Tag: shanghai motor show

2013 Shanghai Motor Show: The Best Of The Rest

We saw some pretty high-profile reveals along with an array of launches by Chinese manufacturers over the weekend in Shanghai. Here’s our pick of the best on display.

MG CS Concept

One of the bigger stars of the Shanghai Motor Show was also one of the biggest surprises. MG unveiled its CS Concept SUV, adding to the competition in the compact SUV segment. However, the production model is at least 2 years away, and in all probability won’t look as flashy as the concept. Still, we like MG’s new direction, and can’t wait for more details about the CS to be released.

Nissan Friend-Me Concept

When it comes to identifying future trends, and thinking ahead, few automotive manufacturers have the foresight that Nissan does. For this reason, the long and unconventionally designed 4-door sedan caught everyone’s eye with its sharp styling. Knowing Nissan, there is a good chance that the ‘Friend-Me’ may actually reach the production stage, though we’re not sure how long the name will stick for.

Buick Riviera Concept

Sharing its name with the famous Buick, last seen in 1999, the Riviera Concept is said to be a preview to Buick’s future styling direction. The Riviera Concept incorporates some beautiful flowing lines over its long shell, and shows-off new versions of the marque’s classic waterfall grille design. It’s powered by Buick’s dual-mode wireless plug-in hybrid electric vehicle propulsion system, which allows the car to be charged wirelessly just by driving atop a special charging mat on the ground, the car’s powertrain is just as futuristic as its exterior shape. This one’s for the future.

Icona Vulcano

One of the standouts of the show was the stunning Vulcano concept from Italian-owned but Shanghai-based design firm Icona. Designed by a former Bertone employer, and engineered by a former Scuderia Ferrari engineer, the Vulcano was mobbed at the Shanghai Motor Show. Originally conceived as a one-off example to showcase Icona’s styling prowess, it has now been announced that 5 total Vulcanos will be built. Reminiscent of the Lexus LFA as well as the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta, the Vulcano has an option of two powertrains, 870 or 950 bhp and goes from 0-97 kmph in 2.9 or 3.0 seconds depending on the powertrain. It also boasts a top speed of 217 mph.

Acura SUV-X Concept

The SUV-X Concept from Acura is another in a long line of aspirants in the compact SUV segment. Acuras have known to be packed with tons of technology on the inside, but have never really turned heads on the streets. The SUV-X Concept deviates from the trend, with bold and eyecatching styling, pleasantly surprising all of us. Acura says that the SUV-X is the precursor to a production offering from the brand in China that will come in about three years.

Ford Escort Concept

The Escort is back!! Well, as a concept for now. At the very interesting reveal, Ford said, “Customers in China described seeking a vehicle that is stylish – but not one that is arrogant or pretentious” and that’s what it believes the new Escort will be about. Always known for being excellent as an affordably daily driver, but not one to set benchmarks in performance or design, the new Escort Concept’s minimal design is contemporary and appealing on the whole. This car will probably be launched only in the Chinese market, and is expected to create quite a stir when it does.

Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupé Concept

This sportier member of the CrossBlue family sits in between the Tiguan and the Touareg in size and has all the hallmarks of becoming another success for the brand. Featuring a high-tech drivetrain that consists of twin electric motors, one up front and one at the rear, powered by a 9.8-kWh lithium-ion battery, the Concept also has a 295 bhp, direct-injection, gasoline-burning V6 under the hood. These three powerhouses put out a total of 415 bhp. Also, atleast in theory, the Concept should be able to travel 21 miles on electricity alone and we think it looks pretty nice as well. What’s not to like?

Lamborghini Aventador LP 720-4 50° Anniversario

Lamborghini unveiled the Aventador Anniversario at Shanghai as part of its 50 year celebrations. Offering the same engine as the base Aventador, it manages to produce 720 bhp instead of 700 due to different tuning, and features a couple of external upgrades. Read more about it here.

Maserati Ghibli

The Ghibli name is back in the form of an entry-level luxury sedan as Maserati hopes to expand its sales figures to compete with the likes of BMW, Audi and Jaguar. The Ghibli is the first Maserati in history to have a diesel engine as an option, with a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6. Read more about it here.

