A wildly expensive supercar from Bugatti. A one-seater retro Ferrari with a giant engine. And, notwithstanding the buzz over electrics, a big, seven-seat luxury Mercedes-Benz SUV with a powerful internal combustion engine.
Those are among the new models getting the most attention at this year's Paris Motor Show.
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A wildly expensive supercar from Bugatti. A one-seater retro Ferrari with a giant engine. And, notwithstanding the buzz over electrics, a big, seven-seat luxury Mercedes-Benz SUV with a powerful internal combustion engine.
Initial deliveries to European customers are planned for late this year; it comes to the U.S. in mid-2019. Prices in Germany start at 79,900 euros and in the U.S. at $74,800.
"Not only is it super expensive, it is kind of built to be driven in a situation where it is more likely to be damaged," said Antuan Goodwin, car review editor for the CNET technology website. "So you have to be a super exclusive buyer to look at something like that."
The one- and two-seat open cockpit sports cars are the first in Ferrari's Icona series aimed at reviving long-discontinued models from the past. Only 499 existing customers can have the limited edition of the slender, boat-shaped cars, which recall racing models of the 1940s and 1950s.
The show, held every two years, opens to the public Thursday through Oct. 14 at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles exhibition center. More than a million people attended in 2016.
An Audi e-tron 55 is on display at the Auto show in Paris, France, Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2018, 2018. All-electric vehicles with zero local emissions are among the stars of the Paris auto show, rubbing shoulders with the fossil-fuel burning SUVs that many car buyers love. (AP PhotoChristophe Ena)
AUDI E-TRON
Germany's luxury carmakers are finally offering production-ready battery-powered vehicles, the leading edge of what they say will be dozens of new electrics and hybrids over the next five to ten years. The e-tron falls into the familiar category of crossover SUV: big wheel wells and higher seating position but a car-like roofline and plenty of interior comforts. The e-tron offers faster charging at 150 kilowatts and longer range: more than 400 kilometers (249 miles) on a full charge under the European WLTP standard. Owners can use the highway network of fast-charging stations under construction by Ionity, the joint venture among Audi, Porsche, Daimler, BMW and Ford. So can owners of Mercedes-Benz' EQC electric SUV, also on display at the Paris show.
Audi says the interior will be nearly silent so well-heeled occupants can crank up the high-end Bang & Olufsen sound system. Among the options are virtual exterior mirrors that use cameras.
An Audi e-tron 55 quattro is on display at the Auto show in Paris, France, Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2018, 2018. All-electric vehicles with zero local emissions are among the stars of the Paris auto show, rubbing shoulders with the fossil-fuel burning SUVs that many car buyers love. (AP PhotoChristophe Ena)
Initial deliveries to European customers are planned for late this year; it comes to the U.S. in mid-2019. Prices in Germany start at 79,900 euros and in the U.S. at $74,800.
BUGATTI DIVO
Lighter and more agile than its similarly over-the-top predecessor, the Chiron, the Divo carries on the bold Bugatti styling with the swooping side air intakes doubling back into the roofline, traditional Bugatti grille and large front and rear spoilers. They provide the downforce to keep it on the road at speeds up to 380 kph (236 mph) generated by an enormous 1,500 horsepower, 8-liter, 16-cylinder engine.
A Bugatti Divo is on display at the Auto show in Paris, France, Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2018, 2018. All-electric vehicles with zero local emissions are among the stars of the Paris auto show, rubbing shoulders with the fossil-fuel burning SUVs that many car buyers love. (AP PhotoChristophe Ena)
"Not only is it super expensive, it is kind of built to be driven in a situation where it is more likely to be damaged," said Antuan Goodwin, car review editor for the CNET technology website. "So you have to be a super exclusive buyer to look at something like that."
The company only offered the car to people who already own a Chiron. The production run of 40 vehicles is already sold out at 5 million euros ($5.6 million) apiece.
FERRARI SP1 AND SP2
A Bugatti Chiron is on display at the Auto show in Paris, France, Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2018, 2018. All-electric vehicles with zero local emissions are among the stars of the Paris auto show, rubbing shoulders with the fossil-fuel burning SUVs that many car buyers love. (AP PhotoChristophe Ena)
The one- and two-seat open cockpit sports cars are the first in Ferrari's Icona series aimed at reviving long-discontinued models from the past. Only 499 existing customers can have the limited edition of the slender, boat-shaped cars, which recall racing models of the 1940s and 1950s.
Ferrari says the 810 horsepower engine is its most powerful ever. It takes the vehicle to 100 kph (62 mph) in 2.9 seconds and 200 kph (124 mph) in 7.9 seconds. The series is intended to provide less than 5 percent of Ferrari sales, which are forecast for 9,000 units this year. But the Italy price including VAT of 1.6 million euros ($1.85 million) suggests the SP1 and SP2 should contribute richly to the company's bottom line. The priced also includes helmets, custom driver's overalls and shoes.
