The WEIRDEST cars in the world revealed – from an EV that can SWIM, a motor with a square steering wheel and an AI EV named after the British icon

PETROLHEADS and automotive industry experts came together at this year’s Paris Motor Show to showcase the latest cutting-edge models and concepts – with no shortage of eye-catching displays.

The famous show, which runs until Sunday, comes at a time when European car manufacturers face challenges on the road to electrification.

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Iconic manufacturers such as Volkswagen, BMW and Stellantis have issued profit warnings in recent times, with weak customer demand for electric vehicles their main source of concern, along with fierce competition abroad – especially from China.

Perhaps the biggest threat to the current status quo is the growing BYD car brand, with the Chinese electric vehicle maker making big strides across Europe.

In Paris, they showed off the Yangwang U8 – a plug-in hybrid SUV that can “swim” for up to 30 minutes, park on its side and turn like a tank.

Equipped with four electric motors, one for each wheel, it also has a drone mounted on the roof to help the driver see ahead.

However, it wasn’t all doom and gloom for the European brands, as Stellantis’ Peugeot caught the eye with its Hypersquare steering wheel, which resembles a video game controller.

Set to debut in 2026, this quirky design is aimed at younger drivers and is featured on the Peugeot Inception concept car.

Meanwhile, Peugeot’s French rival Renault has unveiled its retro-inspired R4, a small electric SUV designed to rival Chinese economy models.

They also introduced the new and improved Twizy – which this time is a two-seater electric vehicle called the Duo.

It has twice the range and speed of Citroën’s Ami and will hit showrooms in May from £10,000.

Stellantis also introduced the Citroen C4 and C4X, which offer hybrid, electric and combustion engine options – and even feature smart pothole-proof technology.

Another set of wheels that stood out in China was Xpeng’s all-electric P7+, which interestingly is powered by a chip named after British computing icon Alan Turing – signaling a future of AI-powered mobility.

To take a look at the Paris Motor Show, Sun Motors boss Rob Gill has revealed his top ten cars from the event.

It comes as Elon Musk reveals Tesla’s EV driverless robot bus – with fans noticing an uncanny resemblance to an iconic children’s show.

The brand’s new Robovan can transport up to 20 people at the same time and transport goods.

Elsewhere, a mad inventor dug a 15-foot trench with a network of tunnels at his command to store his iconic DeLorean.

The crazy complex is more than worthy of Back to the Future’s Doc Brown and has been dubbed the “biggest DIY project” in the UK.

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Greatest hits from the 2024 Paris Motor Show

Alpine A110 R Ultime

Alpine’s Formula 1 efforts may be a smoking mess in 2024, but its business in the auto industry couldn’t be more exciting.

The upcoming Renault 5-inspired Alpine A290 could be the hot hatchback of all EV-era hot hatchbacks, while the recently revealed A110 R Ultime gives the lovable lightweight sports cars plenty of supercar power.

OR Ultime will cost the equivalent of around £222,000 and comes with 345bhp and 0-60mph in just 3.6 seconds.
Unfortunately, only 110 examples will be made.

Renault Twingo

Renault’s Twingo is back as an affordable EV that will cost less than £17,000. It is inspired by both the 90s model and the new Renault 5, with retro details such as round headlights and hidden rear handles.

B10 Jump Engine

The little-known Chinese brand Leapmotor showed off its B10, a C-segment SUV that competes with models like the Mini Aceman. It will feature a customizable digital cockpit and advanced driver assistance systems.

Citroën Ami

Citroën’s updated Ami quadricycle now features a refreshed look, with design elements inspired by the iconic 2CV and Oli concept. The transmission system remains unchanged, featuring a 5.5 kWh battery with a range of 75 kilometers and a tiny power output of 8 hp.