Autoblog Beijing Motor Show http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog Beijing Motor Show http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff RossThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Peugeot confirms 2008 Concept headed for production next year]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/14/peugeot-confirms-2008-concept-headed-for-production-next-year/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/14/peugeot-confirms-2008-concept-headed-for-production-next-year/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/14/peugeot-confirms-2008-concept-headed-for-production-next-year/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Peugeot 2008 Concept - studio view - front three-quarter shot

The Peugeot Urban Crossover Concept (UCC) unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show earlier this year has morphed into the 2008 Concept that will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in a couple of weeks. Essentially a way for young urbanites to get the things they love about the 208 hatchback but with crossover height and functionality, the 2008 Concept is a thinly veiled preview of what we'll see next year when it goes into production.

Dimensions of the 2008 Concept are the same as the UCC, 13.7 feet long and 5.7 feet wide, making it more compact in both directions than a Ford Focus hatch. Peugeot designers in the company's studios in Paris, Shanghai and São Paulo penned it, and the vehicle's staggered production rollout will come to those cities first.

The Paris concept will come with not only a nifty tagline - "Crossover the world over" - and a unique stepped roofline slathered in fluorescent yellow paint, it will introduce an evolution of Peugeot's 1.2-liter, three-cylinder turbocharged engine, a gasoline powerplant with direct injection and 110 horsepower. Further details are in the presser below, and we'll be on the lookout for it on the Paris show floor.

Continue reading Peugeot confirms 2008 Concept headed for production next year

Peugeot confirms 2008 Concept headed for production next year originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Sep 2012 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 20082008 concept2014 peugeot 2008parisparis 2012paris motor showpeugeotpeugeot 2008peugeot 2008 concept Fri, 14 Sep 2012 08:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20322299/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20322299/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/14/peugeot-confirms-2008-concept-headed-for-production-next-year/20322299/article-detail.xml 20322299 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/peugeot-2008-concept-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/peugeot-2008-concept-628.jpg <![CDATA[MG Roadster may return as convertible crossover]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/20/mg-roadster-may-return-as-convertible-crossover/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/20/mg-roadster-may-return-as-convertible-crossover/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/20/mg-roadster-may-return-as-convertible-crossover/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



MG may resurrect an icon, but this time as an drop-top crossover.

Auto Express is reporting out of the United Kingdom that MG will bring back the MG Roadster based on the MG Icon concept first shown in China last year. That four-passenger hard top SUV was tall in drive height and short on details when it was shown, though it was supposed to pay homage to the MGA and MGB GT.

The Roadster, along with the hard top model, will likely arrive in 2015, Auto Express reports. Like the hard top, the convertible would offer a modern interpretation of the MGB with key styling cues such as the long hood, octagon emblem and distinctive styling.

Auto Express says that the Roadster would have a starting price of around 14,000 pounds or $21,800, though any reliable details are going to be hard to come by until this rumor finds some firmer ground.

MG Roadster may return as convertible crossover originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jul 2012 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chinaconceptconvertiblemgmg icon conceptmg roadsterunited kingdom Fri, 20 Jul 2012 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20282674/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20282674/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/20/mg-roadster-may-return-as-convertible-crossover/20282674/article-detail.xml 20282674 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/mg-icon-concept_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/mg-icon-concept.jpg <![CDATA[China chastizes Beijing Motor Show over scantily clad models]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/china-chastizes-beijing-motor-show-over-scantily-clad-booth-prof/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/china-chastizes-beijing-motor-show-over-scantily-clad-booth-prof/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/china-chastizes-beijing-motor-show-over-scantily-clad-booth-prof/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



Our post on China's "Tiger mom" phenomenon was illustrated with that above picture; it's the Jeep Wrangler Dragon Design Concept at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show, accompanied by a booth professional. The model - her, not the Jeep - made a fair few friends in the Autoblog Comments section, but it turns out she and her kind attracted the ire of the Chinese authorities.

The Capital Ethics Development Office gave the Beijing show organizers a caning because the "scantily clad" models had "a negative social impact," and the show was warned not to let "such vulgar publicity" occur again. There's a lot of room between that leather bustier and a burqa, however, so all's not lost for next year's show in Shanghai.