BMW Z4
Ola Kallenius, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG. Group Research & Mercedes-Benz Cars Development, presents the new Mercedes GLE during a media preview at the Auto show in Paris, France, Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2018, 2018. (AP PhotoThibault Camus)
The venerable two-seat convertible sports car category has been losing ground to SUVs and higher-end cars among those with the spare cash to spend. BMW aims to reinject some buzz in the premium midsize sports car segment, which shrank 14 percent to 23,000 units in the first seven months of the year in Europe.
Like its predecessors, the new Z4 has a long hood, big BMW kidney-shaped grills, and flared metal on the hood and sides. The six-cylinder, 3.0 liter version with 340 horsepower goes 0-100 kph (0-62 mph) in 4.5 seconds. It has up-to-date driver assistance technology for more mundane moments such as traffic jams and parking, and the soft top goes up in 10 seconds. The four-cylinder base model starts at 40,950 euros ($47,268) in Europe, tax included; the First Edition performance model comes in an eye-catching paint job called "frozen orange metallic" and costs 74,900 euros.
MERCEDES GLE
Mercedes' top-selling SUV gives an idea of what customers with money often want: a large diesel or gasoline engine with plenty of power to move up to seven passengers or pull a boat or off-road vehicle. The new version's wheelbase is 8 centimeters (3.1 inches) longer to make more interior room; a third row of seats to accommodate seven is optional. It has a 48-volt active suspension system to even out the ride as well as driver assistance features that can sense a traffic jam ahead and ease off the speed. The electrical system can also add power to the wheels when needed, making the car a so-called "mild hybrid" and saving fuel. The interior assistant can sense if you are leaning over to look for something in your bag on the passenger seat and will turn on the light to help you look. Prices will be announced later, ahead of market launch in 2019.
PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron warned Thursday that Europe could “die” if it fails to build its own robust defense as Russia’s war in Ukraine rages on, or if it fails to undertake major trade and economic reforms to compete with China and the U.S.
Macron urged Europeans to become more ambitious in a fast-changing world to face the challenges of war, fierce trade competition, energy scarcity, climate change and increasing authoritarianism.
In a nearly two-hour speech at Sorbonne University in Paris, Macron said that the continent is divided and “too slow and lacks ambition” at a time when the 27-member European Union needs to become a superpower, defend its own borders and speak with one voice if it wants to survive and thrive.
“Our Europe today is mortal,” Macron said. “It can die and that depends solely on our choices,” he added. He called on people to make those choices now because, “it’s today that Europe is between war and peace.”
Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, now in its third year, is an existential threat and Europe isn't armed enough to defend itself when “confronted by a power like Russia that has no inhibitions, no limits,” Macron said.
‘Our ability to ensure our security is at stake," Macron said. “Russia mustn’t be allowed to win.”
Europe now has the “good fortune” of having the Biden administration’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, Macron said. But, in a year of key elections around Europe, in the U.S. and elsewhere, support may fragment or disappear entirely, he added.
“Europe must become capable of defending its interests, with its allies by our side whenever they are willing, and alone if necessary,” Macron said.
Strong armies, a European rapid intervention program and force, tanks, a missile shield and other weapons, produced in Europe, will need the support of “a joint diplomatic force that will speak with one voice and build bridges with Africa and Latin America,” the French leader said.
“Only then will Europe show that it's not a United States’ lap dog, and that it also knows how to talk to other regions of the world,” he said.
France has been a firm supporter of Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, and Macron has often clashed with other Western leaders as he has insisted that Europe must stand by the country at any cost. The French president alarmed European leaders by saying recently that sending Western troops into Ukraine to shore up its defenses shouldn’t be ruled out.
Referring to trade practices of China and the U.S., Macron said “the two world powers have decided not to respect the rules of global trade” by shoring up protections and subsides while Europe’s industry remains open and is stuck in overregulation.
“Let’s do the same, we are in competition,” Macron said.
“We must buy faster, we must produce more and we must buy more that is made in Europe. That is key,” Macron said.
Thursday's speech came less than two months before a pivotal European Parliament election.
Macron, an avid advocate of a united and assertive Europe, also rallied support for his centrist Renaissance party before the June 6-9 vote as far-right parties lead the moderate coalitions in the polls. He called for safeguarding democratic values as the “authoritarian model” was becoming “more popular” across the continent.
The war in Ukraine and immigration are top priorities for European Union voters, according to polls. Far-right parties have gained support by criticizing Macron’s government policies on both issues. Macron acknowledged divisions on immigration policies, including on asylum and deportation rules for those who have arrived to Europe illegally.
