Despite the fact that tighter environmental rules are looming, high-performance sports cars are muscling their environmental friendly counterparts off the exhibition stands at this week's Paris Auto Show.
In what could be the final fling before the industry gets back to designing cleaner and more automated cars, some show-goers believe automakers are taking a break to have a little fun.
"It's like some of the manufacturers are saying, 'it's time to take a break and have a little fun,'" said Jeff Schuster, senior vice president of forecasting at LMC Automotive. "Everything's been so serious, especially in Europe."
Fiat SpA's Ferrari, Volkswagen AG's Lamborghini and Bentley and Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz are all unveiling new sport models in Paris, a departure from the 2013 Frankfurt show, where a lot of the production and concept vehicles features some form of electrification to help reduce carbon emissions.
That's not the case this year though. One of the featured showcase cars is the Bentley Mulsanne Speed, which is being called the "world's fastest ultra-luxury driving experience."
The Mulsanne name was taken from Bentley's roots in motorsport. Before the company was purchased by Rolls-Royce in 1931, Bentley won five of seven races 1924 through 1930 at the Le Mans endurance circuit in France "where racecars reach peak velocity on the track's Mulsanne Straight," according to Reuters.
Bentley, which has been owned since 1998 by Volkswagen, has been rebuilding its image as a purveyor of fast vehicles. The new vehicle is expected to be sold for around 250,000 euros ($320,000), boasts a twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces 395 kilowatts (530 horsepower), and has a top speed of 305 kilometers per hour (190 miles per hour).
Ferrari's 458 Speciale A, a limited-edition two-seater based on the Italian automaker's 458 Spider, is also on display. Though pricing hasn't been announced yet, it will likely go for 220,000 euro ($280,000). All 499 copies have been reserved by prospective buyers already.
The Special is said to reach a top speed of 320 km/h (220 mph) and is fitted with a V8 engine.
Lamborghini, another VW subsidiary, is unveiling its exotic Asterion concept car in Paris this week, according to Reuters.
The Asterion has been described as a "technology demonstrator" and while it is green, it's also fast. The high-performance plug-in hybrid boasts three electric motors, and a 5.2-litre V10 engine, which helps it produce 669 kW (897 hp) and reach a top speed of 320 km/h (200 mph).
"It feels like Fat Tuesday," Schuster said regarding the automotive excess at the Paris show. "You know, the last big meal before Lent."
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