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Remarkable discoveries at the Paris Motor Show
The 2026 Paris Motor Show delivered some exciting surprises for automotive enthusiasts, showcasing numerous concept cars and design studies. From the revival of legendary French models such as the Citroën 2CV and Renault 8 Gordini to new creations from interna...
Remarkable discoveries at the Paris Motor Show
The 2026 Paris Motor Show delivered some exciting surpr...
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Éric Descarries
Hits: 7
Remarkable discoveries at the Paris Motor Show
Éric Descarries
Hits: 7
There was a time, not so long ago, when international auto shows were among the biggest events in the automotive world. Less than twenty years ago, the Tokyo, Detroit, Frankfurt, Paris and other major auto shows were the preferred venues for automakers from their respective regions to unveil not only new production vehicles, but also spectacular prototypes and design studies that offered a glimpse of future models.
Among these shows, the closest to home were Detroit (with its spectacular on-stage unveilings), Chicago and New York, with Los Angeles joining the picture later. Tokyo certainly had its share of excitement, but if you wanted to see incredible European cars, Frankfurt and Paris were the places to go. Unfortunately, various economic and political circumstances have diminished the impact of these major shows. Except that...
Except that, most recently, the Paris Motor Show, better known as the Mondial de l'Auto, surprised the automotive world by presenting an impressive number of prototypes and design studies, many focused on the small, affordable vehicles that have long captured the industry's imagination. Most of these vehicles are French, although several automakers from other countries also came to unveil their latest creations.
Legendary little French cars
Naturally, the French had to revive some of their automotive legends. As a result, among the stars of the Paris Motor Show were design studies from major French manufacturers, including Renault, Citroën and Peugeot. However, other major names also came to add their own flavour to the event, including Italy's Alfa Romeo and Germany's Opel. Unfortunately, most of these new vehicles will never be offered in the American market, which is rather unfortunate considering that the respected American weekly Automotive News once reported that Canadian car buyers seemed to have more European than American tastes in automobiles. And you'll notice that there aren't any imposing pickup trucks in this report!
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Italian automaker Alfa Romeo, part of the Stellantis group, had an impressive selection of vehicles to showcase at the Paris Motor Show, some of which could eventually make their way to North America. (Photo Stellantis)
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However, some of Alfa Romeo's design studies have little chance of reaching North America as production vehicles. (Photo Stellantis)
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French automaker Peugeot is part of the Stellantis group, but despite this particularly interesting prototype (which makes no secret of its origins!), there's little chance it will ever reach North America.
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What a wonderful surprise! French automaker Citroën unveiled a design study in Paris that could revive the legendary 2CV, this time as an electric vehicle. (Photo Citroën)
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Even more surprisingly, Citroën also revealed the possibility of reviving the equally legendary 2CV as a delivery van, once again in an all-electric version. (Photo Citroën)
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As for major French automaker Renault, it still believes in minivans (known as MPVs in Europe), but once again with electric propulsion. (Photo Renault)
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This design study is especially aimed at sports car enthusiasts who remember the Renault R8 Gordini models of the 1960s. These cars made their mark on racetracks and rally stages alike. Here's what tomorrow's Gordini could look like! (Photo Renault)
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Although several Chinese automakers made an appearance at the Paris Motor Show, the Shark stood out in particular, a pickup truck with more modest, European-style dimensions. (Photo BYD)
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For German automaker Opel, part of the Stellantis group, this design study could offer a preview of what the manufacturer plans to introduce to the European market in the coming years. (Photo Stellantis)
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Although it had already been seen earlier this year, the tiny two-seat Smart was also in Paris. Could this little city car eventually make a comeback in our market? (Photo Smart)
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South Korean automaker Hyundai couldn't resist taking part in the Paris Motor Show and used the opportunity to unveil this upcoming SUV, expected to carry the Bayon name in Europe. We might even expect to see it arrive in North America before long! (Photo Hyundai)
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Italian automaker Fiat is part of the Stellantis family. The brand is known for presenting some rather unconventional crossover vehicles, none of which have reached North American shores. This Multiplay prototype may be exciting to look at, but its chances of being marketed here appear slim. (Photo Fiat)
Éric Descarries
L'Automobile Magazine
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