He emphasized the need for an effective response and Europe-wide coordination for curbing illegal immigration, closer cooperation with immigrants' countries of origin and a unified, relentless fight against human traffickers.
Macron criticized the idea of striking an agreement, as Britain as done, with countries in Africa and elsewhere to transfer immigrants there.
“This is a betrayal of our values that ultimately leads us to dependency on other counties,” Macron said.
The British government earlier this week approved a law allowing the deportation of some migrants who enter the country illegally to Rwanda.
Macron lost his majority in France’s most influential house of parliament, the National Assembly, after the 2022 election to the far-left coalition and the far-right National Rally party.
The social situation in France remains tense as Paris prepares to host the Olympic Games this summer, amid protests from teachers and police officers, and farmer demonstrations in recent weeks. The protests follow huge rallies last year against Macron’s ultimately successful proposal to increase the retirement age from 62 to 64.
Barbara Surk reported from Nice, France. Lorne Cook contributed to this report from Brussels.
French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech on Europe in the amphitheater of the Sorbonne University, Thursday, April 25 in Paris. 2024. French President Emmanuel Macron will outline his vision for Europe as a more assertive global power at the backdrop of war in Ukraine, security, and economic challenges in a speech ahead of pivotal election for the European Parliament in June. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP)
French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech on Europe in the amphitheater of the Sorbonne University, Thursday, April 25 in Paris. 2024. French President Emmanuel Macron will outline his vision for Europe as a more assertive global power at the backdrop of war in Ukraine, security, and economic challenges in a speech ahead of pivotal election for the European Parliament in June. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP)
French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech on Europe in the amphitheater of the Sorbonne University, Thursday, April 25 in Paris. 2024. French President Emmanuel Macron will outline his vision for Europe as a more assertive global power at the backdrop of war in Ukraine, security, and economic challenges in a speech ahead of pivotal election for the European Parliament in June. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP)
French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech on Europe in the amphitheater of the Sorbonne University, Thursday, April 25 in Paris. 2024. French President Emmanuel Macron will outline his vision for Europe as a more assertive global power at the backdrop of war in Ukraine, security, and economic challenges in a speech ahead of pivotal election for the European Parliament in June. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP)
French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech on Europe in the amphitheater of the Sorbonne University, Thursday, April 25 in Paris. 2024. French President Emmanuel Macron will outline his vision for Europe as a more assertive global power at the backdrop of war in Ukraine, security, and economic challenges in a speech ahead of pivotal election for the European Parliament in June. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP)
French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech on Europe in the amphitheater of the Sorbonne University, Thursday, April 25 in Paris. 2024. French President Emmanuel Macron will outline his vision for Europe as a more assertive global power at the backdrop of war in Ukraine, security, and economic challenges in a speech ahead of pivotal election for the European Parliament in June. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP)
French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech on Europe in the amphitheater of the Sorbonne University, Thursday, April 25 in Paris. 2024. French President Emmanuel Macron will outline his vision for Europe as a more assertive global power at the backdrop of war in Ukraine, security, and economic challenges in a speech ahead of pivotal election for the European Parliament in June. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP)
French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech on Europe in the amphitheater of the Sorbonne University, Thursday, April 25 in Paris. 2024. French President Emmanuel Macron will outline his vision for Europe as a more assertive global power at the backdrop of war in Ukraine, security, and economic challenges in a speech ahead of pivotal election for the European Parliament in June. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP)
French President Emmanuel Macron arrives to deliver a speech on Europe in the amphitheater of the Sorbonne University, Thursday, April 25 in Paris. 2024. French President Emmanuel Macron will outline his vision for Europe as a more assertive global power at the backdrop of war in Ukraine, security, and economic challenges in a speech ahead of pivotal election for the European Parliament in June. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP)
French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech on Europe in the amphitheater of the Sorbonne University, Thursday, April 25 in Paris. 2024. French President Emmanuel Macron will outline his vision for Europe as a more assertive global power at the backdrop of war in Ukraine, security, and economic challenges in a speech ahead of pivotal election for the European Parliament in June. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP)
French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech on Europe in the amphitheater of the Sorbonne University, Thursday, April 25 in Paris. 2024. French President Emmanuel Macron will outline his vision for Europe as a more assertive global power at the backdrop of war in Ukraine, security, and economic challenges in a speech ahead of pivotal election for the European Parliament in June. (Christophe Petit Tesson, Pool via AP)
French President Emmanuel Macron speaks during a media conference at an EU summit in Brussels, Thursday, April 18, 2024. European Union leaders on Wednesday debated a new "European Competitiveness Deal" aimed at helping the 27-nation bloc close the gap with Chinese and American rivals amid fears the region's industries will otherwise be left behind for good. (AP Photo/Omar Havana)