BMW X4 Concept

Yet another addition to the compact SUV segment, BMW unveiled the baby X6 or the X4 concept at Shanghai. BMW claims that the X4 is a preview to what the entire X range will look like in the coming years. Read more about it here.

April 26, 2013
2013 Shanghai Motor Show: Renault Alpine A110-50 Concept Seen In The Flesh

The Renault Alpine A110-50 Concept was created last year to pay homage to the original Renault A110 on its 50th anniversary, but the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show was the first instance where the eyecatching concept could be seen in person. The concept sports a curvaceous body sculpted out of carbon fibre, sprayed with the familiar and iconic Alpine Blue paint.

Designers have added a nice touch up front with a set of half-ring yellow LED lights, reminiscent of the hood-mounted fog lights on the original A110. The radically designed concept is based loosely on the very futuristic Renault Dezir Concept, as is evident from the low stance, wide fender arches and scissor doors. The Alpine Concept also comes with a big split-wing rear spoiler, hinting at lots of performance as well, if it ever makes it to production.

Powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 400 bhp, used in conjunction with a dual-clutch six-speed gearbox, the A110-50 Concept shares the same chassis as the Renault Megane Trophy, and sits on 21 inch wheels with adjustable Sachs dampers on board. A roof mounted-intake funnels air from outside the engine bay into the concept’s carbon fibre air-intake.

The Alpine A110 was first introduced in 1961 and went on to be very successful in the rally circuit in the 1970s, adding to Renault’s motorsport heritage. Although Renault has given no official word on production, we really hope to see it on the roads of India someday.

April 26, 2013
2013 Shanghai Motor Show: Mercedes Benz GLA Concept Revealed

One of the more lustworthy attractions of the Shanghai Motor Show, the Mercedes Benz GLA Concept is said to be 90% representative of the GLA production vehicle to go on sale next year. Mercedes aims to heat up the compact SUV segment with a competitive price tag of about $40,000.

Mercedes seems to have hit the right chord with its new design fundas, as the GLA takes more than a few cues from the new and equally attention-hungry CLA saloon. The striking GLA concept offers an aggressive yet modern front end with only two horizontal bars for a front grille, with the three-pointed star at the centre acting as the cherry on the cake. The sloping roofline flows into the tailgate giving it a very sporty and sleek silhouette. Strong character lines down the sides, alongwith the frameless doors further enhance this image.

The front headlights are one of the usual outlandish concept car features, with in-built laser beam projectors, capable of projecting videos and images on a screen. This along with the very intricate, yet impractical interior will surely not be on the options list when the GLA hits the market. What is expected to make the final cut, is the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine sitting under the bulging hood, which sends 208 bhp and 258 pound-feet of torque through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission to all four wheels via Mercedes’ proprietary 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. The GLA class is expected to give tough competition to the BMW X3, the Audi Q3 as well as the Range Rover Evoque, when it launches early next year.

April 25, 2013
Aventador LP 720-4 50° Anniversario Celebrates 50 Years Of Lamborghini

Lamborghini is 50 years old this year, and is launching a couple of new models as part of the birthday celebrations. Aside from the radically designed Veneno, new versions of the Gallardo and the Aventador are on their way. Both will also be on display at the ongoing Shanghai Motor Show.

The Aventador LP 720-4 50° Anniversario, squeezes about 20 extra bhp from the 6.2-litre V12 engine of the base Aventador courtesy of different engine tuning. Apart from this, aggressive aerodynamic changes can be seen with an extended front splitter and a much larger rear diffuser (2009 Murcielago SV, anyone?). Lamborghini claims these aero changes have made it 50% more aerodynamic than the base LP 700-4 Aventador. It comes with the same wheels as the Aventador Roadster, 20″ in the front, 21″ in the back, all in glossy black.

The colour on the Aventador LP 720-4 50° Anniversario is inspired by the Lamborghini Miura; Lamborghini says yellow has been its most successful colour. Standard is a two-tone paint job with a bright yellow Giallo Maggio covering most of the car, and lower body panels painted matte black. However customers can have their car in any colour they want, courtesy of Lamborghini’s extensive personalisation programme.

