Audi, Bentley and Lamborghini bring style and performance to the Paris Motor Show

While tall and skinny models were sashaying down runways for the Paris Fashion Week, sexy, metal-skinned models of a different sort were rolling down the runways elsewhere in the City of Lights. These were the stars of the Paris Motor Show.

 

The premium brands of the Volkswagen Group, Audi, Bentley and Lamborghini introduced new concepts, with electric plug-in hybrids being particular area of interest. Performance was equally emphasized with high-powered cars from all brands. Appropriately for a show in the style capital of Europe, Audi and Lamborghini unveiled stunning new cars.

 

Audi introduces the TT Roadster and Sportback

 

Audi expanded the appeal of its design icon, the TT coupe, with two new variants. The TT roadster was expected, inevitable even, given the previous generation TT’s development. The big surprise was the Sportback variant, introduced at the Paris Motor Show in near-production concept form.

 

Audi is merging two of its styling concepts: the TT with its purity of form and the Sportback, which has introduced premium hatchbacks into the range with the A5 and A7 Sportback. The swoopy lines of the new TT Sportback houses five doors. There’s room inside for four passengers.

 

Powering the TT Sportback is a high-output version of the 2-liter, turbocharged gasoline engine generating 400 horsepower. Power is channeled through a seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission to the quattro all-wheel-drive system. It can zip to 100 kilometers per hour in 3.9 seconds.

 

The new Audi grille is flanked by LED headlamps with laser-assisted vision, allowing the driver to see several hundred meters ahead at night. Short overhangs, prominent semicircular wheel arches and distinctive fuel filler cap are styling cues carried over from the TT coupé.

 

The instrument panel uses a virtual instrument display, with a 12.3-inch screen in place of conventional instruments. The display changes to present the driver with the most relevant information-performance or navigation, for example.

 

The TT Sportback is based on Volkswagen’s new modular transverse matrix, developed at a significant cost and expected to make the group’s products more competitive. The front section and passenger compartment are made from steel, while the structure, outer skin and doors are made from aluminum.

 

Bentley unveils the Mulsanne Speed sedan

 

Bentley launched its new flagship model, the Mulsanne Speed, at the Paris Motor Show. Bentley calls it the fastest ultraluxury driving experience. The Mulsanne Speed, named after the famous high-speed straight on the Circuit de la Sarthe, is powered by a traditional-sounding engine, the six-and-three-fourths-liter V8.

 

With twin turbos, it generates 529.64 HP and 1100 Newton-meters. That’s enough to propel it to 100 kph in 4.9 seconds, on to a top speed of 305 kph. Fuel efficiency, normally not a primary concern of a Bentley owner, still has its benefits. With the 13 percent gain in fuel efficiency comes 80-kilometer extra range. The Mulsanne Speed gets darker accents to its exterior trim for subtle differentiation.

 

Joining the new car on the Bentley stand were the Flying Spur four-door sedan, and the Continental GT V8 S and GT Speed coupes. The “normal” Mulsanne, with a 504.99 HP and 1020 Nm engine was also on display. The Flying Spur is no slouch either—with a 322 kph top speed courtesy of its 616.44 HP, 800 Nm twin-turbo W12 engine. It carries a full boatload of luxury features, including 10-inch LCD screens for the rear seats, wireless headphones, full WiFi connectivity and 1100 watt Naim sound system.

 

Lamborghini unleashes the Asterion hybrid

 

Lamborghini unveiled its latest supercar, the Asterion LPI 910-4 concept, at the Paris Motor Show. In keeping with recent trends and in alignment with the rest of the Volkswagen Group, the Asterion is a plug-in hybrid. It silently rolled up the stage at the VW Group night, highlighting its all-electric capability. The LP stands for “longitudinale posteriore,” the position of the gasoline engine, the I for “ibrido” or hybrid, 910 for the system power, and 4 for the permanent four-wheel-drive system.

 

The otherworldly shape is crafted from carbon fiber, with forged carbon and titanium comprising the trim. Electric motors drive the front wheels, with up to 50-km all-electric drive capability and 125-kph top speed.

 

The 5.2-liter V10 contributes 610 HP and 560 Nm, for a total system power of 910 HP. The engine is mated to a seven-speed double-clutch gearbox. The electric drive system includes an integrated starter motor and generator mounted between the engine and gearbox. At full tilt, the Asterion rockets to 100 kph in three seconds. Top speed is 320 kph.

 

The low-slung Asterion looks elegant and almost classical in its proportions. It eschews scissor doors for ones that open outwards and only slightly upwards, for easier access to the cabin. The exterior is painted in blue elektra, with a discreet raging bull behind the door, a lit tricolor flag on the door and a clear panel to show off the engine.

 

The interior looks classically attractive as well, with higher seat mounting. Ivory and brown leather adorn the interior. A titanium three-spoke steering wheel with Miura-inspired shape and forged carbon fiber add touches of drama.

 

The Asterion is appropriately named after the legendary half-man, half-bull Minotaur.