Focus on Innovative Materials

Since its inaugural event in 2005, the Louis Vuitton Classic Award, regarded as one of the world's most prestigious classic car awards, was held once again this year at "Le Pré Catelan" in the Bois de Boulogne, Paris.

This event centers around what is known as a Concours d'Elegance, the "Louis Vuitton Classic Concours Award," which selects the "Best of Show" from a collection of classic cars gathered from around the world. This year, a "Ferrari 250 GTO" received that award. However, the event also features another award, the "Concept Award," which selects a car that is likely to win a major award within the next 40 years – in essence, the "Best of Show" of the future.

This year, the award wasParis Motor Show 2012presented at the Paris Motor Show 2012, and Peugeot's concept car "Onyx," which had its world premiere there, received the award.



Following the award, Gilles Vidal, Peugeot's Director of Style, commented on the Onyx as follows:

"The concept car Onyx is a supercar that offers a glimpse into the future of Peugeot styling. We have used a variety of exceptional materials to express a luxurious and radical design—copper, carbon, felt, and even old newspapers! And hidden within this body is a 600-horsepower V8 hybrid diesel engine, realized through Peugeot's masterful craftsmanship."

As we reported during the Paris Motor Show 2012, the passenger compartment is indeed made from compressed felt, and the panels that appear to be wood on the dashboard are made from old newspapers, known as "Newspaper wood."

The award is a testament to the exterior design using carbon and copper, the overwhelming power output with low environmental impact, and the futuristic interior that utilizes such innovative materials.