Scroll down to watch the Bloomberg video on the matter.

Continue reading China chastizes Beijing Motor Show over scantily clad models

China chastizes Beijing Motor Show over scantily clad models originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 May 2012 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> auto show modelsbeijingbeijing 2012beijing motor showbooth babesbooth professionalscapital ethics development officechinaethicsmodelsshow modelsspokesmodel Thu, 17 May 2012 17:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20239049/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20239049/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/17/china-chastizes-beijing-motor-show-over-scantily-clad-booth-prof/20239049/article-detail.xml 20239049 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/beijingmodelstrouble_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/beijingmodelstrouble.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen's People's Car Project in China has produced three concepts [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/09/volkswagens-peoples-car-project-in-china-has-produced-three-co/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/09/volkswagens-peoples-car-project-in-china-has-produced-three-co/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/09/volkswagens-peoples-car-project-in-china-has-produced-three-co/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



In 2011, Volkswagen commenced its People's Car Project in China to create crowdsourced concepts of the VW of the future. More than 33 million people visited the site, and three concepts were created from the inputs: the Music Car, the Hover Car and the Smart Key.

The Music Car is a Beetle wrapped in LEDs that change colors to match the driver's choice of music. The Hover Car is a zero-emissions two-seater that, no surprise, hovers over electromagnetic road networks. The Smart Key is Big Brother for your car, in your pocket: the high-def touchscreen on the nine-millimeter key can track the status of your car and keep an eye on it via "satellite transmission."

The project is continuing, so you can still post your thoughts to VW's future. In the meantime there's a video and a couple of press releases below the fold for more on the story.

Continue reading Volkswagen's People's Car Project in China has produced three concepts [w/video]

Volkswagen's People's Car Project in China has produced three concepts [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 May 2012 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> beijingbeijing 2012beijing motor showconcept carhover carmusic carpcppeoples car projectsmart keyvideovideosvolkswagenyoutube Wed, 09 May 2012 08:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20229413/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20229413/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/09/volkswagens-peoples-car-project-in-china-has-produced-three-co/20229413/article-detail.xml 20229413 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/vwbeijing12concs_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/vwbeijing12concs.jpg <![CDATA[Land Rover completes 8,000-mile Journey of Discovery from Birmingham to Beijing]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/02/land-rover-completes-8-000-mile-journey-of-discovery-from-birmin/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/02/land-rover-completes-8-000-mile-journey-of-discovery-from-birmin/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/02/land-rover-completes-8-000-mile-journey-of-discovery-from-birmin/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,

Land Rover Journey of Discovery

Not long ago, Land Rover embarked on an epic trans-continental road trip that sought to retrace the route taken by a similar expedition in 1956 and raise £1m for the Red Cross. And after 8,000 miles traveled through thirteen countries - starting in Birmigham, England and ending in Beijing, China - they finally made it.

The departure was celebrated with the production of the millionth Discovery, the arrival timed to coincide with the Beijing Motor Show. Along the way the rugged motorcade swung through Switzerland for the Geneva Motor Show, hit some of Europe's oldest cities, traversed a wide variety of terrains and climates, rolled through Chernobyl as the first private vehicles to tour the disaster site since the nuclear meltdown there 25 years ago, visited an array of museums and toured a former Soviet submarine base.

But before it could complete the final 72-hour leg into China, the crew had to detonate a controlled avalanche to clear an alpine pass. In other words, it was not your average road trip. Read more about it in the press release below and scope out the high-resolution images in the gallery for a closer look at what the convoy encountered along the way.

Continue reading Land Rover completes 8,000-mile Journey of Discovery from Birmingham to Beijing

Land Rover completes 8,000-mile Journey of Discovery from Birmingham to Beijing originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 May 2012 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> discoverydiscovery 4journey of discoveryland roverland rover discovery 4land rover journey of discoverylr4motorcaderoad trip Wed, 02 May 2012 08:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20227499/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20227499/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/02/land-rover-completes-8-000-mile-journey-of-discovery-from-birmin/20227499/article-detail.xml 20227499 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/webdsicoverjourney_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/webdsicoverjourney.jpg <![CDATA[Renault says very little about its new Talisman sedan]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/27/renault-says-very-little-about-its-new-talisman-sedan/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/27/renault-says-very-little-about-its-new-talisman-sedan/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/27/renault-says-very-little-about-its-new-talisman-sedan/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Renault Talisman

The breadth and scope of the Chinese car market has ballooned to such an extent that it makes sense for many foreign automakers to design cars specifically for China. Case in point: the new Renault Talisman.

