As you’re probably aware by now the Paris Auto Show is currently taking place in the French capital. The biennial show runs from 2nd October to 17th October and it brings together the best manufacturers from around the world. The show provides manufacturers with the opportunity to show off new designs and concept models and gives car enthusiasts the chance to get excited about the latest developments in the market.

The event is one of the most highly anticipated shows in the motoring world as it shines the spotlight on some of the newest innovations and designs in the industry. Tickets are often hard to come by but are definitely worth the effort if you’re lucky enough to get your hands on them.

Although the show is on for another week or so, Central Contracts have decided to bring you their top picks of the Paris Auto Show so far. Some of the models in top 10 are only concept models so unfortunately there’s a chance that they might not ever make it into production but we’ve got our fingers crossed! Read on to find out exactly which models have been lucky enough to make it into our top 10 talking points of the Paris Auto Show 2010.

1. Jaguar hybrid C-X75: The Jaguar C-X75 has been designed to celebrate Jaguar’s 75th birthday and the concept is a real show stopper. With the C-X75, Jaguar has combined fuel efficiency with high end performance to produce a hybrid which is well above the rest. The C-X75 is manufactured with mico-turbines, diesel fuel and 4 ultra light electric motors which make it stand out from the crowd. Unfortunately at the moment the C-X75 is only a concept model and it doesn’t look like it is going to go into production any time soon but if it ever did go into production, it’s fair to say the motoring industry would never be the same again.

2. Nissan TownPod: The Nissan TownPod is a concept model based on the highly anticipated Nissan Leaf. Described by Nissan as part car, part van, part SUV; the TownPod boasts a long tapered nose and a boxy structure which gives it an almost alien-like appearance. Similar in size to the Leaf, the TownPod strips away the conventional dashboard appearance and replaces it with touch sensitive display on the steering wheel. Other TownPod attributes include the rear-hinged half doors and the versatile rear bench. It’s thought the future of the TownPod will rely on the Leaf’s success but it’s clear that parts of the TownPod will be seen in future models no matter what happens.

3. BMW Concept 6 Series Coupe: The BMW Concept 6 Series Coupe is a step up from the current 6 Series from BMW. In essence it’s similar to the Gran Couper which was revealed at the Beijing Auto Show but it offers 2 doors instead of 4 and it boasts an all LED set up with the twin round design for which BMW have become renowned for. 20″ alloys, L-shaped LED tail lights, an Adaptive Headlight function and leather seats help to finish off the stunning concept.

4. Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Concept: The latest offering from Lamborghini is everything you’d expect from the Italian manufacturer – loud, proud and extremely modern. Made from carbon fibre reinforced plastics, the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Concept is extremely lightweight and much more compact than the soon to be released Murcielago replacement. The featherweight body is extremely well designed and boasts razor sharp curves at every turn. Boasting a new matte-shimmer coat, the new Sesto Elemento Concept has been the talk of the Paris Auto Show and it’s not difficult to see why.

5. Renault DeZir Concept: The Renault DeZir Concept is a true force to be reckoned with. Hotly tipped to be the top concept at the Paris Auto Show this year, the Renault DeZir Concept is the latest EV offering from the French manufacturer. The DeZir surprisingly uses a similar engine to the Nissan Leaf but that’s where the similarities end. The first car to be designed for the brand by the newly hired Laurens van den Acker is wacky, exciting and extremely unique. Rumoured to be capable of reaching 0-60 in just 5 seconds and capable of travelling 100 miles before a recharge, the Renault DeZir Concept could be about to race to the front of the electric car market… if it ever makes it into production that is!

6. 2013 Lotus Espirit: Although Lotus have a few exciting models coming out in the next few years, the 2013 Lotus Espirit is definitely the most anticipated model to hit the market. Although the Lotus Espirit boasts a hefty 5.0 litre V8 engine it’s surprisingly light with a weight of just 3196 pounds. The model will be the first to offer an optional KERS hybrid system which can provide an impressive 49 horsepower boost. Capable of a top speed of 205 mph and capable of racing from 0-62 mph in 3.2 seconds, the new Lotus Espirit is definitely not one to be undermined… it’s just a shame it’s not available until 2013!

7. 2011 Ferrari 599 SA Aperta: The 2011 Ferrari 599 SA Aperta is definitely not one for the faint hearted. The V12 sports coupé boasts a hefty 670 horsepower, a 6.7 litre engine and a reinforced chassis without any extra weight. Designed to be enjoyed in the open air, the Ferrari 599 SA Aperta does come with a soft top but it’s when it’s driven without a top that the Ferrari 599 SA Aperta can really come to life. The fact that the model comes with a pricey sale tag of $456,000 and that it isn’t even on the market yet hasn’t stopped Ferrari’s elite customers from snapping it up. It’s believed all 80 example models are already spoken for… jealous? Us? Never!

8. Kia Pop Electric Concept: The Kia Pop Electric Concept is bold to say the least. The model is a 3 metre concept electric car which has been designed to compete in the global hybrid market. The Korean manufacturer have yet to release any details about the model but the concept looks exciting enough in itself. Boasting a familiar 2-1 seating set-up, the Kia Pop has a cool black and silver exterior and a funky purple interior. While lots of mystery still surrounds the Kia Pop, there are many who are really hoping the cute little model makes it into production.

9. Citroen Lacoste Concept: The Citroen Lacoste Concept model is like nothing you’ve ever seen before. Clearly designed for active drivers, the model looks a bit like a cross between a space buggy and a smart car. At only 71″ wide and 60″ tall, the concept is cute, compact and very current. The concept has a T shaped roof support which offers an air inflatable soft top roof. The Citroen Lacoste concept might be a fantastic open air choice for the beaches of Malibu but would it fit in on a busy London street? Hmm, maybe not!

10. Porsche 911 Speedster: Porsche‘s latest 911 offering, the 911 Speedster, made its début at the Paris Auto Show 2010 and what an impression it made! It’s clear from the offset that the new 911 Speedster means business. Gone are the minuscule rear seats that were found in some 911 models and 2″ off the wind shield. In their place are unique front spoilers, a 3.8 litre flat 6 cylinder engine and an active suspension system. A cool blue paint colour has been specially designed for the model which helps to instantly set it apart from the competition. Interested? Take a deep breath. Porsche have said they’ll only produce a maximum of 365 models worldwide and with prices starting at a minimum of $204,000, I have a feeling there could be a lot of disappointed Porsche fans out there in the near future!