The base Aventador LP 700-4 was launched in 2011 and a convertible roadster went on sale earlier this year. The Aventador is a mid-engine, all wheel drive supercar with a single clutch 7-speed semi-automatic transmission. It can hit a top speed of 217 mph (349 kmph) and can go from 0-100 kmph in 2.9 seconds.

April 22, 2013
Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Sets Fastest Convertible World Record

You win some, you lose some. The Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse is now officially the world’s fastest drop-top, with a record speed of 254.04 mph (408.84 kmph). Remind yourself that this is a convertible, and that figure becomes more mind-numbing than ever.

The record was set at Volkswagen’s Ehra Lessien Test Track in Germany, which is one of the very few places on earth where a Veyron can be maxed out. Ironically, the run took place on the 6th of April 2013, the same day when the Bugatti Veyron Supersport was stripped of its fastest production car record by Guinness World Records.

The milestone will be celebrated with a limited run of 8 special ‘World Record Edition’ Grand Sport Vitesses costing €1.99m plus taxes. The world record setting car will also be on display at the Shanghai motor show, complete with the driver’s signature and top speed written on the door kickplate in silver marker.

Bugatti stated that the initial open-top speed target for the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse was ‘just’ 233mph. However, when testing revealed that 400kph (248mph) would be possible, the engineers set about increasing their targets, with 254.04mph being the final result. Its all courtesy of the famous 8.0-litre, 16 cylinder Bugatti Veyron Super Sport engine having four turbochargers producing a jawdropping 1183 bhp.

April 12, 2013
2014 Maserati Ghibli Unveiled Ahead Of Shanghai World Debut

Maserati is all set to revive the Ghibli name with a four door saloon, which was unveiled before its world debut at the Shanghai Motor Show later this month. The new Ghibli seems to be Maserati’s solution to broadening its brand appeal and increasing sales figures. Directly in competition with the likes of the Audi A6/S6/A7/S7, Mercedes Benz E-class and the Jaguar XF, the Ghibli will sit below the Quattroporte executive sedan in the Maserati lineup.

The big surprise in this whole saga is that the 2014 Ghibli will be available with a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine, making it the first diesel Maserati ever. According to the rumour mills, a Ferrari-derived, turbocharged and direct-injected V8 petrol engine will also be available, with a likely displacement of 3.8 liters making more than 400 bhp.

Maserati has confirmed that the Ghibli sits on a shortened version of the platform used for the Quattroporte and first looks suggest a very sleek and sporty approach by the charismatic Italian marque. Sporting headlights astonishingly reminiscent of the new BMW 3 series/4 series, Maserati is confident that the Ghibli will play significant role in its plan to achieve sales of over 50,000 cars a year.

More details will be released at the Shanghai Motor Show.

April 12, 2013
Autogyaan: BMW X4 Concept Unveiled Before Shanghai Motor Show

The BMW X6 was a very polarising design when it first came out in 2008, and its newly unveiled younger brother seems to be headed the same way. The X4 concept has been unveiled and a production model of the ‘Sports Activity Vehicle’ (SAV) as its called by BMW, will go on sale in 2014. BMW also says that the concept isn’t just the preview of a new model, but a glimpse at the future of the entire X range.
Like the X6, the X4’s styling is a hybrid of an SUV and a fastback coupe, a design most of us now know as the crossover. Flaunting strong character lines down its sides, a big radiator grille and two-tone 21-inch alloy wheels, the X4 takes on an aggressive and powerful stance, like the larger X6. Dimensionally most similar to the 3-Series Wagon, the X4’s headlight’s and taillights remind us a lot of the upcoming 4-Series coupe as well as the 3-Series Gran Turismo. Underneath the sculpted body, the X4 is based on the smaller X3 and will most likely offer the same engine options as the X3. It will be built alongside the other X models at BMW’s factory in Spartanburg, USA.
The X4 seems to be a well-shaken cocktail of many old and new BMWs. We prefer the X4’s adventurous yet balanced design to that of the X6, but the fastback SUV is still a niche segment and isn’t widely accepted by petrolheads all round the world. Expect this car to make a lot of news when it makes its world debut at the Shanghai Motor Show later this month.

April 6, 2013