France

Citroën C-Metisse

Citroën used the Paris Motor Show to debut its striking C-Metisse concept car. At 186.6 inches long and only 48.8 inches high, this latest in a long line of dramatic Citroën concept cars looks ready to strike, as though it is poised on its rear haunches. Technically a four-seat sedan, Citroën follows the somewhat confusing industry trend of referring to a swept-back four-door as somehow being worthy of wearing the coupe label. No bother, as the C-Metisse is a stunner, whether you think of it as a true four-door, or a sedan with the style and soul of a coupe. The four doors of the C-Metisse open butterfly-style, and reveal a luxurious and very futuristic cabin. One extra special touch: The front fenders are hollow, and when the doors are raised, there is access to each compartment. Citroën developed specially fitted luggage that is perfectly sized for each empty space. The exterior styling is said to hint at future Citroën models, though obviously in an exaggerated showcar sort of way. The convex rear window treatment is certainly similar in concept to that already fitted on the current C6 luxury sedan, while the gaping front end supposedly offers a glimpse at the next generation C5 sedan. The C-Metisse also uses a variation of Citroën's upcoming diesel/electric hybrid system. A 208-horsepower V-6 HDi is mounted up front, while two electric motors are located in each of the rear wheels. Each electric motor produces an additional 20hp and, when working along with the diesel V-6, can propel the fully-functioning C-Metisse up to a top speed of 155 mph, while delivering up to 36 miles per gallon. There are no plans to bring the C-Metisse to market, though Citroën is on a recent streak of exceptional styling, and this concept car bodes well for continuing that trend.

Venturi Eclectic

Venturi Eclectic

We're going to go out on a limb and guess that the Venturi Eclectic is the only car in the world where, for an additional $1,200, you can order an optional wind turbine that will keep your car charged and ready for the road. If you know of another, then please let us know about it. The solar-powered Venturi Eclectic more than lives up to its name, especially as the three-passenger car looks more like a lunar rover than it does an actual road car. Power comes via solar panels mounted on the roof, which in turn help to charge the liquid-cooled nickel metal hydride batteries--the same type of battery as found in the Toyota Prius, as well as Honda's adorable ASIMO robot. When fully charged, the Eclectic offers a range of up to 30 miles at an electronically limited speed of 30-mph. No, it doesn't come with a Hemi. But it does come with that aforementioned wind turbine should you hit a stretch of cloudy days. The turbine can either be fitted on to the roof of the Eclectic--only when stationary, of course--or to the ground using a specific mast. If all else fails, you can also plug the Eclectic into a (European) 16-amp outlet for a full recharge in five hours. No word yet on whether Venturi will offer a U.S. friendly plug adapter as an option. Amazingly, Venturi says that 20 vehicles have already been built and that the Eclectic is going to be ready for sale in June 2007, and at a reasonable price of 24,000 Pounds (about $30,000). Venturi promises that after the initial production run of 200 Eclectics, the price will then lower to roughly $19,000. Venturi would like to bring the Eclectic to the U.S. market as soon as possible, and there are additional plans for a single-seat utility version and holiday car variants. •

Renault Nepta

Renault unveiled this smoothly styled four-seat convertible, the Nepta, at the recent Paris Motor Show. The elegant lines of the Nepta are said to indicate the look of the next generation Laguna sedan, and even possibly an upcoming Renault GT that will rival Peugeot's luxury-laden 407 Coupe or the new BMW 3-Series coupe. One feature certain not to make it past the concept car stage is the Nepta's enormous twin gullwing-doors. When raised, each door takes much of the rear fender with it, while exposing the front-mounted 3.5-liter V-6 engine. It's an ingenious design, and provides the Nepta with a healthy dose of showcar sparkle. The twin-turbocharged V-6 nestled up front produces 420hp and will likely be used in Renault and Nissan vehicles in the near future. Could a twin-turbo Nissan 350Z be on the horizon? Just as intriguing as the V-6 is the seven-speed automatic with paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel. An engine and transmission combination like this would finally allow the French manufacturer to match German and Japanese rivals in terms of horsepower figures and transmission technology. Just don't expect Renault to give the Nepta the okay for serial production, as it is very much a complex prototype. However, the potent twin-turbo V-6, seven-speed transmission and classy lines of this concept prove that Renault is serious about taking the fight to its rivals in terms of both style and performance.

Renault Nepta