Other cars of more than passing interest on display at Paris would include:
- The Ferrari 550 Barchetta Pininfarina, which is an open-topped version of the 550 Maranello. Even if you did fall hard for this beauty, apparently every single one of the 448 units has been sold already, for more than a quarter-million.
- Cars for driving in crowded cities are a big deal in Europe, so the idea of a souped-up two-seat semi-motorcycle like the Peugeot Vroomster is not so outrageous. It's carbon-fibre and capable of speeds in excess of 100 mph with a big canopy windshield to deflect the bugs that turn into lethal weapons at that speed.
- BMW took another run at the overwhelming Z9 concept car it originally showed at Frankfurt last year by cutting off the roof. Next to the carbon covering, the "iDrive" system that makes multiple-mania out of the car's controls and the 20- and 21-inch (for and aft) tires, the 286-horsepower, 4.4-liter V8 looks absolutely mundane.
- The Opel Corsa made its debut here to the public, and it's a big deal, since it's the kind of sub-compact that Europeans buy by the gallon. There are no plans to bring it across the pond at the moment, but GM is definitely keeping one eye on it and one eye on fuel prices. With the late and unlamented Metro out of Chevy's lineup, this nifty little car could be called into action if Americans decide they really should be worried about fuel consumption. Don't think the sunbather model or the Bonnie and Clyde package will be part of the package. Quel dommage.