All roads lead to Paris from Sept. 30 to Oct. 15 as the 2006 Mondial de l’Automobile opens at the Paris Expo, Porte De Versailles. Just like in previous Paris Motor Shows, automakers from all over the globe will turn out in full force to reveal their latest brand new models and concept car designs. This year, the spotlights will be on the latest hybrid and alternative fuel cars competing with high-end luxury cars and exotics for the public’s attention. Companies from Audi to Toyota will unveil their hottest new models and show a glimpse of their future design directions.

European automakers will take the covers off their top new models. The French have a number of major launches up their sleeves including Citroen’s midsize C4 Picasso and futuristic C-Métisse concept car. Meanwhile, Citroen’s mother company Peugeot is hoping that its Epure and 908 RC concept cars will both be a success. Another French automaker, Renault, will show off its new Nepta, a cabriolet concept with motor driven gull wings, 3.5-liter V6 engine, and 420-hp direct-injection gasoline engine.

Other new models from European carmakers include the new Audi R8 from the Volkswagen subsidiary. Designed to rival the supremacy of the Porsche 911, the R8 offers technology borrowed from Lamborghini, another Volkswagen brand, and Audi’s well-known lightweight design. Not to be outdone, Porsche will also set to unveil a revamped Boxster, and two new versions of the 911, the Targa 4 and the GT3RS.

Meanwhile, BMW will display its redesigned X3 which also features a new 3.0-liter engine. The new Mini, now with 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder engine, will also take center stage. Italy’s Fiat will feature the Multipla Multi-Eco hybrid concept car which can run on gasoline, methane, or bioethanol.

Automakers from elsewhere in the world aren’t far behind. The world’s second largest automaker, Toyota will make its presence felt at the auto show with the Lexus LS600H, the first V8 hybrid and the redesigned LS460. The pro_cee’d concept from Kia will likely turn a lot of heads. Meanwhile, Honda will put on display the upgraded version of its best selling CR-V. Hyundai is set to unveil its Tiburon coupe and the HED-3 Arnejs concept, an upscale version of the Kia cee’d.

Dodge leads the American automakers with debuts of its Avenger sporty sedan. Ford also aims to grab the public’s attention with its redesigned Mondeo sedan, now with sleeker design and roomier interiors.