Torch-Bearing Torque: Spotting French Cars During Paris Olympics 2024

Many car fans here in the states may think that French models are a bit strange. We have not received any exports from France in over 30 years! Most of them stay on their native shores and don’t enjoy much exposure. Today we’ll look at some of the French cars dominating the Paris Olympics 2024. 

Spotting French Cars During Paris Olympics 2024

The Car and Driver team has always been fond of French models during reviews. They focus on luxury and daily driving enjoyment. Their engineering solutions are always ingenious. Paris has strict anti-pollution mandates in place but is still a motor-dense metro. Here are some of the coolest and quirkiest models you may spot while viewing the 2024 Olympics! 

The Peugeot 508 SW: 

Peugeot has long been a master crafter in the station wagon game. Their excellent 505 Turbo was the last of the line to be sold in the States. The 508 SW is a car that checks all the pickiest drivers’ boxes to the max! They have recently been teasing a full-blown return to the U.S. market. 

The Citroen C5X:

The Citroen C5X is a strange take on a classic! It looks a bit like an SUV off the bat. While the profile is reminiscent of a coupe, it also has a jacked-up appearance. The C5X has enjoyed rave reviews for its excellent hydraulic suspension. 

The Citroen C4 Cactus:

The Cactus ceased production in 2021, but is still frequently spotted on Paris streets. It boosts the very unique feature of impact-absorbing rubberized bumps. These cosmetically protect the exterior from sudden impacts. Its sofa-like seating won many review professionals over in a heartbeat. 

The DS9:

This iconic brand launched in the mid-1950s. It is now a part of the Stellantis arsenal. The DS9 is a sweet sedan that competes with rivals BMW and Audi. There are just over 1000 models sold in Europe each year! Its appearance is truly high-end and executive. 

The Alpine A110:

The Alpine A110 is a very cool example of racing heritage. The 1960s and 1970s models were known for their Concorde–like coolness. The brand was completely rekindled in 2017. There are sure to be a few of them enjoying a cruise during next week’s international contest! 

The Renault R5 EV:

This cheerful and pint-sized EV came on the scene as a rival to the Puegot e-208. The R5 rides on the CMF-B platform and derives power from 4 battery packs. This charming model has about a 250-mile range. These cars are known for their very direct and responsive steering. 

The Citroen Ami:

The Ami is actually a battery-powered quadricycle! It remains a winning choice for narrow and crowded streets. It only costs just over USD $8000, and is 800 pounds lighter than a classic VW bug. It tops out at just under 30 mph, and offers a decidedly futuristic flair. 

The Renault Traffic SpaceNomad: 

The SpaceNomad is definitely not quite like anything stateside! The Chrysler Pacifica has got the minivan role down pat, but this is from a different vein. It has a pop-top sleeper, built-in LED reading lights, a water tank, a two-burner stove, and sink. This is the ultimate vehicle to capitalize on the popularity of camper vans that began during the pandemic. 

The Bugatti Chiron:

Bugatti is France’s automaker that can easily contend for “top-quality status”. This is a model that Car and Driver rightfully claimed “looks like nothing else and costs more than everything else.” It’s a $3 million piece of work that can go over 200 mph. The Super Sport fires up to 60 mph in just 2.2 seconds, and comes to the table with a head-turning 1500 horsepower!

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Some of these cool French rides are not that well-known! We’ve already seen some very iconic photos come from this year’s games. Even though they are a bit rare, the DS9 would be a cool sighting! Some diehard petrolheads may not appreciate the strange vibes of the Citroen Ami. The Peugeot 508 SW could be an ideal choice for a packed-up family on the go! Let us know which one of these you fancy in the comments below, or check out another article about the strangest cars of Le Mans.