The best cars from the Paris Motor Show 2012 you'll soon be able to drive
Peugeot Onyx concept at Paris 2012
Peugeot’s sultry new Onyx supercar concept wows in Paris
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Peugeot has wheeled out a couple of concepts and a few exciting new models here at Paris, but this is the most impressive of them all. For a firm that's pottering around making frugal superminis and diesel hybrids, where on earth did the Onyx come from?
What is it?
This Peugeot supercar concept is tasked with stealing the limelight from the new McLaren debuting here at Paris. It's not just a pretty feline face though - underneath there's some seriously advanced technology that's been proven in the toughest arena going: motorsport.
What's hot?
The engine is a 3.7-litre turbodiesel V8 taken from the firm's former 908 Le Mans racer. The chassis is inspired by motorsport technology, too - it's a carbonfibre monocoque, weighing in at a ridiculously light 100kg. This helps keep overall weight down to just 1,100kg.
Microsoft - Magic Car pics
What's not?
Interior designer Julien Cueff says he was inspired by an egg box. An egg box? We want the bare carbonfibre chassis on show, and plenty of leather, Alcantara and contrasting stitching, not grey flecked, itchy-looking upholstery and a recycled newspaper dashboard. Love the real copper exterior panels, though...
How much and when?
The Onyx is only a concept, designed to wow fans at its home motor show and boost morale within the company. As a result, don't expect to see it on sale any time soon.
Anything else I should know?
The car's 3.7-litre twin-turbo diesel engine generates 600hp, but with an F1-style KERS system harnessing energy under braking, there's also a supplementary 80hp electric motor ready to do its stuff under acceleration. There's no word on exact figures, but expect around 3.0 seconds for the 0-62mph sprint.
Paris Motor Show 2012: live
On Bing: see images of the Peugeot Onyx
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Read a Peugeot review on MSN Cars
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Peugeot reveals V8 Onyx supercar concept
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