The Paris Motor show opens next weekend and I will be there to report on the latest unveilings of world cars. In recent years, North American media attention has increasingly focused on the top European shows and especially on Paris and Frankfurt, which stage the biggest events on an alternating yearly basis. The reason for growing interest is simply that more manufacturers are creating cars for a world market and often vehicles debuting in Europe today show up here tomorrow.
In past weeks, we have offered sneak peeksin Province Driving of cars destined for display in France and here is a look at three more offerings from Toyota, Lexus and Nissan. The sporty 2013 Yaris Trend is aimed at what the Europeans refer to as the SuperMini market, targeted specifically at younger, design-conscious customers. The car features an affordable multimedia system – Toyota Touch and, with satellite navigation, Toyota Touch & Go.
2013 Toyota Yaris Trend
Following the unveiling of Lexus hybrid 2+2 sports coupe concept, the LF-LC at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show, a new, mid-sized coupe concept, the LF-CC makes its World Premiere in Paris. The more compact, rear-wheel drive, full hybrid LF-CC already integrates various design cues from the LF-LC. The concept is equipped with an all-new, highly efficient, 2.5 litre full hybrid powertrain delivering a combination of sporting performance but with low CO2 emissions.
Lexus will introduce this new hybrid powertrain into its model range in the near future. Inside, the dashboard is divided into two distinct zones: an upper, Display Zone, with a multi-display screen located at an ideal distance for at-a-glance viewing, and a lower, Operation Zone, which allows access to the uniquely designed shift lever and an innovative touch tracer display for remote system control.
Lexus LF-CC concept
The Nissan TeRRA SUV concept is designed to operate as effectively on and off road using a zero emission a fuel-cell electric powertrain. “We took our inspiration from the lifestyles of youthful customers in Northern Europe,” said Shiro Nakamura, Nissan senior vice president and chief creative officer. “You have the big tires, high belt-line, thick pillars and thin side windows of the SUV vocabulary . . . but with a slender waist between pronounced fenders above the wheel arches.”
Nissan teRRA SUV concept
Inside, the driver faces a unique instrument cluster: it’s an electronic tablet that serves as an “intelligent key.” The driver docks it when entering the car and removes it when leaving. When docked, the tablet’s default view displays speed and other key performance indicators. But the driver can easily toggle to entertainment, communications, navigation and other views. Outside the car, it provides all the functions expected from a tablet, plus it stays continually in touch with the vehicle.
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