The 2018 Paris Motor Show brought us a lot of good metal. Production cars made their debuts, special edition models were showcased, and a number of automakers even made surprise appearances. The show also featured a handful of concept vehicles, some looking more outrageous than others. Most of these concepts came to Paris as showcase pieces to preview an automaker’s plans for its future. Some were there for attendance purposes, while others were there as special edition models hiding under concept clothing. Regardless of their reasons for being there, some concepts stood out more than others, specifically the five models below.

Peugeot E-Legend Concept

Arguably the best concept of the show, the Peugeot e-Legend Concept is the perfect example of a concept that marries modern technology with retro-flavored styling. The e-Legend Concept is described as a 21st-century recreation of Renault’s legendary 504 Coupe, but it really is more than that. It’s very reminiscent to the Nissan iDx Concept, but the e-Legend looks well thought out than the Nissan concept. The wide fenders and the lower bumper give the concept a mean stance. The flat roof is another ode to the 504, as is that small opening at the end of the hood near the windshield. The devil is in the detail when it comes to the e-Legend, and Peugeot nailed it out of the park. The e-Legend also boasts an electric powertrain that produces 450 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, but you’d have to excuse us for storing that particular — and probably important — detail on the shelf. It’s not often that a retro-styled concept stops you in your tracks the first time you see it. The Peugeot e-Legend did that, which, coming from Peugeot, is a feat in it of itself.

Read our full review on the 2018 Peugeot E-Legend Concept

Infiniti Project Black S Prototype

Technically, the Infiniti Project Black S Prototype is a recycled concept. We already saw it more than a year ago. But let it be said, Infiniti’s banging sports coupe is looking sexier and sexier the more I see it. The Paris Auto Show version even added yellow trim to the stealthy matte black, creating a version of the hybrid concept that looks ripe to hit the production line. Technically, the Project Black S Prototype is still a Q60 Red Sport 400 underneath that showstopping presentation, but I’m not unnerved the least bit. I want to see it hit the streets, and there’s a good chance that all of you feel the same way.

Read more details about the 2018 Infiniti Project Black S Prototype.

Smart ForEase Concept

Smart has this way of tugging at my heartstrings every time it rolls out a concept vehicle. It’s done it numerous times in the past, so it comes as no surprise that when I saw the ForEase Concept, little butterflies suddenly fluttered inside my body. Ok, the reference isn’t the best one I’ve come up with it, but it is a proper reflection of my reaction when I saw this cute little roadster. The ForEase has LED headlights, daytime running lights on the grille, and taillight with inserts that gives off a three-dimensional look. The door handles are neatly integrated near the window sill, and there are even luminous “steam green” highlights added to the front and rear bumpers. The luminous bits continue in the interior, specifically in the stitching, the back of the seats, and the outer edge of the infotainment screen. The concept’s biggest stars, though, are the pair of roll hoops and a ducktail spoiler behind the seats. It’s rare for any car to have roll hoops and a ducktail spoiler integrated together. The ForEase has it, and it doesn’t even look out-of-place.

Read our full review on the 2018 Smart ForEase Concept.

Skoda Vision RS Concept

Skoda used to be a punchline. Skoda used to be the butt of jokes. But if the Czech automaker can build cars that look like its new Vision RS Concept, it’s going to be the one that’s cracking all the jokes. Truthfully, I didn’t think that Skoda would be up to it. The automaker has a long history of putrid blandness that didn’t do anything to jumpstart our imaginations. Those days, thankfully, are gone, and that’s because of concept models like the Vision RS. The triangular headlamps scream fury, and the race-inspired front bumper has more cuts and angles than I’m normally comfortable with. Even the sloping hood with all its sports lines is a chop off the sporty block. The deep beltline and side skirts add to its sporty look, as does the rear end with its big spoiler, slender taillights, and big diffuser. The concept even has a good amount of carbon fiber elements and what Skoda describes as “crystal glass” mirror indicators. I didn’t even know those things were called like that, but I like them. Nobody’s going to confuse Skoda for being a purveyor of aggressive-looking cars. But with concepts like the Vision RS Concept, that perception could change sooner than later.

Read our full review on the 2018 Skoda Vision RS Concept.

Porsche 911 Speedster Concept II

The Porsche 911 Speedster Concept II isn’t technically a concept. It’s predecessor, the 911 Speedster Concept, was the concept vehicle. This one, on the other hand, is a concept in name only. It’s actually a limited edition model that Porsche plans to build 1,948 units of. Either way, you won’t see me complaining about this development. It trades away the two-tone white and silver body with the Porsche racing graphics on the doors in favor of a sexier red body paint. The two-seater’s body is based on the 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet, and it sits on a 911 GT3 chassis. It also wears a set of 21-inch, cross-spoke wheels that are similar to the ones used on the GT3 R and RSR race cars. In typical speedster form, the new concept sports a shorter and more angular windshield. The side windows are shorter, too, while the deck lid features a pair of flying buttresses. The Talbot-shape side mirrors are nods back to Porsche models from yesteryear. Of all the concepts that appeared at the 2018 Paris Motor Show, the 911 Speedster Concept II is the closest one to reality. Porsche is building this beauty, but it’s limiting the slots to just 1,948 units. It’s not a lot, but it’s more than enough for those who want one badly.

Read more details about the Porsche 911 Speedster Concept II