Volkswagen
Paris ’08 saw the debut of the next VW GTI. The Mk6 GTI Concept is a thinly disguised version of the production car that will arrive in Europe next year.
The new car will be cheaper to make but is also more distinctive than the current Mk5 GTI, sharing the Scirocco’s and returning to a slatted front grille. The concept car (and production car) uses a 210hp version of the 2.0TFSI engine currently used by Audi. There is also an XDS electronic limited slip differential and active damping to help the driver control the power. Expect the suspension adjustments to see differences in the power steering assistance as well.

For a full report on this design study, see our news pages at www.eurotuner.com
In addition to the three-door, VW also showed a four-door version of the GTI. Both feature red striping in the grille, harking back to the original Mk1 GTI that was launched 32 years ago.

The new GTI retains the current car’s wheels but gets a more aggressive front spoiler with a wider aperture, similar to the Scirocco.
The interior is similar to the Mk5 GTI in materials and controls. The concept boasted a Lamborghini-style flat-bottomed steering wheel, but this feature may not make it to production.

Audi
Following on from Audi’s Metroproject unveiled last year (for full story, see news pages at www.eurotuner.com), the A1 Sportback is a five-door version of the same concept. And both are very close to the Audi A1 super-mini that will arrive in 2010.
Aimed at the premium sub-compact market currently dominated by the Mini, this concept was glitzy but showed the car’s superior practicality. From it’s plexiglass grille and LED headlights, to the clear door handles and short overhangs, the A1 promises much. Interesting but essentially pointless was a vertically split rear window, allowing you to access either side of the trunk. But with such a small car, this is pretty pointless in reality. Yet drew curiosity on the concept.
The white leather interior had bold red highlights on the seats and the vents, but these are just show-car glitz. Expect a more somber production car to be unveiled late next year.

Audi also revealed its new 333hp S4 model. And unlike the previous B7 chassis S4, the new car has dropped the V8 powerplant and returned to its V6 roots. The 3.0 engine is supercharged but was curious badged “V6T”.
Upon investigation we discovered the “T” refers to Audi’s TFSI technology. However, this abbreviation has previously stood for Turbo Fuel Stratified Injection on its turbocharged engines. However, Audi is now saying that the T refers to any form of forced induction, meaning the new B8 Audi S4 is Tupercharged rather than Surbocharged.

BMW
BMW had two interesting vehicles – the X1 Concept and new 7-Series, as well as the facelifted 3-Series.
The X1 is a 1-Series offroader that looked similar in size, but longer and lower, than the existing X3. It’s hard to imagine BMW needs another SUV, especially as it was also showing the Mini SUV concept in the same exhibition hall. You would have to think the X1 would cannibalize X3 sales, since it’s a more focused package that reflects the company’s downsizing of its products.
The new 7-Series, however, proved they still know how to combine luxury with performance and energy efficiency, as we discovered during a recent 155mph test drive (read the blog at www.eurotuner.com).

The 7-Series is a technical tour de force, boasting many world’s first for new technology applications. It’s specification list is breathtaking in its length and complexity with highlights including the 407hp twin-turbo V8 from the X6, programmable adjustable suspension, active steering with rear-wheel steer, new iDrive control with more shortcuts, bookmarks and a bigger 10” screen, fulltime internet access, 80GB internal hard-drive for music and navigation, night vision with pedestrian identification, speed limit indicator that reads road signs, lane change warning, aluminum body panels as well as a softer, well proportion appearance.

Mercedes
Mercedes went for opposite ends of the spectrum at Paris, showing its electric Smart car and 517hp, 4.5 tonne armored Pullman Guard. However, the real fanfare was reserved for the Fascination concept. Understood to be a thinly disguised 2010 E-Class, the stylish wagon featured a bold front end and athletic haunches that gave the design study a dramatic appearance. Choosing a wagon platform emphasized Europe’s continuing love affair with this format and manufacturer’s insistence that it offers superior space utilization and comfort. Squint at this concept and imagine a toned down version hitting the streets next year.