Top 5 concept cars from the 2014 Paris Motor Show

Making a memorable impression at a motor show is never an easy feat but one sure-fire way to grab the attention of the motoring media is by revealing a concept car. These one-off, idealistic, motorised visions are designed to showcase what’s in store for the future. Here are the five finest examples from the Paris motor show.

INFINITI Q80 CONCEPT

paris concept - TGJ.01

Sporting a 550bhp hybrid drivetrain, the Q80 concept has an “unmistakably romantic presence” says Infiniti design chief Alfonso Albaisa. Created at Infiniti’s new studio in Paddington, London, the design was then transferred to Japan where the car was produced and then flown back for the Paris show. Measuring five meters in length, the concept suggests Infiniti is looking to produce a flagship to compete with the likes of the Porsche Panamera.

PEUGEOT QUARTZ CONCEPT

paris concept - TGJ.02

Peugeot’s efforts seldom grace the pages of The Gentleman’s Journal but this, the Quartz Concept, is quite something given it produces more power than a BMW M3. The four-wheel-drive crossover gets its power from a 1.6-litre petrol engine and two electric motors developed by Peugeot Sport. Its scissor doors, 23” rims and twin rear spoiler mean the Quartz concept isn’t exactly subtle about its sporty credentials but it’s nonetheless a positive step for the French auto-maker.

VW XL SPORT CONCEPT

paris concept - TGJ.03

To those in the know, this one may look a little familiar and so it should. The XL Sport Concept is the athletic sibling of VW’s eco-pod XL1 that first made an appearance as a concept car in 2011. Ditching the eco values for the Paris motor show, VW has equipped the XL Sport with a 197bhp V-twin engine from a Ducati1199 Superleggera superbike. With a carbon monocoque chassis, the car weighs just 890kg and will reach 62mph in 5.7sec, eventually topping out at 167mph. Strictly designed as a one-off, the XL Sport is somewhat of a landmark for the brand as its VW’s 200 millionth car to be produced. With no immediate plans for production, the XL Sport showcases what VW is capable of in terms of engineering and innovation.

AUDI TT SPORTBACK CONCEPT

paris concept - TGJ.04

Audi has already shown the world a TT Allroad at the Detroit motor show, a TT Crossover at the Beijing motor show and now, its latest incarnation of the popular sports coupe, the TT Sportback. Sprouting two more seats and rear doors, the TT Sportback is also slightly longer, wider and lower than the current Coupe. Although the concept makes for an attractive family sports car, Audi engineering boss Ulrich Hackenberg says, out of all the recent TT offshoots to most likely make production, “I see the best chance as the SUV.” Best keep your wallet firmly in your pocket for now, gentlemen.

LAMBORGHINI ASTERION CONCEPT

paris concept - TGJ.05

Stifled mutterings of a new Lamborghini were trickling through Paris as of late last week after Lambo let slip that it had something quite significant up its sleeve, and here it is – the Asterion. Bristling with 898bhp, the plug-in hybrid is powered by a 5.3-litre V10 producing 602bhp as well as three electric motors, which make up the remaining 296bhp. Reportedly named after the mythical Minator, the Asterion is a substantial departure from the steroid-ridden Lamborghini concepts of late such as, the Egoista, Sesto Elemento and Veneno. The concept’s more conservative styling is reminiscent of Lamborghini’s classic back catalogue, meaning the Asterion appears to be more of a gentlemen’s transcontinental cruiser than a track day bruiser.

Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?

Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.

Click here to find out more