Top 5 Debuts From the 2016 Paris Motor Show

Craig Cole
by Craig Cole

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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


5. Hyundai RN30 Concept

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.


4. Lexus UX Concept

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.


3. Audi RS 3 Sedan

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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.


2. Honda Civic Type R

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.


1. Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta

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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Craig Cole
Craig Cole

Born and raised in metro Detroit, Craig was steeped in mechanics from childhood. He feels as much at home with a wrench or welding gun in his hand as he does behind the wheel or in front of a camera. Putting his Bachelor's Degree in Journalism to good use, he's always pumping out videos, reviews, and features for AutoGuide.com. When the workday is over, he can be found out driving his fully restored 1936 Ford V8 sedan. Craig has covered the automotive industry full time for more than 10 years and is a member of the Automotive Press Association (APA) and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA).

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 4 comments
  • Smartacus Smartacus on Oct 03, 2016

    i'm blown away impressed by the RS3 and i'm not even an AUDI fan.

  • Perry F. Bruns Perry F. Bruns on Oct 05, 2016

    The Lexus UX: for those times when you just have to have a grille that looks like a wood chipper.

    • See 1 previous
    • Perry F. Bruns Perry F. Bruns on Oct 06, 2016

      I too hope you and yours are safe. Fortunately, I'm on the Gulf Coast, but we're prepared in case this thing pulls a Jean.

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