Instead of building the Talisman in China through a joint venture, manufacturing is handled in nearby Korea by Renault Samsung Motors - the same division that has already brought Renault eight awards and sales increasing fourfold since 2009 due to the success of the Koleos crossover.

As for the Talisman itself, Renault has releases suspiciously little information, and even less photos. It's billed as a "casual luxury" sedan, whatever that means, but more than that we couldn't tell you. Which is just fine, because unless you live in China, you'll probably never see one. Feel free to peruse the press release below.

Continue reading Renault says very little about its new Talisman sedan

Renault says very little about its new Talisman sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 beijing motor showbeijingbeijing 2012beijing motor showrenaultrenault samsungrenault samsung motorsrenault talismantalisman Fri, 27 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20223269/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20223269/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/27/renault-says-very-little-about-its-new-talisman-sedan/20223269/article-detail.xml 20223269 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/webtalisman_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/webtalisman.jpg <![CDATA[Acura NSX concept turns red in China]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/acura-nsx-concept-turns-red-in-china/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/acura-nsx-concept-turns-red-in-china/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/acura-nsx-concept-turns-red-in-china/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Acura NSX Concept in red - front three-quarter view

Hey look! A red version of the Acura NSX Concept for the Beijing Motor Show. Because it's China, you know. Get it? Red. As in "Red China."

And if that doesn't prove Acura is too clever by half, take a good look at the new photos of the red car in the gallery, then check out our related gallery, which has the first series of official images Acura PR released for the car's debut in January at Detroit.

If you're thinking that all that happened here was that someone clicked a few buttons in Photoshop, well... they wouldn't do that, would they? Well, yes, they probably would, but the NSX is actually on display at Auto China in crimson, too. Nifty.

Acura NSX concept turns red in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 acura nsxacuraauto chinabeijingbeijing 2012beijing motor showdetroit auto shownsxnsx concept Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20224935/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20224935/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/26/acura-nsx-concept-turns-red-in-china/20224935/article-detail.xml 20224935 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/acura-nsx-concept-at-beijing-motor-show01-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/acura-nsx-concept-at-beijing-motor-show01-opt.jpg <![CDATA[CH Auto's Lithia EV strikes an Audi-like profile in China]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/ch-autos-lithia-ev-strikes-an-audi-like-profile-in-china/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/ch-autos-lithia-ev-strikes-an-audi-like-profile-in-china/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/ch-autos-lithia-ev-strikes-an-audi-like-profile-in-china/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



There's a certain German sports car that the designers at CH Auto might have been dreaming about before they penned the Lithia. We don't think this kind of inspiration is anywhere near criminal, though, and before anyone broaches the topic of Chinese design, they should know that the CH Auto's design chief is an ex-General Motors man: Dan Darancou, who has work on the Buick Invicta Concept and the SEMA Chevrolet Camaro Black on his resume.

CH Auto helps automakers prepare cars for sale in China, from design through to engineering - part of Darancou's brief is to make sure those two departments work together. The Lithia, showed off at the Beijing Motor Show, has probably been done as a company calling card. Powered by lithium-ion batteries, the spec sheet claims a 150-kilometer range (93 miles).

CH Auto's Lithia EV strikes an Audi-like profile in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> audi r8beijing 2012beijing motor showch autoch auto lithiadan darancoulithiar8 Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20224500/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20224500/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/26/ch-autos-lithia-ev-strikes-an-audi-like-profile-in-china/20224500/article-detail.xml 20224500 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/chautolithia_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/chautolithia.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota Dear Qin hatch, sedan foreshadow new global FWD models [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/toyota-dear-qin-hatch-sedan-foreshadow-new-global-fwd-models-w/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/toyota-dear-qin-hatch-sedan-foreshadow-new-global-fwd-models-w/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/toyota-dear-qin-hatch-sedan-foreshadow-new-global-fwd-models-w/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Toyota Dear Qin hatchback concept - on display in Beijing

Toyota Dear Qin sedan concept - on display in BeijingDetails on the pair of Dear Qin concepts that Toyota unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show this week are sparse, but they do hint at something interesting coming to every market where the Japanese automaker sells cars.

