Range Rover Evoque art installations pop up across Paris

Land Rover is very happy to show off its new Evoque. In fact, the automaker just commissioned an artist to create wire-frame versions of the little luxury crossover. The pieces, of which there are four, have been placed as art installations throughout Paris. The whole concept is designed to highlight the model during its world debut at the 2010 Paris Motor Show.

Four artists were chosen to create the pieces; André (a.k.a. "Monsieur A"), JCDC, Surface To Air and Yorgo Touplas. The unique units can be seen now through the end of September.

We're big fans of wire-frame artwork because it presents a very unique perspective on an everyday object. It's a smart way for Land Rover to get the Parisian locals and visitors talking about their newest model, especially since the city is currently filled with automotive journalists attending the Paris Motor Show and fashionistas in town for Paris Fashion Week.

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Paris 2010: 2011 Infiniti G37 Convertible gets the IPL workup

Infiniti continues to roll out its new Infiniti Performance Line, IPL, and naturally the next vehicle to get the sporty kit is the G37 Convertible. The 2011 Infiniti IPL G Convertible lines up next to the already-revealed IPL G Coupe and shares the same aggressive body kit and stylish 19-inch, seven-spoke graphite wheels.

We suspect power will be slightly down compared to the IPL G Coupe, much like how the standard G coupe is slightly more powerful than its respective convertible counterpart. Pricing has yet to be announced as this is technically a concept, but with the IPL G Coupe trickling up to the $50K mark we expect the convertible to cross that threshold. Have a look at Infiniti's more aggressive droptop G in the gallery below.

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Paris 2010: Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale is not an Italian DJ, but is an upgraded super coupe

Maserati can produce some gorgeous automobiles. The Maserati GranTurismo is no exception, in fact we'd place it in the give-up-your-first-born-to-own-one category of beautiful. In addition to its looks, the GranTurismo is a powerful and luxurious grand touring machine that causes both eyes and ears to strain for more as it goes by. The 430-horsepower GranTurismo S was the king of the trident-wearing coupes, until today. Taking the stage at the 2010 Paris Motor Show is the all-new Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale.

The GranTurismo MC Stradale ratchets up the excitement by pushing power output to 450 horsepower. The chassis has been tweaked and the body slightly updated for increased aerodynamics. The MC Stradale manages to increase the levels of downforce without causing a noticeable increase in drag. The result is an elegant two-door that's begging for track time. Have a look at our high-res gallery of the drool-worthy Maserati, below.

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Lotus shocks Paris Motor Show with five concept debuts

It's been a while since something took us by surprise at an auto show. Usually we've seen the pictures and read the press releases a few days ahead of time, so there's nothing new revealed we weren't already expecting. Until today. We were expecting Lotus to reveal a pair of new Evora models, a new front-engined GT called the Elite, and if we were lucky, maybe the new Esprit. What we got was something much, much better.

As we arrived at the Lotus booth here at the Paris Motor Show, we spotted a total of five cars under cover. Perhaps a concept and some new versions of existing cars? What proceeded to happen was something entirely unexpected. Lotus CEO Dany Bahar addressed the crowd, announcing that Lotus would be entering a new era. In a matter of minutes, the wraps were pulled off the Esprit, Elan, Elite, Elise and Eterne concept cars, each time with a gasp from the crowd as the next concept's name was announced. This wasn't just the introduction of a few concept cars. We were witnessing the complete and utter revitalization, rebranding and rebirth of a legendary car company.

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