© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Coming to America
There are only a handful of major international auto shows, and one of our favorites is in France. The Paris Motor Show occurs once every two years, which might be one of the reasons why it seems even more special. And just because the show is in Europe doesn’t mean automakers neglect the big market across the pond; Paris presents plenty of new vehicles that will make their way to the States in the months and years to come. Let’s quickly look at the new vehicles we expect to see rolling on American roads in the not-too-distant future.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce
Although the Giulia has already been “on tour” in the auto show circuit for more than a year and is available in other parts of the world, the Italian sedan has not arrived in America — yet. Still, we can’t get enough of this beautiful sport sedan, and in Paris this year Alfa debuted the latest version — the Veloce.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce
Not quite as powerful as the 510-horsepower Quadrifoglio, the Veloce still packs a punch with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine putting out 280 horsepower, teamed with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Confident handling will definitely be part of the package since the Veloce sports Alfa’s Q4 full-time all-wheel-drive system. When the Giulia does arrive in America later this year, we hope Veloce will be part of the U.S. Giulia family.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Audi Q5
The Q5 is very important to Audi. The small crossover remains the best-selling model in the German automaker’s American lineup, so the introduction of the next generation Q5 is a pretty big deal, and in Paris that’s just what Audi revealed. The new Q5 takes on styling cues from its larger Q7 sibling, including the Singleframe grille flanked by stylish LED headlights.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Audi Q5
In addition to the updated styling, the Q5 grows larger in nearly every dimension while at the same time drops almost 200 pounds. With improved aerodynamics, an updated quattro all-wheel-drive system and a stronger chassis, the Q5 should deliver even better driving dynamics than its predecessor. The new Q5 will also showcase a number of high-tech safety and convenience features when it arrives in America next year.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Audi RS 3
An Audi model sporting an RS badge means it’s the ultimate performance version of the model line. American drivers have been able to experience a few RS variants over the years, but many are sold overseas only. That’s why we’re very excited to hear that the latest RS — the RS 3 — will be sold in the U.S. Debuting in Paris, the RS 3 is the ultimate “sleeper” car — one that might go unnoticed by the general public but is actually a high-powered beast.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Audi RS 3
Sure, the RS 3 has unique styling cues such as its grille, LED headlights, wide fender flares and rear spoiler, but it probably won’t be noticed as anything other than a small sedan by anyone except those in the know. And those who do will also know that the RS 3 boasts a 400-horsepower 5-cylinder engine, quattro all-wheel drive and can reach 60 mph in around 4 seconds with a top speed of 174 mph. Of course, the roaring exhaust note might be a dead giveaway about this special sport sedan. We can’t wait to see an RS 3 — or perhaps even drive one — on American roads.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Audi S5 Sportback
The S5 rolls on American roads as a luxurious sport coupe and cabriolet, but there’s a new variant coming soon. One of several vehicles on the Audi stand in Paris was this all-new S5 Sportback. Following in the tracks of the luxurious Audi A7 / S7, the S5 offers the luxury and performance of a proper sport sedan while adding the versatility of a rear hatch rather than a standard trunk.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Audi S5 Sportback
Make no mistake, the S5’s versatility in no way detracts from its sportiness — the hot hatch gets a newly-developed turbocharged V6 engine producing 354 horsepower. And even with its impressive acceleration — 60 mph in around 4.5 seconds — Audi claims the S5 will achieve fuel economy as high as 32 mpg. With the S5 Audi has created a car to live with every day, and those would be great days behind the wheel.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Ferrari GTC4Lusso T
Ferrari has gone on record saying that the Italian automaker will never build an SUV — thanks goodness. However, they do have a vehicle that comes close: the GTC4Lusso T. Granted, the name does not exactly roll off the tongue, although we can forgive that small sore point for a car such as this. The GTC4Lusso made its debut earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show, and in Paris the added T in the name indicates that this version will sport a 3.9-liter turbocharged V8 engine producing just over 600 horsepower.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Ferrari GTC4Lusso T
The GTC4Lusso T is unique in the Ferrari lineup in that it seats four, has a sportback design and sends power to the road through a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system. Given America’s obsession with crossovers, this could be the ultimate Ferrari for the American market. It may be considered sacrilege to the Ferraristi, but we could certainly imagine going camping in the GTC4Lusso — although in a Ferrari one would most certainly be “glamping.”
