Shanghai Surprise: Roewe to unveil N1 sedan concept?
Roewe N1 concept - Click for an image gallery
Back in 2004, Chinese firm Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) purchased the rights to assemble the Rover 25 and 75 from British automaker MG. Since then, SAIC has been content to offer a few vehicles that closely resemble the old Rover designs under the Roewe brand name. If the new Roewe N1 sedan concept is anything to go by, it looks as if the Chinese automaker is finally ready to branch out with something a bit more modern.
So far, all we have are renderings of the sleek new sedan, but the real thing is expected to debut at the Shanghai Motor Show next week. We look forward to finding out whether the Jaguar XF-esque sedan's coupe-like profile is retained when the N1 makes its official entrance in the metal. Stay tuned.
[Source: China Car Times]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
ken_aisin 2:36PM (4/11/2009)
I really like the styling of the Rover 75, especially the fabulous interior. I hope SAIC can build future models based on the 75's design theme.
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Protzenegger 2:43PM (4/11/2009)
This has a somewhat Impreza-esque nose, but looks great from the side and rear, even if it's mildly derivative. We ought to commend Roewe for not shying away from a challenge and beginning to release competently-styled cars that THEIR studio has designed. I'm really looking forward to more from them.
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JP 2:52PM (4/11/2009)
I agree. It's good looking, a bit derivative, but I can tolerate inspired designs. Outright clones I cannot.
The face sorta reminds me of the 2010 Opel Astra in the Featured Galleries.
Sektor 4:03PM (4/11/2009)
Roewe is such a stupid sounding name. "Roewe, Roewe, Roewe your boat...."
Protzenegger 4:54PM (4/11/2009)
Amusingly enough, the name in Chinese is pronounced "wrong way."
JeremyClarkson 2:49PM (4/11/2009)
the front looks similar to KIA VG Concept
overall shape is pretty decent, I think :D
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Robert 2:49PM (4/11/2009)
http://www.burlappcars.com/2009/04/roewe-350-sedan.html
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Protzenegger 3:20PM (4/11/2009)
I wouldn't call the sketch "super optimistic." Sure, it looks like a flagship model as opposed to a smaller sedan, but stick some larger wheels on the real thing, and it's gonna look A-OK. I'd never drive one as I don't like small sedans, but for the people who do, it could be a viable and -- gasp! -- desirable option.
NA2R 2:59PM (4/11/2009)
Meh, totally derivative...
I mean seriously, four wheels? That is TOTALLY stolen from the Japanese/American/Europeans.
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Protzenegger 3:28PM (4/11/2009)
Nice job quoting a broad generalization from 2 centuries ago.
If you're going to use a few musical examples as analogy for the wrongdoings of one corporation, might I point out that China has a huge amount of perfectly original, commercially successful music. The fact your video (irrelevant to the topic) accuses Taiwan (which respects copyright law) of copyright violation is evidence more of ethnic bias against the Chinese than anything else. Same can be said for your own comment, really.
Also, 2 cents is $0.02, not $0.2.
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TriShield 3:34PM (4/11/2009)
Wow, a sketch. Stop the presses, there's so much we can glean from it.
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Protzenegger 3:37PM (4/11/2009)
I find this sketch far more discussion-worthy than the SEAT one below it.
Kattleox 3:38PM (4/11/2009)
I love how every car company draws a Lamborghini Estoque mixed with a Karma, but ends up producing Acuras and Lexus'.
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Ken 3:52PM (4/11/2009)
Perhaps he actually values his opinion at ten times the fair market price?
I now however would like to actually read that book.
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Sektor 4:02PM (4/11/2009)
This guy is that idiot who seems to be stuck in the 18th century with his theories of racial superiority/inferiority. Also known as "chineseneglect" or some stupid sh!t like that.
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NA2R 4:05PM (4/11/2009)
As we all learned as children, stereotyping is valid and verifiable.
In fact, they are such good references that they stand the test of time (greater than 2 centuries) and are genuinely quote-worthy.
P.S. Youtube videos depict truth and reality without prejudice or bias. Always.
In other news, the price of an internet troll's opinion inflated ten-fold.
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Dana 4:54PM (4/11/2009)
I honestly believe that all car design artist should be shot, since apparently they are all behavioural clones. Need some new blood, damn.
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carlbolt 5:26PM (4/11/2009)
Does SAIC own Ssangyong?
If SAIC stole Ssangyong's design, how about Saturn steals from Opel,
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wolverinejoe80 5:31PM (4/11/2009)
Chinese will figure it out soon. Money + design = success
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hypermiler 6:07PM (4/11/2009)
@ wolverinejoe80
> Chinese will figure it out soon.
Not really, becasue SsangYong's Korean executive spoke of SAIC management team headed by SAIC's vice chairman running SsangYong as slow-responding and highly bearaucratic, also feels like talking to Chinese communist party officials. Totally unfit to survie in today's fast changing world.