Audi at Paris

The Audi stand is one of the busier ones at Paris, with a lot of thanks going to three of the brand's cars.

First up is the RS6 super saloon, getting it's world premiere in Paris. It uses the same 5-litre twin-turbo V10 as the stonking estate that is currently an EVO long-termer, producing 572bhp, 398lb ft and is limited to 155mph (although that can be raised to 174mph) while the 0-62 sprint is completed in 4.5sec. Order books are open now if you have the necessary £76,160, with deliveries just a month away.

Another highlight is the global debut of the A1 Sportback concept, a precursor to the company's A1 supermini that will battle the Mini's stranglehold on the premium small car market. Looking very much the baby-A3 Sportback, with a lot of influence from the Audi Metroproject concept that previewed a three-door A1, it boasts a trick split-glass tailgate that trumps the Volvo C30's rear glass-hatch. Whether that makes it into production remains to be seen.

Also on the stand is Audi's victorious Le Mans car, albeit in battered and bruised form, but an impressive sight nonetheless.