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.

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Mitsubishi Motors Corporation will take the covers off of a new global standard SUV Pajero at the 2006 Paris Motor Show to be held at he Paris Expo porte de Versailles. Offering legendary reliability, durability and endurance, the Pajero has become the iconic sport utility vehicle (SUV) in its roughly 25 years of existence.

More than 2.5 million Pajeros have been produced since the first generation was launched in 1982. Now it is sold in over 170 countries and territories. This new Pajero is the fourth in the series. It retains the SUV specifications of its predecessors in terms of approach angle, ground clearance, and all-terrain performance parameters.

New features on the fourth generation Mitsubishi include a new 3.2 liter 4-cylinder diesel engine with common rail direct fuel injection and a 3.8 liter V6 MIVEC*1 gasoline unit. Other new features are a 4WD system which is composed of a sophisticated Super Select 4WD-II transfer case. The new Pajero will also offer a new tastefully designed interiors and dashboard. High-end interior equipment will include a Rockford Acoustic Design Premium Sound System(TM) with a new 860W 12-speaker.

Passion and Reason – these are the two inspirations of Citroen’s newest concept car, a 4-door coupe named the C-Metisse. Oozing with style and sexiness, the Citroen C-Metisse is already an eye candy even in pictures. It features a front gullwing and rear scissor doors. The exotic façade is highlighted by styled vertical headlamps and intakes. Inside the long sleek and sculpted body of the C-Metisse is a sophisticated passenger cabin complete with plush white leather seats and modern center console design.

The Citroen C-Metisse is powered by a cutting-edge Hybride HDi system which is composed of a diesel V6 engine capable of producing 208 horsepower that drives the front wheels and two electric motors producing 20 horsepower and 300 lb-ft. of torque that drives the rear wheels.

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