Can supercars and hybrid motors save the car industry? | CNN Business

Is this your new car? —

Lamborghini is unveiling its first plug-in hybrid car at the Paris Motor Show, joining a growing list of hybrid supercars.

Courtesy: Lamborghini

Mercedes AMG GT —

Mercedes-Benz is releasing its new AMG GT, saying this car "carries the heritage of Mercedes racing cars forward."

Infiniti Q80 —

Infiniti, the Japanese upmarket car maker, is showing its four-door Q80 concept that will lead to future models of its flagship sedan.

Courtesy: Infiniti

Bentley Mulsanne Speed —

Bentley is unveiling its new Mulsanne Speed, which is marketed as the "world's fastest ultra-luxury driving experience."

Courtesy: BENTLEY MOTORS LIMITED

MINI —

MINI is revealing the first 5-door hatchback in the brand's history.

Courtesy: MINI

Lexus NX 300h —

As a full hybrid, the new Lexus NX 300h can be driven for short distances in full electric vehicle mode -- that means no tailpipe emissions.

Courtesy: Toyota

BMW 2er convertible —

The "open-air driving" enthusiasts will be interested in BMW 2er convertible, which the company says boasts "expressive, elegant design and a flat waistline."

Courtesy: bmwgroup

Toyota C-HR —

Toyota's C-HR Concept hybrid-powered compact crossover "gives an early hint of the kind of vehicle Toyota would like to bring to market."

Courtesy: Toyota

Jaguar XE —

The Jaguar XE is the most fuel-efficient Jaguar yet, thanks to its lightweight construction.

Courtesy: Jaguar Land Rover

Ferrari Speciale A —

The new Ferrari Speciale A has a powered aluminum convertible top that can open or retract in just 14 seconds.

Courtesy: Ferrari

Is this your next car?

Story highlights

Paris Motor Show kicks off as car giants take the stage to present new models

Focus will be on greener and more efficient cars, as manufacturers try to capture new customers

European car market shows signs of recovery, but Asia remains the growth center

CNN —

The last Paris Motor Show was marked by tear gas and workers’ violent protests against job cuts. Now, the mood is different and industry bosses are back doing what they prefer: Showing off the latest luxury models, supercars and hybrid motors.

Among the most anticipated cars at this week’s event – one of the biggest dates in the car enthusiast’s diary – will be a plug-in hybrid Lamborghini, Ferrari 458 Speciale, Mercedes AMG GT, and a five-door MINI.

Manufacturers will unveil around 100 new models and designs, three times more than at the last show two years ago.

Europe, while still fragile, has shaken off the financial crisis and the auto industry has seen a 6% boost in car sales so far this year, to 8.3 million. It’s the largest increase since the crisis began in 2007.