Peugeot and the Paris Motor Show may be two of the longest-running names in the world of motoring - but there’s nothing old-fashioned about Peugeot’s plans for the event this year. It has announced a host of innovative concept cars and new models for the Mondial de l’Automobile show, running from 29th September until 14th October at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. Peugeot will showcase 40 concept cars and production vehicles from a world-class, 3,900m2 stand at the venue.

The brand’s presence at the Motor Show in Paris continues a long-standing association between the two renowned French motoring names. For more than a century, Peugeot has exhibited some of its most enduring models at the event. Top billing for this year’s showcase has been given to a raft of redesigned Peugeot 208s, following a successful production launch back in June. Centre stage will be the Peugeot 208 GTi, a new supermini designed to evoke the legend of its older brother, the 205 GTi. Other announced models include the 208 Type R5 – a racing-spec version of the new model – and the 208 Intuitive, which boasts features tailored for easy city driving.

The Peugeot 208 XY is a luxury model in a choice of six colours – including a first for Peugeot, purple. The new Peugeot 208 XY will be available with a choice of three diesel engines and two petrol engines, all of which are designed to provide the optimal balance of efficiency and performance.

The Peugeot 208 GTi has been tweaked to deliver the sporty look and feel of a class-leading supermini – whilst naturally positioning itself as a successor to the much-loved 205 GTi. With a 1.6-litre THP 200bhp engine, the new model more than delivers in terms of performance, with a new exhaust system for a competition-inspired sound.

Peugeot’s range of innovative concept cars is capped by the new Peugeot RCZ sports coupé, planned for production in the later part of next year. The Peugeot RCZ R Concept will be the most powerful production Peugeot ever. Its competition-level prowess is reflected in its 1.6-litre THP 260bhp engine, sleek sporty curves and ‘double-bubble’ roof.

Also due to debut at the Motor Show in Paris is the Peugeot 2008 Concept, created to combine the compactness and practicality of the Peugeot 208 with the versatility and driveability of the Peugeot 3008. The Peugeot 2008 Concept has been created by an international team of designers – with a view to marketing the car to an increasingly urbanised, increasingly international consumer base. It is compact enough for city driving but versatile enough for longer journeys too.

Finally, the Peugeot Onyx Concept represents the latest innovation in Peugeot’s green car research. The sports vehicle has been constructed using ‘raw’ materials – materials that have been through as little processing as possible. The main structure is crafted from carbon fibre, whilst copper doors and aluminium arches give the car an intriguingly tailored appearance. Striking in appearance and performance, the Peugeot Onyx Concept will be showcased at the 2012 Paris Motor Show alongside the Onyx Bike and the Onyx Concept Scooter.