while paying homage to some of its most admired cars of years gone by.”

Unfortunately, the goal was not to build anything from this technology, rather the C-X75 will stand as a design concept to inspire future Jags. And with that in mind, we can’t wait to get a glimpse of the next-gen XK.

Check back tomorrow for live photos from the C-X75′s unveiling with AutoGuide’s extensive coverage of the Paris Auto Show.

GALLERY: Jaguar C-X75 Concept

Official release after the jump:

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Ford has just released full details on its new Focus ST hot-hatch ahead of its Paris Auto Show debut tomorrow. And this is no Euro-market only boy racer. Nope, the Focus ST will be available in North America as a 2012 model starting in 2011.

True, it’s no RS model, but thanks a a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-Cylinder EcoBoost engine, it makes 247-hp and 266 ft-lbs of torque and comes exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission. (Thank you Ford). It also comes with upgraded suspension and brakes, tighter steering and a much needed Torque Vectoring Control system that acts like a limited slip differential to reduce torque steer and achieve maximum traction.

Inside and out there’s plenty to talk about thank to a an aggressive aero kit with large lower air intakes, a massive central intake, race-inspired rear diffuser and 19-inch wheels that all add to the Focus’s already attractive package. And with an already high-grade interior on the new global Focus, the ST model gets Recaro seats up front, plus plenty of detailed stitching on the interior, as well as a unique steering wheel.

AutoGuide will be on hand at the Paris Auto Show tomorrow with more pics from the official reveal.

GALLERY: Ford Focus ST

Official release after the jump:

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Volkswagen‘s Passat was unvieled in advance of the Paris Auto Show today, and for the first time in years, North America won’t be getting it. Instead, we’ll be receiving a an all new car designed to compete with the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. The rest of the world gets the Passat seen here.

Underneath the non-descript bodywork, the Passat gets a whole range of engines, from a 105 horsepower gasoline engine to a 3.6L 6-cylinder making 300 horsepower. Diesels, of course, will be on offer for Europe’s taxi drivers.

Details are still scarce, but if you’re interested in a cut-rate Phaeton and live outside North America, you could scarcely do better. Check back for our Paris Auto Show coverage and the launch of the new VW Passat.

Gallery: 2011 Volkswagen Passat

[Source: Volkswagen]

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Our media coverage of the 2010 Paris Auto Show begins tomorrow, September 30th, AutoGuide.com will have some of our editors over in the land of wine and baguettes to give us all the latest and greatest auto news coming out of the ‘City of Love’. We know you have your preferences on how you like to get your news so we are happy to give you some options on how to follow the big stories coming out of Paris this year.

Here are 3 ways to keep track of Paris Motor Show news:
	Our 2010 Paris Auto Show coverage page. This is our main hub for Paris Motor Show coverage. We will be updating this page with every breaking story that is posted on our AutoGuide.com news feed. Its going to come fast and furious so you better hold on and fasten your seat belts!
	AutoGuide Facebook page. We are on Facebook and we want to be your friend. Hit that “like” button and you’ll get only the top stories from the show in your Facebook news feed. Don’t worry, we hate spam too so we promise to only deliver the most important stuff to you.
	AutoGuide on Twitter. All of our news gets posted to Twitter for consumption but we’ve asked our editors in Paris to also tweet their experiences over there. Think of those tweets like DVD extras!