As it does every two years, French carmaker Citroen has put on a themed display on the Champs Elysees, generating interest in the Paris Auto Show which takes places at the end of September.

This year, Citroen's extravaganza is labelled: C_42.

It's a new show which could be loosely labelled, says Citroen ''Now Future''. After its most recent display journeyed back in time with an exhibition on presidential Citroens, the brand is now focusing on the future with a display of its most emblematic recent concept cars.

Underlining Citroen's boldness, creativity and technology, the new season demonstrates the brand's ability to take elements from its concept cars and turn them into reality. Citroen's new DS5 flagship, for example, was inspired by the magical and daring C-SportLounge concept from 2005.

C_42 pays tribute to Citroen's audacity. Concept cars, from the dazzling C-Metisse to the irreverent Revolte and Survolt, as well as the uber-athletic GTbyCitroen, illustrate Citroen's seismic shift in styling over time and demonstrate the brand's ability to innovate with their full-electric and hybrid drivetrains.

* Click on the photo gallery to the left to the view the cars.

GTbyCITROeN: FROM VIRTUAL TO REALITY

The GTbyCitroen was the first ever car to be specifically designed to bring the virtual and real worlds together. Originally unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, the show car was based on a digital vehicle designed in partnership between Citroen and Polyphony, creator of the Gran Turismo 5 racing game.

SURVOLT: GLAMOROUS, FREE-SPIRITED & HIGHLY CHARGED

Sporting, dynamic and environmentally considerate, Survolt made its debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. Propelled by two electric motors with a combined power of 300bhp, Survolt is capable of exceptional performance with a top speed of 162mph and a 0-62mph time of less than five seconds. The 'Art Car' model on show at C-42 was created by French artist Françoise Nielly.

REVOLTE: PLUSH, CHEEKY & 'GREEN'

Citroen revealed Revolte, its ultra-chic urban concept car, at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. Revolte made an irreverent nod to one of its most illustrious forefathers, the 2CV. Audacious and high-tech, Revolte combined luxury, bright colours and environmentally responsible technology. It is powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

HYPNOS: CREATIVITY & TECHNOLOGY

Beautifully proportioned, with sleek crossover-inspired looks, the Citroen Hypnos concept was unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. At the time, Hypnos represented an all-new approach to high-end vehicles. Featuring a range of creative technologies, Hypnos delivered a remarkable combination of high performance and environmental respect, along with an unforgettable travelling experience.

C-METISSE: THE MARRIAGE OF PASSION & REASON

C-Metisse made its debut at the 2006 Paris Motor Show. Thanks to Citroen's creative ability to marry passion and reason, this concept car opened the way to a new kind of motoring pleasure. The characterful coupe featured exceptional on-board comfort and combined powerful on-road performance with enhanced carbon efficiency thanks to its diesel hybrid drivetrain.

- © Fairfax NZ News