Paris Motorshow 2000: Roundup
by Alex Michalas The
Paris Mondial de l' Automobile
(yes that's French for Paris Motorshow) is actually the oldest Motorshow around and arguably one of the most important events in the car world. This year's show, in keeping with its big name and reputation, really had a bit of everything!
First off there was a big surprise for all of us. The mighty Porsche Carrera GT Super-Concept-Car
appeared almost out of the blue. Porsche had done a great job in keeping this project secret, and we are really talking about a gorgeous machine here, so we think it gets the title of the highlight of the 2000 Paris Motor Show. Along with it there were two other new amazing FantasyCars, namely
Ferrari's 550 Barchetta and BMW's Z9 Cabriolet Concept.
Now, the whole automotive industry was actually in Paris, so we got to see other interesting things too. Perhaps not as mind-blowing as the Carrera but still we think that there are a few things worth mentioning
here. Probably the biggest mainstream car launch at Paris was BMW's new Mini (photo 1). We don't yet know whether the Mini will actually make to the US market (it's probably too small a car to be taken
seriously in America).  Basically what BMW is doing with introducing the new Mini is resurrecting one
of the most important cars in history (this is the first Mini that has been produced since 1959), very much what VW rather succesfully (?) did with its Beetle. There is more than this in the
new Mini though, as BMW claims that this will be the best front wheel drive car ever and a 1.6lt 160hp hot Mini Cooper version will be on offer which should not be that bad a car to go
to the city centre with (you'd probably have trouble parking your Ferrari F50 in the centre).
Given BMW's expertise, we really can't wait until we've driven one to test how true the above statement is. Next stop is the Audi booth. There were 2 interesting projects there: Firstly, an amazing new W12
engine for the Audi A8. It is a 6.0 lt. unit that is actually two VR6's stuck together and produces 420hp. And the A8 might be a rather boring outfit for it but we bet that it will soon appear in more
exotic machines that the VW Group is preparing. Also from Audi, came a very nice SUV/4WD concept.(photo 2).  Named the SteppenWolf, it is based on an Audi A3 platform (which of course is the platform the TT
is based on too). The SteppenWolf features a 4-level height adjustable air suspension which means you can set it low when you are speeding your way through tarmac corners or set it high when you are venturing
into the wildside. It is powered by a 3.2lt V6 which pumps out 230hp, good enough to propel the car to 60mph in less than 8 seconds. Ok well this is not really a sportscar or
anything but we believe that such cars really show a big part of the future of motoring... Chameleon-like cars that will adapt to our mood and will instantly transform
themselves from powerful tarmac pleasers to capable offroad venturers! Think of the SteppenWolf as high-rise-go anywhere TT and you probably won't be far wrong. We also just have to tell you about the Citroen booth. Not really for the cars that were there (which were
interesting anyway) but for Claudia Schiffer
(Photo 3)who actually appeared in the booth during the VIP party and was given a tour of Citroen's latest concept
car. Good too see supermodels are actually interested in cars (although she definetely appeared there as part of a promotion deal...). We really wonder what Claudia's
favorite Fantasy(Car) is. Perhaps we should arrange an interview and find out! That wraps it up then! Paris was actually the first time the FantasyCars.com team visited a major MotorShow and
brought you live coverage from it. We had a G-R-E-A-T time in Paris and we plan to continue this way. On the 19th of October we will be heading to
Birmingham for the British MotorShow and will be bringing you live coverage again! While there are no major launches scheduled for Birmingham, it is the only place to see British exotics like TVR and
Marcos and we are sure there will be more than enough for us too report to you. So stay tuned!
Wanna see more MotorShow coverage on FantasyCars.com? Do you like our news section? What should we add to it? Should we interview Claudia Schiffer? Send an email to alex@fantasycars.com with all your comments. We love feedback! |
