THE Paris Motor Show 2016 has just closed its doors but that was just a teaser, a preview of the machines to come in the months ahead. At Business Car Manager we have chosen our 5 favourite sports cars at Paris that made their debuts at the Porte de Versailles.
Here’s hoping we win the Lotto so we can have one of these on the drive! Otherwise if you can’t justify one of these beauties for the company drive, check out our Ten best new business cars at Paris Motor Show.
5 favourite sports cars at Paris: AMG GT Roadster
Pictures were released back in September, but Paris Motor Show was the first chance we got to see the drop-top version of the AMG GT in the metal.
Available in three different flavours, GT, GT-C and range-topping GT R Tech. The GT’s performance doesn’t look to have been harmed too much with Mercedes lopping off the roof, as the GT R Tech version boasts a whopping 549bhp and 680Nm of torque. This is despite the 90kg of extra weight!
The Roadster might have a fabric roof, but its structure, which is made up of aluminium, steel and magnesium is lightweight. Plus it can be raised or lowered at speeds up to 31mph in just 11 seconds. The GT Roadster will be available in the UK next April.
5 favourite sports cars at Paris: Audi RS3 Saloon
First car from the newly formed Audi Sport brand, which rises from the ashes of the previous Quattro department – the RS3 Saloon. Powered by the 2.5-litre TFSI from the also recently introduced TTRS, this engine produces 400PS and shoots it to 62mph in just 4.1 seconds.
On top of the power boost, Audi Sport has tweaked the suspension, steering and has fitted better brakes. Plus, if you want it, you can even upgrade to carbon-ceramic discs.
You certainly won’t miss the RS3 saloon from the outside either, with its flared wheel arches needed for the wider track, plus a fixed rear spoiler, rear diffuser and oval tailpipes the obvious giveaway. It goes on sale in the UK in early 2017.
5 favourite sports cars at Paris: Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta
The worst-kept Ferrari secret finally became official at the Paris Motor Show, with the reveal of the convertible version of its LaFerrari hyper car.
Despite taking off the roof and a modest weight increase, the Aperta as it’s called (Italian for open) boasts the same 780bhp V12 engine mated with the 120kW electric motor. This means the top speed remains the same at 217mph, with 62mph acceleration coming in under three-seconds.
Want one? Well, sadly you’re going to be out of luck, as Ferrari has already chosen the Aperta’s buyers and this LaFerrari is already sold out. Interestingly, those buyers were offered the choice of either a removable soft top or carbon fibre hardtop.
5 favourite sports cars at Paris: Honda Civic Type-R
It doesn’t seem five-minutes since the current Civic Type-R was launched, but one of the few Paris Motor Show surprises was this concept, based on the all-new 10th-generation Civic which made its debut at the Paris Motor Show.
Honda is calling it a concept, but underneath that matt paint finish, the next Type-R looks production ready. Highlights include the triple rear exhaust, flared wheel arches and those 20-inch alloy wheels.
To match its distinctive look, rumours are that this Type R will boast a 340bhp punch, from a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine. The production version of this latest Civic Type-R is expected to be launched early next year.
5 favourite sports cars at Paris: Maserati Quattroporte
The most obvious changes to the face-lifted Quattroporte are the ‘blink and you’ll miss em’, black elements fitted to the front and rear bumpers, plus the more family-like chrome elements in the front grille. Other matt back Quattroporte features include matte black side skirts and door mirrors.
Inside, the Quattroporte, you’ll spot the new dashboard first, then the bigger hi-res 8.4-inch touch screen with Apple and Andoid compatibility. A rotary control knob to scroll through the infotainment features is also included.
The face-lifted Quattroporte also sees the debut of two packs: GranLusso and GranSport. These are available as an option on V6 versions and standard on the V8 GTS.