Calling them "global-strategic concepts," Toyota says the sedan and hatchback versions of the Dear Qin models have "a design aiming to attract more people to the user base." With that curious statement in mind, the first promotional video for the Dear Qin models (which you can watch by scrolling below) is both language- and information-free, emphasizing the design of the cars for a global audience. With explosions and lightning, of course.

Reports have said that Toyota is working on a new global, front-wheel drive model that is supposed to be launched in 2013. We can imagine these concepts foreshadowing those cars, and hope we get a pair of highly efficient compacts out of the design process. We'll skip the explosions and lightning, though.

Continue reading Toyota Dear Qin hatch, sedan foreshadow new global FWD models [w/video]

Toyota Dear Qin hatch, sedan foreshadow new global FWD models [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> beijingbeijing 2012beijing motor showdear qintoyota concepttoyota dear qintoyota fwd compacetoyota qin Tue, 24 Apr 2012 18:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20223277/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20223277/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/24/toyota-dear-qin-hatch-sedan-foreshadow-new-global-fwd-models-w/20223277/article-detail.xml 20223277 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/toyota-dear-concept-hatchback-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/toyota-dear-concept-hatchback-628.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz rolls in to Beijing in tricked-out Viano Vision Diamond]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/mercedes-benz-rolls-in-to-beijing-in-tricked-out-viano-vision-di/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/mercedes-benz-rolls-in-to-beijing-in-tricked-out-viano-vision-di/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/mercedes-benz-rolls-in-to-beijing-in-tricked-out-viano-vision-di/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Mercedes-Benz Viano Vision Diamond - front three-quarter view

Limousines? That's so last millennium. These days the pampered and rich in the know get chauffeured around in the back of pimped-out vans. Sure, they may look utilitarian on the outside, but inside, they're as luxe as a private jet. Mercedes-Benz has been at the forefront of the scene with its much-modified Sprinter vans, but that's not the only big box in its portfolio. And to drive that point home, the German automaker has just rolled in to Beijing with this tricked-out Viano.

Called the Viano Vision Diamond, the custom Benz wagon has a two-tone paint job that only hints at the Maybach-grade cabin that awaits inside. The windows (including the partition inside) have the same Magic Sky Control tinting technology as the roof on the new SL, the cabin is done up in Nappa leather (black for the chauffeur, white for the passengers), and the rear features reclining, temperature-controlled massage chairs, a champagne cooler with flutes, lighting, 40-inch flat screen and Bang & Olufsen sound system (all controlled by a specially-designed iOS app), wireless internet and diamond trim.

Drive us to the airport in one of these and we'd be inclined to just stay in the back, lapping up the luxury of it all. Instead, we'll just admire from afar in the high-res image gallery and press release after the jump.

Mercedes-Benz rolls in to Beijing in tricked-out Viano Vision Diamond originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> beijingbeijing 2012beijing motor showmercedesmercedes-benzmercedes-benz vianomercedes-benz viano vision diamondviano Tue, 24 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20222237/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20222237/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/24/mercedes-benz-rolls-in-to-beijing-in-tricked-out-viano-vision-di/20222237/article-detail.xml 20222237 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/webviano-diamond_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/webviano-diamond.jpg <![CDATA[Beijing Motor Show is further proof of China's automotive importance]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/beijing-motor-show-is-further-proof-of-chinas-automotive-import/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/beijing-motor-show-is-further-proof-of-chinas-automotive-import/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/beijing-motor-show-is-further-proof-of-chinas-automotive-import/#comments Filed under: ,

Why The World's Top Automakers Are Flocking To Beijing

Beijing Motor Show

Beijing's government has had to resort to a registration lottery to hold down its growth.

Skip a couple years in China, as I had, and you're not likely to recognize it when you return, especially the capital city of Beijing. Peering out from my hotel, through the ever-present smog, new high-rises have transformed the landscape and even on the Sunday afternoon I arrived I could see and hear the construction crews at work across the city.

My first trip to China came shortly after General Motors opened its first joint venture assembly plant a dozen years ago. Back then, Beijing was a city of countless hutongs, the narrow alleys and neighborhoods where most residents once lived. Today, most of those traditional communities are gone, the few remaining ones hidden behind modern skyscrapers.

Those old streets never could have handled today's traffic. Not that the grand new boulevards and highways are coping much better. You can still find the odd rickshaw in tourist neighborhoods. And motorcycles and electric scooters are everywhere. But today, the automobile is king, and traffic is so thick the local government has had to resort to a registration lottery to hold down its growth.

Paul EisensteinPaul A. Eisenstein is Publisher of TheDetroitBureau.com and a 30-year veteran of the automotive beat. His editorials bring his unique perspective and deep understanding of the auto world to Autoblog readers on a regular basis.

Continue reading Beijing Motor Show is further proof of China's automotive importance

Beijing Motor Show is further proof of China's automotive importance originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> beijingbeijing 2012beijing motor showchinaeisenstein on autoblogopinionPaul EisensteinThe Detroit Bureau Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20222234/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20222234/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/24/beijing-motor-show-is-further-proof-of-chinas-automotive-import/20222234/article-detail.xml 20222234 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/beijing-2012_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/beijing-2012.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #279]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/autoblog-podcast-279/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/autoblog-podcast-279/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/autoblog-podcast-279/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

Lamborghini Urus, Beijing Motor Show, Scion xB and xD dropped, diesel vehicle sales up

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Episode #279 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Chris, Dan, and Chris Paukert are joined by the phenomenon that is Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics to chat about the Lamborghini Urus, the Beijing Motor Show, the end of the Scion xB and xD, and the uptick in diesel vehicle sales. Your questions and comments power the end of the 'cast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. We've embedded our Q&A module after the jump for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #279:
In the Autoblog Garage
2012 Infiniti G37XS Coupe
2012 BMW 328i
Long-Term 2011 Mini Cooper S Countryman


Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Chris Paukert
Runtime: 01:50:38
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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #279

Autoblog Podcast #279 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2953 analyticsautoblog podcastautoblog podcast 279beijing motor showbmw 328diesel salesfeaturedinfiniti g37 coupejim halllamborghini urusscion xBscion xd Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:40:00 EST Autoblog Podcast #279Autoblog01:50:38 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20223170/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20223170/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/24/autoblog-podcast-279/20223170/article-detail.xml 20223170 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota debuts China-only Yundong Shuangqing hybrid concept in Beijing]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/toyota-debuts-china-only-yundong-shuangqing-hybrid-concept/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/toyota-debuts-china-only-yundong-shuangqing-hybrid-concept/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/toyota-debuts-china-only-yundong-shuangqing-hybrid-concept/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Toyota Yundong Shuangqing hybrid concept - live Beijing reveal

It's not the most pronounceable model name, but that's not our problem, is it?

Toyota debuted its sharply styled Yundong Shuangqing hybrid concept at the Beijing Motor Show today, announcing that a production version will be sold in China at some point in the future. The Yundong Shuangqing was joined on stage by the Dear Qin compact and the GT 86 rear-wheel-drive sports car.

Toyota developed the Yundong Shuangqing's hybrid powertrain mainly at the automaker's research and development plant in Changshu, China. "We would like to put smiles on the faces of our Chinese customers with hybrid technology," Toyota President Akio Toyoda said in prepared remarks at the show. "I want the people of China to be able to experience the beauty of hybrid technology through a hybrid car born in China."

In 2005, China became the first place outside of Japan where the Prius hybrid was built when Sichuan FAW Toyota Motor Co. Ltd. started making the third-generation model. And two years ago, GAC Toyota Motor Co., which is in China's Guangdong Province, started making the Camry Hybrid.

Earlier this month, Honda said it would launch at least four hybrids specifically for the Chinese market under either its moniker or the Acura brand in order to capitalize on what's likely to be surging car sales in that country. Honda will introduce the CR-Z, Fit and Insight Hybrids in China later this year, and will likely sell its promised hybrid-powered Acura NSX sports car in China as well.

Continue reading Toyota debuts China-only Yundong Shuangqing hybrid concept in Beijing

Toyota debuts China-only Yundong Shuangqing hybrid concept in Beijing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> beijingbeijing 2012beijing motor showchinatoyotatoyota hybridtoyota yundong shuangqingYundong Shuangqing Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:21:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20223245/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20223245/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/24/toyota-debuts-china-only-yundong-shuangqing-hybrid-concept/20223245/article-detail.xml 20223245 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/toyota-yundong-shuangqing-concept-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/toyota-yundong-shuangqing-concept-628.jpg <![CDATA[Bugatti unveils one-off porcelain-trimmed Veyron Grand Sport Wei Long edition in Beijing]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/bugatti-unveils-one-off-porcelain-trimmed-veyron-grand-sport-wei/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/bugatti-unveils-one-off-porcelain-trimmed-veyron-grand-sport-wei/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/bugatti-unveils-one-off-porcelain-trimmed-veyron-grand-sport-wei/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Wei Long 2012

It takes a lot to grow jaded at the thought of a one-of-a-kind, seven-figure, record-breaking supercar, but that's what's happened after this many years of special edition Bugattis. The latest: a unique version of the Grand Sport roadster created for the Beijing Motor Show and one lucky (read: obscenely wealthy) customer.

Called the Wei Long edition, this one-off Veyron celebrates the Year of the Dragon. It was born out of the same collaboration with Königliche Porzellan Manufaktur that gave us the previous blue-and-white marbled Grand Sport L'Or Blanc edition. Only this one is white with red trim.

Like what you see? It can be yours for €1.58 million - chump change over two million greenbacks. Scope it out in the high-res image gallery and the press release below.

Continue reading Bugatti unveils one-off porcelain-trimmed Veyron Grand Sport Wei Long edition in Beijing

Bugatti unveils one-off porcelain-trimmed Veyron Grand Sport Wei Long edition in Beijing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> beijingbeijing 2012beijing motor showbugattibugatti veyron grand sport wei longgrand sportveyronveyron grand sportveyron wei longwei longyear of the dragon Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20222899/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20222899/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/24/bugatti-unveils-one-off-porcelain-trimmed-veyron-grand-sport-wei/20222899/article-detail.xml 20222899 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/web01-veyron-wei-long_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/web01-veyron-wei-long.jpg <![CDATA[Rolls-Royce makes room for updated Phantom Extended Wheelbase in Beijing]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/rolls-royce-makes-room-for-updated-phantom-extended-wheelbase-in/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/rolls-royce-makes-room-for-updated-phantom-extended-wheelbase-in/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/rolls-royce-makes-room-for-updated-phantom-extended-wheelbase-in/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2013 Rolls-Royce Phantom Extended-Wheelbase driving through city at night

Considering how short some product lifecycles have become, it boggles the mind to think that Rolls-Royce has had the Phantom on the market for nearly ten years now. And with the next-generation model not expected to arrive for another few years, the model that relaunched the brand under BMW ownership stands to reach its Bar Mitzvah before it's replaced. But in the meantime, Goodwood is keeping the Phantom fresh with the Series II update.

The revisions include a refreshed front end with new bumpers and adaptable LED headlamps, the latest in infotainment systems and a new eight-speed automatic transmission to help the 6.75-liter V12 marginally improve its emissions and fuel consumption figures.

New versions of the Phantom sedan, coupe and DHC convertible are already finding their way to eagerly awaiting (and obscenely wealthy) customers around the world, but Rolls opted to wait until the Beijing Motor Show to unveil the new Extended Wheelbase model. Particularly popular in the Chinese market where extra rear-seat legroom is deemed the pinnacle of luxury, the Phantom Series II Extended Wheelbase model measure a whopping 20 feet long.

That's more than a foot longer than the now-departed Ford Excursion, and you can check it out in the gallery of high-resolution images above.

Continue reading Rolls-Royce makes room for updated Phantom Extended Wheelbase in Beijing

Rolls-Royce makes room for updated Phantom Extended Wheelbase in Beijing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 rolls-royce phantom extended wheelbase2013 rolls-royce phantom series iibeijingbeijing 2012beijing motor showphantomrolls-roycerolls-royce phantom extended wheelbaserolls-royce phantom series iirolls-royce phantom series ii extended wheelbase Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20221975/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20221975/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/24/rolls-royce-makes-room-for-updated-phantom-extended-wheelbase-in/20221975/article-detail.xml 20221975 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/rolls-roycephanton-ii-ext-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/rolls-roycephanton-ii-ext-lead.jpg <![CDATA[Aston Martin rolls out Dragon 88 special editions in Beijing]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/aston-martin-rolls-out-dragon-88-special-editions-in-beijing/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/aston-martin-rolls-out-dragon-88-special-editions-in-beijing/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/aston-martin-rolls-out-dragon-88-special-editions-in-beijing/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

Aston Martin Virage Dragon 88 - front three-quarter studio image

Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Jaguar and Land Rover all unveiled new special editions at the Beijing Motor Show, and Aston Martin wouldn't miss the opportunity to join in their company. Hence the Dragon 88 Limited Edition.

A special trim level available on the DBS Volante, Virage Coupe and V8 Vantage S, the Dragon 88 range is outfitted at the hands of the Q by Aston Martin division that tricked out the matte-violet Virage we saw in Geneva. The Dragon 88 celebrates the Year of the Dragon with such special touches as 24-carat gold badges, embroidered headrests, special interior trim, commemorative sill plates and a choice of three unique exterior colors.

As the name implies, only 88 examples will be offered, exclusively in China, at an as-yet undisclosed price. Since your chances of ever seeing one up close, then, remains rather slim, the high-res image gallery above (joined by the press release after the jump) is probably your best shot.

Continue reading Aston Martin rolls out Dragon 88 special editions in Beijing

Aston Martin rolls out Dragon 88 special editions in Beijing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> aston martin dragonbeijingbeijing 2012beijing motor showdbsdragon 88v8 vantagev8 vantage svantagevirageyear of the dragon Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20222898/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20222898/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/24/aston-martin-rolls-out-dragon-88-special-editions-in-beijing/20222898/article-detail.xml 20222898 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/webvirage88_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/webvirage88.jpg <![CDATA[Peugeot Urban Crossover Concept barges in to AutoChina]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/peugeot-urban-crossover-concept-barges-in-to-autochina/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/peugeot-urban-crossover-concept-barges-in-to-autochina/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/peugeot-urban-crossover-concept-barges-in-to-autochina/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Peugeot's Urban Crossover Concept - shadowy front three-quarter studio view

In keeping with the CUV-crazy theme of this year's Beijing Motor Show, Peugeot has introduced this Urban Crossover Concept penned by the French lion's design studios in Paris, Shanghai and São Paulo. Eight inches shorter and three inches narrower than a Ford Focus hatchback, the concept is meant to be the ultimate expression of the company's decades of popular small cars, crossovers and design.

It is also said to show off Pug's new design cues, but we aren't told exactly which cues those are. At the moment, Peugeot isn't talking about what (if anything) powers its UCC, but perhaps we'll learn more as the vehicle continues to make the rounds of the auto show circuit. In the meantime, check out the press release by scrolling below and admire its angles in the high-res gallery.

Continue reading Peugeot Urban Crossover Concept barges in to AutoChina

Peugeot Urban Crossover Concept barges in to AutoChina originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> beijingbeijing 2012beijing motor showparis 2012paris motor showpeugeotpeugeot uccpeugeot urban crossover concepturban crossover concept Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20222680/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20222680/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/24/peugeot-urban-crossover-concept-barges-in-to-autochina/20222680/article-detail.xml 20222680 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/peugeoturbancuvconc_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/peugeoturbancuvconc.jpg <![CDATA[Lamborghini Estoque not quite dead yet]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/lamborghini-estoque-not-quite-dead-yet/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/lamborghini-estoque-not-quite-dead-yet/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/lamborghini-estoque-not-quite-dead-yet/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Lamborghini Estoque Concept

Following the debut of the Lamborghini Urus SUV in Beijing this week, it's only natural to ask: What happened to the Estoque?

At the 2008 Paris Motor Show, Lamborghini unveiled the striking sedan concept as a way to preview a new model line for the brand, but since then, nothing has come to fruition. AutoWeek sat down with Lamborghini CEO Stefan Winkelmann, who shed some light on the decision to move forward with a sport-utility vehicle rather than a rakish sedan.

"It was placed on hold because of a number of reasons, including the lack of a suitable platform. We haven't given up on the idea of a sedan entirely, but we see more potential in a sport-utility vehicle encapsulating typical Lamborghini attributes."

Given the fact that the production Urus isn't slated to hit the market until around 2015, that means a Lamborghini sedan will likely be even farther out. Nearly four years later, we're still quite fond of the 2008 concept, but we aren't sure if we can hold our breath for another five-ish years.

Lamborghini Estoque not quite dead yet originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> estoquelamborghinilamborghini estoquelamborghini estoque concepturus Tue, 24 Apr 2012 09:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20222019/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20222019/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/24/lamborghini-estoque-not-quite-dead-yet/20222019/article-detail.xml 20222019 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/estoque628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/estoque628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz opens world's first AMG-only dealership in Beijing]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/mercedes-benz-opens-worlds-first-amg-only-dealership-in-beijing/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/mercedes-benz-opens-worlds-first-amg-only-dealership-in-beijing/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/mercedes-benz-opens-worlds-first-amg-only-dealership-in-beijing/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

AMG Performance Center - Beijing

The intricate structure of brands and sub-brands in a consolidating global automotive industry is enough to make your head spin. And each major auto group has its own way of organizing itself. Over at Daimler, each of the automotive divisions is considered a sub-brand of Mercedes-Benz. That's becoming even more true for Smart and Maybach, but AMG has been increasingly differentiating itself as a brand on its own.

Not only have the bulk of Daimler's motorsport operations been rebranded as AMG and brought closer to their counterparts, but the SLS stands apart as the first AMG-only product in the company's history. And now the performance brand from Affalterbach has inaugurated its first dedicated dealership.

Situated at the high-end Sanlitun Village shopping mall in northern Beijing, the AMG Performance Center is unique from any of the other 195 AMG dealerships already operating in 18 countries around the world in that it is a stand-alone shop, not a corner of an existing Mercedes-Benz showroom. It encompasses 381 square meters of floor space on two levels, which Daimler chose as the location to unveil the new G63 AMG. Scope it out in the press release down below and the high-resolution images in the gallery.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz opens world's first AMG-only dealership in Beijing

Mercedes-Benz opens world's first AMG-only dealership in Beijing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> amgamg performance centerbeijingchinaingolstadtmercedes-benzmercedes-benz amg Tue, 24 Apr 2012 09:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20222156/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20222156/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/24/mercedes-benz-opens-worlds-first-amg-only-dealership-in-beijing/20222156/article-detail.xml 20222156 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/amg-beijing1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/amg-beijing1.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen is living Lavida loca in Beijing]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/volkswagen-is-living-lavida-loca-in-beijing/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/volkswagen-is-living-lavida-loca-in-beijing/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/volkswagen-is-living-lavida-loca-in-beijing/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2013 Volkswagen Lavida

Volkswagen has taken the occasion of the Beijing Motor Show as opportunity to debut its latest sedan. Called the Lavida, it's the second-generation of a model produced in China specifically for the Chinese market.

Can't figure out what you're looking at? Call it a Chinese version of the Jetta, with which it shares its platform. Shanghai Volkswagen - the joint venture under which the Lavida is produced - had sold 700,000 units of the first-generation model from its introduction in 2008 through January 2012. The company surely hopes the new Lavida will sell even more. Read all about it in the press release below.

Continue reading Volkswagen is living Lavida loca in Beijing

Volkswagen is living Lavida loca in Beijing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 beijing motor show2013 volkswagen lavidabeijingbeijing 2012beijing motor showlavidavolkswagenvolkswagen lavidavw Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20221467/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20221467/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/24/volkswagen-is-living-lavida-loca-in-beijing/20221467/article-detail.xml 20221467 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/weblavida_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/weblavida.jpg -1 2