Picture gallery: Paris Motor Show

The press get a sneak peek before the public comes in

A motor show - especially the Paris Motor Show, the industry's biggest get-together - is rarely an occasion for modesty.

This year, with dozens of premiers, and a host of revamps, tweaks and innovations, the level of pizzazz has reached deafening proportions.

BBC News Online presents a gallery of the highlights from Thursday's press preview.

DaimlerChrysler has set new standards of luxury - and expense - with the 300,000-euro Maybach.

Coming in somewhat cheaper than the Maybach, Nissan's new Micra model is a rare new launch from an Asian firm.

The Smart Roadster-Coupe: The latest addition to the offbeat Smart range, an offshoot of the staid DaimlerChrysler empire.

BMW's Z4 model is another attempt to shed its conservative image, and shift towards the hipper, sportier market.

The Ferrari Enzo, unveiled for the first time in Paris, is a rare addition to this most luxurious of marques.

Ford's distinctive Ka was a surprise hit: now, the firm has launched the StreetKa, a sportier convertible version,

By slapping sports-car styling on a chunky 4X4, Porsche hopes its Cayenne will please everyone

The new version of Renault's workhorse, the Megane, has drawn huge interest in its home market.