This week in Paris the world’s luxury automakers will show off their best new work.<\/p>\n

The Mondial de l’Automobile 2014 (Paris Auto Show) opens to the public on this Saturday, October 4, primed to dovetail perfectly with the final catcalls of Paris Fashion Week. And like the fashion designers before them, automakers will be doing their best to scatter their own catwalks, as it were, with style. (Or in the case of Stella McCartney’s wrapped Jaguar XEs, employ fashion stars directly.)<\/p>\n

These days, with consumers more educated and demanding than ever, they’ve got to.<\/p>\n

“I don\u2019t think there\u2019s any separation between architecture, interiors, art, music, fashion anymore — they all blend together,” said Keith Baptista at breakfast in Soho last week. The co-founder of MADE Studios had just finished his company’s run of Lexus-sponsored New York fashion shows. “In order for automakers to reach those luxury customers, they have to be there. They have to be involved in those worlds.\u201d<\/p>\n

While it\u2019s not as influential as the shows in Detroit and Los Angeles, the Paris Auto Show is a crucial opportunity for luxury automakers to flex some of their considerable muscle in their own backyard. And for foreign automakers like Citroen, Renault, Skoda, Vauxhall, and Peugeot that sell primarily in Europe and Asia, it\u2019s vital.<\/p>\n

World Debuts<\/strong><\/p>\n

One crucial debut is Lamborghini’s Asterion, a brand-new plug-in hybrid electric concept. The car has 910 horsepower and will go 31 miles (50 km) on pure electric energy before engaging its motor. CEO Stephan Winkelmann called it a \u2018ground-breaking, crucial step\u2019 for the Volkswagen AG-owned company.<\/p>\n

Another VW subsidiary, Audi, will show off a brand-new A4 sedan and its next-generation R8 Supercar; MINI will debut its Superleggera Vision Concept; and Land Rover will introduce the athletic Discovery Sport. Ducati is showing its novel Scrambler motorcycle, an update to a classic frame.<\/p>\n

Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz AMG GT will finally show its face to the public along with a handful of other Mercedes-Benz offerings (S-Class Hybrid, C-Class Wagon). Infiniti\u2019s stunning two-door Q80 Concept and Volvo\u2019s charming next-generation SUV, the XC90, round out a strong group of luxury oriented new cars.<\/p>\n

Convertible Life<\/strong><\/p>\n