Dud: 2009 Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid

We're not down on the 2009 Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid because we're a bunch of tire-smoke-breathing, gasoline-swilling redneck gearheads that hate hybrids. No, we're down on it because it's not hybrid enough. Designed as a counterpunch to the Lexus LS 600h L, the Mercedes S400 BlueHybrid doesn't quite cut it with a V-6 engine and an inability to motivate itself on just electricity. Not to mention, Mercedes really needs to cut down on the length of its names. Sheesh!

Photo Credit: Greg Brown

Stud: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze

No, you read right. The compact 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is on a list of studs, not duds. How did this happen? Somewhere, someone in General Motors realized that compact cars are pretty popular around the world, and gaining in popularity in the U.S. That, and the basic premise that pretty much every GM small car made until now kinda sucked. The Cruze is as far away from suck as you can imagine, with a truly fuel efficient powertrain, good looks outside, and possibly the best interior in its class.

Photo Credit: Greg Brown

Dud: 2009 BMW 7 Series Active Hybrid

Remember what we said about the 2009 Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid a couple pages back? Y'know, about how it was supposed to be an answer to the Lexus LS 600h L, but fell short because it was only a mild hybrid, whereas the Lexus is a full hybrid capable of moving under electric power alone? Same goes here, almost verbatim. The 2009 BMW 7 Series Active Hybrid scores a little higher than the Mercedes for one simple reason: more power. Yeah, we're suckers like that.

Photo Credit: Greg Brown

Stud: 2008 Bentley Arnage Final Series

Few cars say "I'm rich...screw you," better than a Bentley Arnage. While we're not exactly condoning that sort of attitude, at the very least you have to concede that, indeed, it does take a lot of positive cash flow to get one, and that the Bentley Arnage is a stupendously amazing chunk of automobile. It's also an old automobile, and the Bentley Arnage Final Series is its swan song. Are we the only ones who think it's great timing, considering the recent Wall Street crash?

Photo Credit: Greg Brown

Dud: Mini Crossover Concept

We can't say we're terribly surprised that Mini has decided to expand its lineup with yet another variation on the small-is-good theme: the Mini Crossover Concept. Nor are we surprised that it took the form of a small crossover SUV, since crossovers are all the rage these days. We are surprised that it's so unpleasant to look at. Minis tend to be nifty looking, cute and aggressive, cuddly and bulldoggish all at the same time. The Mini Crossover Concept just looks like a Mini trying to be something it's not.

Photo Credit: Greg Brown

Stud: Mazda Kiyora Concept

Mazda is on a tear with its concept cars as of late. All of them over the past year look incredible, and are based on the same basic idea of fluids flowing over and around objects. The Mazda Kiyora Concept is the latest in this set of Nagare design studies (named as such for the first in the series). The critical acclaim is almost universal for these cars, and the subcompact segment is such a drag, styling-wise, that we think Mazda should take a chance and bring the Kiyora Concept to market as unchanged as possible.

Photo Credit: Mazda

Dud: BMW Concept X1

BMW bills itself as the "ultimate driving machine," which makes its current obsession with crossover SUVs that much harder to understand. Granted, the X5, X6 and even the X3 are all pretty good to drive – although not much better than lower-priced competitors – but did we really need an even smaller one? The BMW Concept X1 slots in below the X3, and while it may or may not have good driving dynamics (we'll have to wait and see on that one), it's not attractive from any angle. Build a pointless, ugly car that's counter to the company's core philosophy and you get yourself a dud.

Photo Credit: Greg Brown

Stud: Lamborghini Estoque Concept

We all know what sedans are supposed to look like: upright, solid, boring. We all know what Lamborghinis are supposed to look like: low, aggressive, awesome. So an idea like the Lamborghini Estoque Concept sedan is the ultimate oxymoron. Yet here it is, and it looks, well, like a sedan that Lamborghini would build. Low and sleek, it has all the aggressiveness of a Gallardo but with a back seat that looks comfortable and inviting. Since it could conceivably be powered by anything in the Lamborghini/Audi stable, we bet it'll haul, too.

Photo Credit: Greg Brown

Dud: Nissan Nuvu Concept

We love the idea of the Nissan Nuvu Concept. It has an all-electric drivetrain that uses the latest in lithium polymer battery technology. It has solar cells mounted in the roof that help to recharge the batteries and power accessories. It's made of a lot of recycled and recyclable content. We like all that. We just hate the way it looks, which is what a blowfish would look like after he just walked in on his wife having an affair with a great white shark. Keep the tech, but ditch the startled marine life face, please.

Photo Credit: Greg Brown

Stud: 2009 Audi RS6

Yes, we ranked an Audi sedan above a Lamborghini. We have no qualms about this for two reasons. First, Audi and Lamborghini are actually part of the same company, so we really don't feel bad about our choice at all. Second, the 2009 Audi RS6 is a real car, one you can actually buy...as long as you're in Europe. Sure, it's hideously expensive, but with 571 horsepower, it's also going to be insanely fast. Besides, with the world economy tanking and environmental awareness rising, this might be the last time we see a car like this. Live it up, stud.

Photo Credit: Audi

More from the Paris Auto Show

If there is one list that offers hope for a more fuel efficient future, it's our Top 10 Green Cars at the 2008 Paris Auto Show. Usually this list is filled with vehicles that will probably only see the light of day on their way from the convention floor to the trailer. Not so this year, as more than half the vehicles on this list will be destined for showrooms in the next two years.