The Paris Auto show is in full swing these days. It opened for the press on Tuesday and to the public on Thursday. Here are some exclusive news updates on the ongoing auto show for you.
This year two of Europe’s carmakers: Volkswagen and Ford didn’t participate in the Paris Auto show; which is another major auto exhibition like the Frankfurt’s Auto show.
The prime focus of this year’s auto show has been the EVs. Many all-electric luxurious sport utility vehicles (SUVs) were being showcased this year. It seems that the focal point of the European carmakers was to introduce an SUV which will compete with the upcoming Tesla’s Model X. The Mercedes-Benz will display its EQC while Audi will exhibit its E-Tron. But, the major question here is; will this year’s EVs make any improvement in the European auto market?
Another prime concern among the European carmakers is the growing number of Fast-charging stations of Tesla that are said to be 1,344 in total in Europe and the Middle East. On the other hand, IONITY; the joint venture of major European car makers is going to build 400 fast charging stations in Europe along all major highways. Currently, seven stations have been successfully built so far while 12 other are under construction.
Some of the highlighted and top notch cars of this year’s Paris Auto Show are;
BMW 3 Series
The 330i is expected to come out in 2019. The 330i will be available in both a rear wheel drive and an all-wheel-drive (xDrive) with turbo-four engine producing 255 horsepower. An eight-speed automatic transmission will haul the power to the wheels. BMW is also planning on building a plug-in hybrid 330e which will be out in 2020.
Renault EZ Ultimo Concept
The Renault EZ Ultimo concept is an all-electric driverless car. This is more like a lounge which has space for three passengers. The interior is designed like a living room with a thick walnut floor and recliners. It is still an autonomous concept and no further production details were revealed.
Mercedes Benz EQC 2019
The EQC is the Mercedes Benz’s first ever all-electric crossover vehicle. It was first revealed as a concept car in the Paris auto show 2016. The EQC is similar in size to the GLC. It is supposed to compete with Jaguar i-Pace, Tesla Model X and BMW iX3. It contains two electric motors that will produce a total of 400 horsepower and will give it a range of 200 miles on a single charge.
Classic VW Beetle Gets Electrified
Another highlight from this year’s Paris Auto show is the classic Beetle 1302 from 1971 which was modified as an electric vehicle. It is made as a prototype, it has 37 lithium-ion cells which can generate 39kW power and the complete range on a single charge is said to be 155 miles and the top speed is claimed to be 100mph.
Mercedes Benz GLE 2020
Mercedes GLE-Class SUV has been the show stopper this year at the Paris auto show. It is expected to reach the markets by the end of 2019. The new SUV is going to have more cargo space as compared to its predecessor. It will be available in front, rear and all-wheel drive options.
Hyundai i30 N “N Option”
The Hyundai i30 N is now available with a customized option which they are calling the “N Option”. Hyundai presented the concept of “N Option” in the Paris auto show through which customers will be able to get their i30 N’s customized according to their desires.
Vietnamese Vinfast LUX
A Vietnamese car manufacturer Vingroup launched two of their first ever cars; the Vinfast LUX A2.0 sedan and LUX SA2.0 SUV. The company is set to putting up their plants in the port city of Haiphong and the cars are expected to reach the market in the coming years.
Audi R8
Audi has finally unveiled the new R8 GT3 Evo LMS racer which is going to be the company’s new flagship supercar. It is going to have a 5.2 L V10 engine. The looks are improved a lot giving a whole new attractive appeal to the R8.
Peugeot e-Legend 504
Peugeot has revived its 50 years old 504 coupes which was considered a true American muscle car. It is a two-door four-seater coupe with frameless windows, a glasshouse and pleasing wheels of 19-inch diameter. It will be an all-electric car with 100kWh batteries that are assembled in its floor. It will have a top speed of 140 mph with a 0-62 mph time of 4 seconds. It can travel 370 miles on a single charge.
Peugeot 508 Hybrid
Peugeot has uncovered a wide range of hybrid alternatives for its new cars at the Paris Auto show 2018. The expected hybrid option will use 178bhp PureTech petrol engine joined with an electric motor and 11.8kWh battery, producing a total power of 222bhp.
Mercedes B Class
The Mercedes B class which is known by the code name W247 has been finally revealed for the public at this year’s Paris Auto show. It is expected to reach the UK market by 2019. B class is going to be a car in MPV range, Mercedes has planned to eventually launch A-class hatchback and saloon, CLA, GLA, and GLB. The new model is said to give a better driving experience as it will be based on MFA (Modular Front Architecture), which has previously been used in small range Mercedes Benzes. This car is going to compete with BMW 2-Series.
Some other cars showcased at the Paris Auto Show 2018 are;
Audi A1, Audi E-tron electric SUV, SQ2, and Q3. BMW 3-series, 8-Series, X5, Z4 and i3. Citroen C5 Aircross. DS 3 Crossback. Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2. Infiniti Project Black S.
Kia Ceed GT, ProCeed and GT and Niro EV. Land Rover Discovery Project Hero, Red Cross, and Lexus RC, LC Limited Edition, ES and UX. Mercedes A-class Saloon, A35 AMG, and GLE. Porsche Macan and 911 Speedster. Renault Kagjar and K-ZE. Seat’s Tarraco. Skoda’s Kodiaq vRS, Karoq Scout and Vision RS concept. Smart’s Forease concept. Suzuki Jimny and Vitara facelift and Toyota’s Camry and Corolla touring sports were revealed at this year’s Paris Auto Show 2018.