2008 Paris Motor Show-Trends
Trend One
Big or small, expensive or inexpensive, a significant trend in automotive design is the continued introduction of hybrid powered vehicles. The 2008 Paris Motor Show demonstrated clearly car companies realize a large percent of the population desire fuel efficiency as their new number one feature. What size or price range of vehicle is quickly becoming irrelevant. Here is one of several new vehicles from Paris reflecting this change in buyer preference.
Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid
Mercedes-Benz is no stranger when it comes to the development and marketing of fuel efficient automobiles. On the contrary, they have been producing diesel-sipping engines for decades and are responsible for the design of such miserly miniscule commuter vehicles as the Smart Car and B200 series. Where they have not flexed there considerable muscle, however, has been in the arena of hybrid vehicles. That will change with the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid.
Built on the S-Class platform, the S400 BlueHybrid utilizes a 3.5L V6 engine and an electric motor powered by lithium ion batteries to develop a total of 299 horsepower and 289 lb.-ft of torque. Additional engine changes include modifying the valve and camshaft timing as well as adding new pistons and cylinder heads. Skewed towards performance rather than pure fuel economy, the MB S400 BlueHybrid accelerates from 0-60 mph in just over 7 seconds while top speed is limited to 155 mph.
Hybrid status information is displayed in the instrument cluster. As speed is reduced to 9 mph, a start/stop function switches the engine to electric power, reigniting the gasoline engine when speed increases. Similar to most hybrids, the battery recharges itself under braking. Inside, a luxury theme continues the fine tradition expected of Mercedes-Benz.
A leading automaker in so many ways, the S400 BlueHybrid is a welcome addition to the luxury segment and should provide a challenge for vehicles such as the Lexus LS600hL.
Trend Two
Fashion week in Paris is the highlight for many seeking what’s new in the industry. The fact it coincided with the 2008 Paris Motor Show made for some interesting crossover opportunities between the two.
Exquisite vehicles and beautiful people modeling beside them is a staple at most European auto shows. This year’s Paris show seemed to kick it up a notch. Lexus was a prime example of high fashion working with the auto industry as they displayed the newest entry in what continues to be a hotly contested segment in the market; the convertible.
Lexus IS250C
A perennial also ran when compared to rivals such as the BMW 3 Series, Acura TL and Mercedes-Benz C Class, the Lexus IS250 had the roof removed and two doors taken away to create the IS250C. The result is a striking four passenger removable hardtop coupe that is certain to breathe life into what is arguably the most logical competitor for the class leading BMW.
The 3-piece aluminum roof retracts in an astounding 20 seconds. This bodes well for closing the roof at a stoplight should rain suddenly start to impede on your fair weather open air experience. As is the case with any convertible, the Lexus IS250C looks best when the roof is open.
New styled foglamps grace the front corners, while a rising beltline crests towards the back providing a muscular side profile. Personally, I have always enjoyed the style of the Lexus IS250 and the new convertible in no way changes my positive opinion. Drop tops are here to stay, so let the sun shine in!
Trend Three
Tiny two and four door cars, along with smaller sized CUV’s, is where the future of the automobile seems to be headed, at least for now.
The A-list of small cars is always expanding and now includes a remake of the Ford Ka plus the all-new Nissan Note, Hyundai i20, Suzuki Alto, Smart Electric Drive and Chevrolet’s world car the Cruze. The European only Toyota Urban Cruiser, plus the Kia Soul and Chevrolet Orlando Concept are all prime examples of the new direction in downsized CUV’s.
Expected to reach North America as a 2011 model, the new Chevrolet Cruze is just what General Motors needs at a time when buyers are looking for fuel and space efficient sedans. Handsome from every angle, the front-wheel drive sedan is powered by a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with an expected 140 horsepower. Competitors such as the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Mazda3 should feel the heat as Chevrolet “cruises in” with a potential segment challenger.
Trends in the automotive industry are fickle at the best of times. What is different this time around has been the steady increase in the price of fuel, combined with a desire by many to downsize as their way to reduce our carbon footprint. Saving money and saving the planet are always a good idea and the auto industry seems to be getting in step with consumers current wants and needs.
We’ll see next month what exciting vehicles are revealed at the L.A. Auto Show as we close out the calendar year on the west coast of North America. See you then!
