Top 5 Debuts From the 2016 Paris Motor Show

Just like that, another international auto show is in the books. After two hectic press days, this week’s festivities in the City of Light have wound down to a crawl.

Now that the dust has settled, we’ve finally had a chance to analyze the reveals from this year’s show. Accordingly, here are Top 5 the most important debuts from Paris this year.

2016 Paris Motor Show Coverage

We start at the Hyundai display, where the RN30 concept made its global debut. Based on the brand’s i30 hatchback, this in-your-face machine previews what the South Korean automaker’s upcoming N high-performance division will offer. Power is provided by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that provides about 380 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. A swift-shifting dual-clutch transmission sends those ponies to every wheel. Expect a production version to go on sale sometime next year.

If you think the RN30 looks over the top, check this out. Lexus’ UX design study was one of the wildest concepts this year. Appropriately, this concept was penned in France and supposedly previews what a production subcompact crossover – one that’s smaller than the brand’s NX – might look like. Based off the Toyota C-HR, we expect conventional and hybrid propulsion systems to be on the menu, though no powertrain information has been released.

That’s not the case with Audi’s RS 3, which also debuted in Paris. This pint-sized performer features a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine that thunders with 400 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough meat ‘n potatoes to reach 62 miles an hour in a supercar-like 4.1 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155 mph, but if you ask nicely, they’ll increase top speed to 174 mph. A seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and quattro all-wheel drive round out this capable four-ring four-door’s powertrain.

But sometimes, you’d just rather have a hatchback, and if that’s the case, Honda will happily answer the call with its new Civic Type R. Aside from super-aggressive styling, this five-door compact features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that’s allegedly good for 306 hp and 295 lb-ft of twist, though we wouldn’t be surprised if these figures increased before it goes on sale. Expect a six-speed manual gearbox and plenty of chassis upgrades.

Finally, on to our No. 1 pick, the most exciting car revealed here in France… it’s the Ferrari LaFerrari Ferrari Aperta by Ferrari! This redundantly named exotic machine allows you to enjoy the face-distorting performance of a standard LaFerrari all while getting sunburn on your bald spot! A fabric roof is standard, but the company will sell you a carbon fiber lid for extra money. As with its hardtop sibling, a 950-horsepower hybrid drivetrain provides the thrills, though supposedly revised control software improves fuel efficiency, but who cares about that?

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