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta
Ever since Ferrari took the wraps off its latest hypercar — the extreme LaFerrari — rumors began circulating about an open-top version in the works. No longer conjecture, the LaFerrari Aperta made its official debut in Paris. The open-top hypercar maintains the same torsional rigidity as the hardtop and utilizes the same V12 hybrid powerplant that produces an astounding 949 horsepower. Drivers and passengers will need to hold onto their hats in this convertible — 60 mph comes up in under 3 seconds, 120 mph in less than 7 ticks and top speed is close to 220 mph.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta
Only 209 Apertas will be built — 200 for customers and nine that will be kept by Ferrari for shows and other promotional opportunities. Price? Don’t bother asking how much, because it doesn’t matter: all 200 have already been sold. However, given the importance of the American market to Ferrari sales, there is a chance of spotting one on an American road someday.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Honda Civic Type R Prototype
Watch for plenty of celebrating among Civic fans when they first hear the news that the hottest Civic of them all is coming to America. In the past the Civic Type R has been sold overseas, but this latest-generation — showcased as a prototype in Paris — will be sold stateside. Based on the new Civic hatchback, the Type R Prototype looks downright mean with a black brushed-aluminum looking finish and carbon fiber trim.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Honda Civic Type R Prototype
Lurking out back on the Civic Type R Prototype are a large rear spoiler and three exhaust outlets — the middle one is red. The final production version may be toned down a bit, but we fully expect the Type R to stand out from the crowd. Honda has not released any official stats about power, but some enthusiast publications are reporting more than 300 horses could be possible. Look for the final version to debut in America sometime next spring.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Land Rover Discovery
The last time the U.S. market hosted a full-size Discovery was 2004, and while this new model is light-years beyond the original in style, comfort and technology, it will likely further the Land Rover tenet of legendary off-road capability. Echoing the modern styling of the Discovery Sport that was introduced last year, the fifth-generation Discovery is larger to accommodate seven passengers — Land Rover even claims that Discovery’s third row will comfortably accommodate 95th-percentile adults.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Land Rover Discovery
Of course the new Discovery retains all the off-road capability SUV buyers have come to expect from Land Rover. The Disco has 11.1 inches of ground clearance and can wade through almost three feet of water. The Discovery will go on sale in midyear 2017 with a base price of $49,990. A limited run of 529 “First Edition” models will be available in the United States, with exclusive features including unique etched map detailing on the aluminum trim of the doors and dashboard, unique badges, special color choices and a long list of standard equipment.
© Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster
Mercedes-Benz debuted two new high-performance convertibles in Paris on the eve of the motor show: the 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster and 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster — both scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. in fall of 2017. With a boost in power over the AMG GT coupe, the 2018 AMG GT Roadster gets its motivation from a 4.0- liter biturbo V8 engine that produces 469 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. The AMG GT C Roadster slots between the AMG GT Roadster and the AMG GT R with a new version of the 4.0-liter liter biturbo V8 engine producing 550 horsepower and 502 lb-ft of torque.
© Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster
Both AMG GT Roadsters utilize the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed dual-clutch transmission to optimize performance. The new AMG GT roadsters are constructed with a lightweight, rigid aluminum body over a lightweight magnesium / steel / aluminum frame to save weight and keep the car’s center of gravity low. The fabric soft-top is available in three colors — black, red or beige — and can be opened or closed automatically in around 11 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain
Making its world premiere at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain is a wagon possessing SUV looks and versatility to satisfy buyers in the SUV-crazed U.S. market. A higher ride height and standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive add to the capability, while the black flared wheel arches, a bold grille with integrated star similar to Mercedes SUVs and a black lower fascia create a more rugged appearance. Although the automaker did not announce any specific delivery plans, we could definitely see the All-Terrain rolling on U.S. roads in the future.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain
Additional ground clearance for the E-Class All-Terrain comes from the standard AIR BODY CONTROL adjustable air suspension, DYNAMIC SELECT with five modes and 19- or 20-inch wheels with higher profile tires. Developed in the GLE SUV, the E-Class All-Terrain drive mode raises the ride height by 0.79 inches. Inside, the All-Terrain features exclusive aluminum/carbon-look trim, stainless steel sport pedals with rubber studs and All-Terrain floor mats.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Mercedes-Benz Generation EQ
