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The mood at this year’s Paris Motor Show: Quiet

The Paris Motor Show, held every other year in the early fall, typically kicks off the annual cavalcade of automotive conclaves, one that traverses the globe between autumn and spring, introducing projective, conceptual and production-ready vehicle models to the international automotive press, automotive aficionados and a public hungry for news of our increasingly futuristic mobility enterprise. But this year, at the press preview days for the show, the grounds of the Porte de Versailles convention center felt a bit more sparsely populated than usual. This was not simply a subjective sensation, or one influenced by the center's atypically dispersed assemblage of seven discrete buildings, which tends to spread out the cars and the crowds. There were not only fewer new vehicles being premiered in Paris this year, there were fewer manufacturers there to display them. Major mainstream European OEM stalwarts such as Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Nissan and Volkswagen chose to sit out Paris this year, as did boutique manufacturers like Bentley, Aston Martin and Lamborghini. This is not simply based in some antipathy on the part of the German, British and Italian manufacturers toward the French market — though for a variety of historical and societal reasons that market may be more dominated by vehicles produced domestically than others. Rather, it is part of a larger trend in the industry. Last year, Mercedes-Benz announced that it would not be participating in the flagship North American International Auto Show in 2019 — and that it might not return. Other brands including Jaguar/Land Rover, Audi, Porsche, Mazda and nearly every exotic carmaker have also departed the Detroit show. Some of these brands will still appear in the city in which the show is taking place, and host an event offsite, to capitalize on the presence of a large number of reporters in attendance. And even brands that do have a presence at the show have shifted their vehicle introductions to the days before the official press opening in an attempt to stand out from the crowd. In many ways, this makes sense. With an expanding number of automakers, with diversification and niche-ification of models and with wholesale shifts that necessitate the introduction of EV or autonomous sub-brands, there is a growing sense that, with everyone shouting at the same time, no one can be heard.

Aston Martin GT8 is lightest and most powerful V8 Vantage ever

Aston Martin has revealed the upcoming GT8 variant, a race-inspired limited edition much like the earlier GT12. Only 150 will be built – 50 more than the 12-cylinder sibling. And like the GT12, none of those will be coming to North America, either. The car has already been offered to select customers, with a sketch depicting the car but without finalized photos, as the manufacturer wanted to keep the car under wraps until the unveiling. As the GT12 uses the six-liter V12 engine, the GT8 is based on the Vantage V8 and uses a 4.7-liter powerplant with 446 horsepower, a slight hike from the regular car's output. The bodywork has been made out of carbon fiber, granting it the title of being the lightest and most powerful V8 Vantage built. According to Aston Martin, all the bodywork is race-bred and not just there for show. Aston's Director of Special Projects and Motorsport, David King says that Aston Martin has "long desired to create a road car that truly reflects our racing activity at Le Mans", and that the GT8 achieves that. View 13 Photos Regarding the choice of transmission, the GT8 follows in the footsteps of the GT12 – either a six-speed manual or the seven-speed Sportshift II paddle-shift, whichever seems to suit the buyer of the motorsport-themed car. The buyer can also decide on optional weight saving measures, as the roof is also available in carbon fiber and the side and rear windows in polycarbonate. Still, there are A/C and audio systems to make the limited edition car a little more bearable than its racing counterparts. There are three optional "Halo" paint schemes to choose from, combining China Grey with blue, Stratus White with green and Stirling Green with lime detailing, the last of which is seen in these press images. Prices start from GBP165,000 ($233,880) and deliveries commence in late 2016. Related Video: News Source: Aston MartinImage Credit: Aston Martin Aston Martin Coupe Racing Vehicles Special and Limited Editions Supercars Videos vantage v8

Aston uses DB11 canvas to show what Q can do for you

Aston Martin is putting greater emphasis on its bespoke Q division, which creates and builds one-off designs. At this year's Geneva Motor Show, Aston is bringing a prime example of what Q can do for you. The beautiful Zaffre Blue DB11 shown here showcases Q. The paint is complemented by exposed carbon-fiber details on the front splitter, side sills, rear diffuser, side strakes, hood vents, and door mirrors. Carbon fiber is also on the wheel center caps and under the hood on the engine cover. Inside the DB11, the Obsidian Black leather interior features Q logos embossed on the seats and a four-piece set of color-matched luggage in the trunk. While the company's claim of "almost limitless opportunities" to create a customer's perfect car may be hyperbole, Q's reach goes far beyond simply picking paint or leather colors from a big list or design book. Porsche, McLaren, Ferrari, and other high end brands also offer programs similar to Aston's. A customer who commissions Q to build a car will be able to choose from a range of unique leather quilt upholstery patterns, body-color matching wheels, and a choice of new wood or leather interiors. Aston equates the choices to that of a tailor or a custom yacht builder, with each car built to a customer's specific desires. These customers work with specialists from Q to design their bespoke vehicle. If you have the means, Q can probably make it happen. The DB11 will sit alongside the new Aston Martin Vanquish S and the AM-RB 001 hypercar that was co-developed with Red Bull Racing in Aston's stand this year. Related Video: