Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Shanghai 2009: Brilliance rolls out EV Concept with funky power clamshell doors]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/shanghai-2009-brilliance-rolls-out-ev-concept-with-funky-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/shanghai-2009-brilliance-rolls-out-ev-concept-with-funky-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/shanghai-2009-brilliance-rolls-out-ev-concept-with-funky-power/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Brilliance EV Concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Chinese automaker Brilliance is showing off a new concept electric car that's currently on display at the Shanghai Motor Show. A large battery pack using lithium ion technology is reportedly capable of providing a range of around 93 miles (150 kilometers). The Chinese automaker claims that this battery can be hooked to a 220V charger that can use a "Quick Charge" feature to replenish the pack to about 80 percent in just 30 minutes.

Driving the rear wheels is a 47kW permanent magnet electric motor that puts out about 90 lb-ft of torque (120 NM) and is capable of revving to 10,000 RPM. But wait, there's more! A second electric motor powers the front wheels at speeds of around 25 miles per hour for city use. Top speed with both motors engaged is around 80 mph.

On the exterior front, this new EV concept may be vaguely inspired by the VW Space Up! concept from a few years back, but we don't think it's particularly egregious. Dual power-operated clamshell-ish doors allow access into an interior cabin that rather well done in clean-looking white materials. In typical showcar fashion, a fully electronic dash sits behind a yoke-style steering wheel. Have a look for yourself in our full gallery below.


Gallery: Shanghai 2009: Brilliance EV concept


Photos copyright (C) 2009 IceBin / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Autoblog Chinese]

Shanghai 2009: Brilliance rolls out EV Concept with funky power clamshell doors originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autobloggreenAutoShanghaiBrillianceChinaShanghaiShanghai 2009Shanghai Auto ShowShanghai Motor ShowShanghai2009ShanghaiAutoShowShanghaiMotorShowTue, 21 Apr 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Shanghai 2009: Geely GE goes for baroque. Again.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/shanghai-2009-geely-ge-goes-for-baroque-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/shanghai-2009-geely-ge-goes-for-baroque-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/shanghai-2009-geely-ge-goes-for-baroque-again/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Geely Excellence Limousine - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Asian consumers loves them some baroque styling. How else to explain the popularity of gaudy, over-the-top couture in the continent's major city centers? Indeed, how else to explain the existence of cars like the Mitsuoka Galue S50 and Galue 204? Proving that the love affair is still very much still alive is this, the Geely Excellence (GE) Limousine.

Despite the obvious aping of traditional Rolls-Royce styling cues (square-rigged waterfall grille, Spirit of Imitation Ecstasy hood ornament, wool carpets, etc.) there is some innovation here, in the form of the rear seat "throne," a kingly perch that forms the literal centerpoint of the car's unorthodox 1+2 seating arrangement.

In any case, the 17.5-foot Goliath is widely expected to be the first offering from Geely's new sub-brand, YingLun, or ENGLON (a melding of "England" and "London), but for the moment, the Chinese automaker is stopping short of confirming production.


Gallery: Geely GE Limo


Gallery: Geely GE


Photos copyright (C) 2009 IceBin / Weblogs, Inc

[Source: Autoblog China]

Shanghai 2009: Geely GE goes for baroque. Again. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AutoShanghaiBaroqueENGLONfashionistaGalueGEGeelyMitsuokaPhantomRollerRolls RoyceRolls-RoyceRollsRoyceShanghaiShanghai 2009Shanghai Auto ShowShanghai Motor ShowShanghai2009ShanghaiAutoShowShanghaiMotorShowYinLunTue, 21 Apr 2009 14:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Shanghai 2009: Guangzhou Honda Linian roadster concept is messing with our S2000-loving heads]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/shanghai-2009-guangzhou-honda-linian-roadster-concept-is-messin/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/shanghai-2009-guangzhou-honda-linian-roadster-concept-is-messin/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/shanghai-2009-guangzhou-honda-linian-roadster-concept-is-messin/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Guangzhou Honda Linian roadster concept - Click on the image above for a gallery

Guangzhou Honda surprised everyone at the Shanghai show with this tidy little roadster, its second Linian concept in as many years. While the 2008 Beijing show concept was a more pedestrian five-door, this two-seat droptop has us wishing for a proper S2000 successor.

Oh, one can quibble over some of the design details (oversized grille element, the showcar-only airplane yoke-style steering wheel, etc.), but fundamentally this is an interesting package.

Sadly, according to our compatriots at Autoblog Simplified Chinese, Honda's domestic partner was mum on specifics, including driveline configuration, powerplant, and so on. That said, the shape does look quite production friendly. Add in a stronger windshield header, some larger mirrors, and do away with that Knight Rider steering wheel, and the rest seems plausible enough.

Rest assured, we are angling for more information on this car as we speak, but for now, enjoy the possibilities... and the gallery below.


Gallery: guangben linian coupe


Photos copyright (C) 2009 IceBin / Weblogs, Inc
[Source: Autoblog Simplified Chinese]

Shanghai 2009: Guangzhou Honda Linian roadster concept is messing with our S2000-loving heads originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AutoShanghaiconcept carConceptCarGuangzhouguangzhou HondaGuangzhouHondaHondaMiataRoadsterS200ShanghaiShanghai 2009Shanghai Auto ShowShanghai Motor ShowShanghai2009ShanghaiAutoShowShanghaiMotorShowTue, 21 Apr 2009 11:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Shanghai 2009: Nevermind the BMW, Great Wall's Hover M3 is deep-puddle approved!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/shanghai-2009-nevermind-the-bmw-great-walls-hover-m3-is-deep/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/shanghai-2009-nevermind-the-bmw-great-walls-hover-m3-is-deep/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/shanghai-2009-nevermind-the-bmw-great-walls-hover-m3-is-deep/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Great Wall Hover H3 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Great Wall has taken the wraps off this chunky, funky urban toughster, the Hover M3 (sorry, BMW). Reportedly based on the Scion xB-aping Coolbear, the production-bound M3 adds some faux off-road capability to the former vehicle's boxy proportions.

Even if it lacks genuine rock-hopping ability, the upright result of the added cladding, big fender flares, and larger front light fixtures gives the H3 added spunk and originality. Looking a bit like a cartoonist's narrow-gauge Dodge Nitro, we might nix the big chrome wing badge on the front grille, but otherwise, we could almost see this car playing in the States. If nothing else, the M3 is markedly more original than the Coolbear, right?


Gallery: Shanghai 2009:Hover M3


[Source: Autoblog Simplified Chinese]

Shanghai 2009: Nevermind the BMW, Great Wall's Hover M3 is deep-puddle approved! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 20:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chang'An Motors CD101 - Click above for high-res gallery

Chang'An Motors has rolled out its CD101 concept in Shanghai, and while we don't have much more than images to show you of this car yet, it could offer a glimpse as to what China's fourth largest automaker hopes to bring to the world's markets in the not-too-distant future.

Chang'An, Ford's Chinese-market partner, is understood to be one of the parties negotiating with the Blue Oval regarding a possible purchase of Volvo, and its officials have already gone on record saying that they are actively pursuing mergers and acquisitions in order to expand their global footprint, and the company has reportedly already signed a deal with Autopark Mexico to begin production of 50,000 units in Mexico next year. Could a production version of the CD101 be part of that expansionary initiative? Only time (and Chang'An spokespeople) will tell.

Sadly, we don't have any additional word on what sort of drivetrain lurks underneath the CD101's mid-size skin, but we'll be sure to pass along more details as they become available. For the time being, check out the gallery below.


Gallery: Shanghai 2009:changan CD101 Concept


[Source: Autoblog Simplified Chinese]

Shanghai 2009: Chang'An CD101 debuts, looks production-friendly originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AutoShanghaiCD101Chang AnChangAnShanghaiShanghai Auto ShowShanghai Motor ShowShanghai2009ShanghaiAutoShowShanghaiMotorShowMon, 20 Apr 2009 15:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Shaghai 2009: Buick Regal 2.0T has us humming "Wish You Were Here"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/shaghai-2009-buick-regal-2-0t-has-us-humming-wish-you-were-her/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/shaghai-2009-buick-regal-2-0t-has-us-humming-wish-you-were-her/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/shaghai-2009-buick-regal-2-0t-has-us-humming-wish-you-were-her/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Buick Regal 2.0T - Click above for high-res gallery

Admittedly, Pink Floyd and Buick traditionally go together like asparagus and ice cream, but that hasn't stopped our inner-monologues from playing "Wish You Were Here" after seeing Buick's new Regal 2.0T.

According to our compatriots over at Autoblog Simplified Chinese, the Opel Insignia-based model features the company's 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged engine, tuned to give 162 kW of power (217 horsepower) and 350 Nm of torque (258 pound-feet). That's sufficient gusto to get the General Motors sedan to 62 mph in 7.7 seconds and on to a healthy top whack of 232 kmh (144 mph).

Fuel economy? Well, that's a good question. Our counterparts in China cryptically point to a figure of 7.2-liters per 90 km (the standard metric is per 100 km), so we'll have to get back to you on that.

The new Regal 2.0T is expected to join Buick's Chinese lineup in the second half of 2009.


Gallery: Shanghai 2009:Buick Regal(new)


Photos copyright (C)2009 IceBin/ Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Autoblog Simplified Chinese]

Shaghai 2009: Buick Regal 2.0T has us humming "Wish You Were Here" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AutoShanghaiBuickChinaGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMPink FloydPinkFloydRegalShanghaiShanghai 2009Shanghai Auto ShowShanghai Motor ShowShanghai2009ShanghaiAutoShowShanghaiMotorShowMon, 20 Apr 2009 13:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Shanghai 2009: Roewe N1 continues to advance concept of credible Chinese design]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/shanghai-2009-roewe-n1-continues-to-advance-the-concept-of-cred/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/shanghai-2009-roewe-n1-continues-to-advance-the-concept-of-cred/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/shanghai-2009-roewe-n1-continues-to-advance-the-concept-of-cred/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Roewe N1 Concept - Click above for high-res gallery

Chinese automakers have been on the receiving end of barbs for some time now, particularly when it comes to styling. In terms of both originality and proportion, most Sino automakers have struggled to find both balance and identity, but among them, SAIC Roewe has been able to build on its Rover roots and churn out some rather attractive designs. Case in point: The N1. Now showing in Shanghai for the first time, the N1 sedan is quite well resolved from most angles, and its design is widely expected to make it into production unscathed. That the car's styling jibes with Western sensibilities is important, because the company plans to roll a production N1 out not just to domestic audiences next year, but likely to European audiences a short time later.

Unlike some previous Roewe offerings, the N1 sits on a new chassis, but it will reportedly still rely on updated versions of the British automaker's K-series four-cylinder powerplants.

Inside, the N1 is rather more ambitious, featuring a touch-screen interface with full-on internet connectivity, a "3D" digital gauge cluster, and a navigation system based on open-source coding. The car's high-tech dashboard gubbins are likely to remain a showcar-only detail for the next few years, however.


Gallery: shanghai 2009:Roewe N1 concept


Photos copyright (C)2009 IceBin/ Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Autoblog Simplified Chinese]

Shanghai 2009: Roewe N1 continues to advance concept of credible Chinese design originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AutoShanghaiopen sourceOpenSourceRoeweSAICShanghaiShanghai 2009Shanghai Auto ShowShanghai Motor ShowShanghai2009ShanghaiAutoShowShanghaiMotorShowMon, 20 Apr 2009 11:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Shanghai 2009: Buick's handsome new MPV concept is all business]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/shanghai-2009-buicks-handsome-new-mpv-concept-is-all-business/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/shanghai-2009-buicks-handsome-new-mpv-concept-is-all-business/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/shanghai-2009-buicks-handsome-new-mpv-concept-is-all-business/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Buick "Business" MPV concept - Click above for a hi-res gallery

General Motors has unveiled its new Buick "Business" MPV concept in Shanghai, and while details remain scarce as we try to practice our Chinese, we can tell you that while the idea of another Buick minivan may be hard for U.S. audiences to swallow (after the poor sales and driving experience of the Terraza), Buick MPVs do a very solid trade in China as executive transports. Thus, instead of prioritizing sippy cup storage, this is clearly more of a high-roofed luxury limousine.

Our compatriots over at Autoblog Chinese (who bring you these images) tell us that this vehicle is the result of a joint-venture between General Motors China and the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center, as was the 2007 Rivera concept before it. If our Google translator is to be believed, this vehicle is still based on the Buick GL8 (read: Terraza), and the "land-based business class" concept is designed to point the way toward future visions of Buick luxury for customers in the land of the Great Wall. We'll have more details for you as they become available. For now, take a look at the gallery below.


Gallery: shanghai 2009:buick mpv concept


Photos copyright (C)2009 IceBin/ Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Autoblog Chinese]

Shanghai 2009: Buick's handsome new MPV concept is all business originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AutoShanghaiBuickBuick GL8BuickGl8General MotorsGeneralMotorsGMGM ChinaGmChinaminivanMPVPATACshanghaishanghai autoshanghai motor showShanghai2009ShanghaiAutoShanghaiMotorShowTerrazaMon, 20 Apr 2009 10:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Porsche Panamera to officially debut at Shanghai show in April]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/05/porsche-panamera-to-make-public-debut-at-shanghai-show-in-april/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/05/porsche-panamera-to-make-public-debut-at-shanghai-show-in-april/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/05/porsche-panamera-to-make-public-debut-at-shanghai-show-in-april/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a high-res image gallery of the Porsche Panamera

Underscoring the continued importance that automakers are placing on the Chinese market (especially in this difficult economic environment), Porsche has made it official that the new Panamera will debut in the Middle Kingdom in April. Porsche's new four door hatchback coupe/sedan gran turismo thingy will get its first public showing at the Shanghai Motor Show from April 20-28. In spite of its controversial looks, the Panamera should not be wanting for performance. Direct injected engines ranging from the Volkswagen 3.6-liter V6 up to 500 horsepower turbo V8 from the Cayenne will be available.

Backing up the engines will be a choice of 6-speed manual and 7-speed PDK dual clutch gearboxes, with power going to either the rear or both axles. At some point in the next couple of years, Porsche will add its hybrid system to the Panamera as well. Now, if they would just do something about the humpback looks, we might be able to get excited about its arrival. Click on the gallery below or hit the jump to view Porsche's official press release.

Gallery: 2010 Porsche Panamera


[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Porsche Panamera to officially debut at Shanghai show in April

Porsche Panamera to officially debut at Shanghai show in April originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AutoShanghaifour door coupeFour-door coupeFour-doorCoupeFourDoorCoupeporscheporsche panameraPorschePanamerashanghaishanghai 2009Shanghai Autoshanghai auto showshanghai motor showShanghai2009ShanghaiAutoShanghaiAutoShowShanghaiMotorShowMon, 05 Jan 2009 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Shanghai Auto Show: Buick Riviera Concept officially unveiled]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/20/shanghai-auto-show-buick-riviera-concept-officially-unveiled/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/20/shanghai-auto-show-buick-riviera-concept-officially-unveiled/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/20/shanghai-auto-show-buick-riviera-concept-officially-unveiled/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click photo for a gallery of 93 high-res images from the press kit

GM publicly pulled the wraps off its Riviera concept car in Shanghai, releasing an avalanche of photos, sketches, and renderings, as well. The Riv was designed at the General's China-based Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC), and according to design honcho Ed Welburn, it is a rolling showcase of design themes that we should be seeing on the next generation of midsized Buick sedans.

Of course, since it's a concept, the designers just have to have some fun with the car, particularly with the lighting, as many of the accents can be backlit, among them the grille shield, hood crease, and mirrors. Inside, the plush, modern interior is dominated by light-colored leather and blue Alcantara (which is used on the headliner and floor). The instruments and controls are fanciful, pie-in-the-sky stuff, but do look great.

More after the jump.

[Source: GM]

Gallery: Buick Riviera Concept - Shanghai debut


Gallery: Buick Riviera Concept - Action Shots

Continue reading Shanghai Auto Show: Buick Riviera Concept officially unveiled

Shanghai Auto Show: Buick Riviera Concept officially unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Apr 2007 14:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto shanghaiAutoShanghaishanghaitivieraFri, 20 Apr 2007 14:46:00 EST<![CDATA[GM bringing two new concepts to 2007 Auto Shanghai]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/03/gm-bringing-two-new-concepts-to-2007-auto-shanghai/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/03/gm-bringing-two-new-concepts-to-2007-auto-shanghai/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/03/gm-bringing-two-new-concepts-to-2007-auto-shanghai/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Current Chinese-market Buick LaCrosse shown

When the curtain is raised on the 2007 Shanghai Auto Show (a.k.a. Auto Shanghai), GM will present the global debuts of two new concept vehicles. The first is described as an evolution of the Volt's E-Flex architecture, and it'll be joined on the stand by the Volt itself. The second concept comes from Buick, which has a strong presence in China already. According to GM, the Buick concept car will showcase the brand's forthcoming global design language. It's a product of GM's Shanghai-based Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC), which, as we've previously reported, is responsible for the current Chinese LaCrosse and has been tapped to design the interior (and have input on the exterior) of the next-gen LaCrosse for North America. We're very interested in seeing what the future look of Buick is going to be, and will be paying close attention to the proceedings in Shanghai later this month. For now, we'll have to find a way to sate ourselves with the LaCrosse facelift and the mild visual update that went with the Lucerne Super, both of which are underwhelming, and both of which will be at New York this week.

[Source: GM China]

Continue reading GM bringing two new concepts to 2007 Auto Shanghai

GM bringing two new concepts to 2007 Auto Shanghai originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Apr 2007 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2007auto shanghaiAutoShanghaishanghai auto showShanghaiAutoShowTue, 03 Apr 2007 09:32:00 EST