Mercedes-Benz showed their vision for the future of electric vehicles in Paris with the world premiere of the Generation EQ, a concept utility vehicle with the look of a sport wagon. Powered by two electric motors with permanent all-wheel drive, system output can increase up to 300 kW with a range up to 300 miles. The Generation EQ black panel front design includes an illuminated Mercedes star and blue lighting to simulate a Mercedes grille.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Mercedes-Benz Generation EQ
Inside, the Generation EQ features touch controls with a large floating widescreen display. Committed to more electric vehicles for the future, Mercedes-Benz will develop EQ as a new brand for future battery-electric vehicles, built on a new vehicle architecture that will permit the development of different sizes and types. Mercedes describes the Generation EQ as a “close-to-production” concept; when the production version is ready, expect to see it on U.S. streets.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
MINI Clubman JCW
The Clubman is the biggest of the MINI lineup — which sounds like a contradiction — but it will still be smaller than most other vehicles on American roads. At this year’s Paris show, MINI introduced the high-performance version of the Clubman — the John Cooper Works edition. The latest in a line of JCW models, the Clubman JCW is motivated by a 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo engine putting out 230 horsepower — the most grunt ever in a production MINI.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
MINI Clubman JCW
To help manage that power, the Clubman JCW comes standard with MINI’s ALL4 all-wheel-drive system as well as unique suspension components, Brembo sport brakes and 18-inch light-alloy wheels. The JCW can be equipped with either a 6-speed manual or 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid
This past summer Porsche launched the all-new 2017 Panamera. The German car company chose the Paris Motor Show to introduce the latest variant in the Panamera line: the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid. The plug-in hybrid uses a new 2.9-liter biturbo V6 engine teamed with an electric motor to produce a combined 462 horsepower.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid
Even more impressive is the 4 E-Hybrid’s 516 lb-ft of torque available almost instantly, allowing the big sedan to reach 62 mph in just 4.6 seconds. The E-Hybrid can also travel around 30 miles on electric power alone. This is the fourth version of the Panamera to be introduced, joining the Turbo, 4S and 4S Diesel and it appears that all four versions will be coming to America.
© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience
smart EV
If there were a vehicle perfectly suited for electric drive, the smart city car would be that vehicle. To that end, the entire next-generation smart lineup is offered with pure electric drive, including the fortwo coupe, fortwo cabrio and — for the first time — the forfour, although the forfour will not be available in the U.S. The smart fortwo cabrio is the only electric convertible on the market, and smart is the first manufacturer to offer its entire model line with both combustion engines and electric drive.
© Mike Meredith, Automotive Content Experience
smart EV
Thanks to its compact dimensions, the smart fortwo is extremely agile and the electric drive provides 80 horsepower and 118 lb-ft of torque, with battery capacity for a driving range of 99 miles. With a high-performance onboard charger, charge time for the U.S. version with a 240V charger is expected to be 2.5 hours — less than half of the previous generation charge time of 5.5 hours, and 22 hours with standard 110-volt home power. The smart fortwo coupe goes on sale in the U.S. in spring 2017, followed by the fortwo cabrio in the summer.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Volkswagen I.D.
One of the hits of the 2016 Paris Motor Show, the Volkswagen I.D. electric concept offers a first look at VW’s plans for a series of new electric vehicles beginning in 2020. Showcasing a new design direction for electric vehicles, VW’s Open Space layout offers a new interior experience as well. Powered by a 168-horsepower electric motor with a range between 249 and 373 miles, the production version of I.D. will have a price comparable to a well-equipped Golf, and it will surely reach the U.S. market.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Volkswagen I.D.
The Volkswagen I.D. also offers a looks at autonomous driving, with a multifunction steering wheel that retracts into the dash in fully-automated Pilot I.D. mode. Volkswagen plans to offer fully-automated driving beginning in 2025. The production Volkswagen I.D. will also advance vehicle connectivity, with each owner receiving a Volkswagen ID with an individual profile for the car, ability to authenticate the driver and connect the car with the home.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Volkswagen e-Golf Touch
While the Volkswagen I.D. is a look at the not-too-distant future, the new Volkswagen e-Golf Touch is the latest electric vehicle for tomorrow. Volkswagen announced the new e-Golf Touch will be equipped with gesture control and will offer a driving range of up to 186 miles per charge. In Paris the e-Golf Touch showcased the latest intuitive control technology and an example of what to expect in the new e-Golf scheduled to debut in November. Look for the e-Golf Touch to arrive stateside in 2017.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Volkswagen e-Golf Touch
Although this vehicle is called e-Golf Touch, the new display system operates primarily by gesture or voice control. The heart of the system is a 9.2-inch high-resolution display with a clear glass surface. Content can be displayed in function tiles. For example, one tile can be dedicated to phone communication, another to music entertainment, and a navigation map can be expanded to fill the rest of the screen. The e-Golf Touch also uses the latest in voice control with keyword activation and electronic voice amplification to make it easier for the driver to communicate with rear-seat passengers.
