Autoblog

BMW confirms 3 Series long-wheelbase model for Beijing

Jeff Sabatini — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 14:16:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, China, BMW, Design/Style, Luxury

After we saw spy shots of a long-wheelbase BMW 3 Series for China, we knew it one was coming. Now BMW has confirmed that the car will indeed bow at Auto China 2012, otherwise known as the 2012 Beijing Motor Show, which kicks off on April 23.

The LWB 3 Series has an 4.3-inch wheelbase stretch and will be offered with three powertrains. The smallest is the 184-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that's not available in North America. The 240-hp, 2.8-liter sold here in the 328i will also be available, as will the 300-hp, turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder. The LWB 3 Series models will carry the "Li" suffix like we've seen on the 7 Series, so the three models will be designated 320Li, 328Li and 335Li.

Click past the jump to see the press release, and be sure to check out our gallery.

Continue reading BMW confirms 3 Series long-wheelbase model for Beijing

BMW confirms 3 Series long-wheelbase model for Beijing originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Long-wheelbase BMW 3 Series spotted in the wild

Zach Bowman — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, China, BMW, Design/Style, Luxury

A few images of the new Chinese-market long-wheelbase BMW 3 Series have made their way to the web. The vehicle's profile clearly shows a few extra inches of room for rear passengers, though the additional space between the front and rear wheels doesn't infringe too heavily on the sedan's design.

With a slightly longer rear door and expanded rear cabin, the BMW 335Li is designed for buyers who would rather be driven than drive. That's a big plus for the chauffeur-oriented Chinese luxury vehicle market. From what we hear, the vehicle is headed toward an official debut at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show in April.

In addition to more rear legroom, the BMW 335Li will likely feature a new 8.8-inch freestanding control display mounted atop the vehicle's dash. An auto start-stop system is expected to debut on the vehicle to help increase fuel economy, and a blind-spot awareness system is expected to be standard equipment, as well. Head over to the F30Post.com forums for a better look at the elongated 3 Series.

Long-wheelbase BMW 3 Series spotted in the wild originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Long-wheelbase BMW 3 Series spotted testing

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, China, BMW, Beijing Motor Show, Luxury

The Chinese like long-wheelbase versions of sedans, because execs like to be able to stretch out while the drivers ferry them about - and the country, if you didn't know, has a whole lot of executives. Audi sells a stretched A4 there, and BMW evidently feels the market looks robust enough for a long-wheelbase 3 Series Li. Why not just get a 5 Series, you ask? Because the man says he wants a longer 3 Series, and he's got cash...

Reports indicate this is a China-only model that will bow at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show. Its platform, though, is also expected to underpin the 3 Series GT. That car might come to America, and if so it will offer some extra rear legroom for us and certainly be just as interesting to look at as this long-wheelbase model.

Click on the links below to get more looks at the extended 3, which offers clues to the front of the next-generation car.

Long-wheelbase BMW 3 Series spotted testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: VW to build stretched version of new Passat in China

Chris Shunk — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, China, Volkswagen

2011 Volkswagen Passat - Click above for high-res image gallery

China is getting its own version of the new Passat, and, big surprise, it's going to have a stretched wheelbase. China Car Times is reporting that the embiggened version of the next generation Passat will be 120mm (about 4.5 inches) longer than the sedan other markets will receive to allow for a roomier back seat.

The stretched version of the Passat makes sense because in the Chinese market, there exists a bigger group of customers more eager to be driven in luxury than to have a vehicle that is fun to drive. And since V-Dub's sedan is used in China as a livery vehicle, the extra 4.5 inches will come in handy. The stretch Passat, which will be built in China, will reportedly arrive in dealerships early in 2011.

Gallery: 2011 Volkswagen Passat

[Source: China Car Times]

Report: VW to build stretched version of new Passat in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shanghai Preview: Citroën Metropolis concept is a bit of a stretch

Noah Joseph — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 11:19:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Sedan, China, Citroën, Shanghai Motor Show, Luxury

Citroën Metropolis Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Few carmaking nations manage to straddle the extremes of the market quite like the French. At one end, we've got the Bugatti Veyron (yes, we know it's owned by a German, but go with us for a minute here), and at the other, an array of diminutive budget hatchbacks. There's little to bridge the gap, but that's not because the country's automakers aren't trying. And here's the latest.

Called the Metropolis, the latest Citroën is aptly named because it's about the size of a city block. At 5.3 meters (17.4 feet) long and 2 meters (6.5 feet) wide, it's longer than a long-wheelbase Mercedes S-Class and wider than a Maybach. And those are some freakin' big cars.

Alright, so this is a limousine, then. What's under the hood? Given that it's coming from PSA - which has been shoehorning hybrid systems into its show cars for years now - you're right to assume this is a hybrid as well. It's got a 2.0-liter V6 under the hood mated to an electric motor that together can vary its combined output from 272 horsepower all the way up to 460, driving all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

So who's this for? Well it's not going to market just yet, but take notice that it's set for debut at the Shanghai Expo next month, which crucially follows the Beijing Motor Show this week where BMW is unveiling its long-wheelbase 5 Series, Audi the new A8 L and Volkswagen its updated Phaeton. So fa,r we've only got these preliminary details and small batch of photos, but you can check 'em out in the gallery below and we'll update you when more becomes available. Thanks for the tip, VLM!

Gallery: Citroen Metropolis Concept

[Source: Autocar via autosblog.fr]

Shanghai Preview: Citroën Metropolis concept is a bit of a stretch originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Apr 2010 11:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Long-wheelbase Mercedes-Benz E Class spotted getting ready for China

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, China, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

The Chinese market has always had a penchant for stretched-wheelbase versions of luxury sedans, adding a bit of wheelbase to everything from Buicks and Volvos to BMWs and Audis. The most recent vehicle to go on the rack is the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Apparently the Benz is lagging a bit in the sales department, trailing even Audi, a company it usually bests handily.

For that reason, China Car Times is reporting that Mercedes is planning on giving the E-Class some "Chinese characteristics." Beijing-Benz is said to be readying a Chinese-built E300L, pictured here. Audi has had a lot of success in China with its recently introduced A4L and A6L, while BMW has already released a lengthened 5 Series and is said to be planning a similarly elongated 3 in the near future. Being chauffeur driven is a sign of wealth in China, so having a mini limo shows status, hence the longer-wheelbase versions of luxury sedans being so popular. But just like the A4L and stretched 5er, there's no chance that the E-Class L will make it to the States.

[Source: China Car Times]

Spy Shots: Long-wheelbase Mercedes-Benz E Class spotted getting ready for China originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Apr 2010 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Long-wheelbase Equus prototype is one big Hyundai

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:35:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Hyundai, Luxury, South Korea

The long wheelbase Hyundai Equus VL500 -- Click above for image gallery

Just when you were getting comfortable with Hyundai's $39,000 Genesis, the Korean automaker sprung the $50,000 Equus on you. Now, Hyundai has upped the stakes with the Equus VL500, a long wheel-base version of its Korean-market (and possibly U.S.-bound) flagship.

The engine bay in the long-wheelbase version is the first Hyundai to swallow the 5.0-liter Tau V8. Power output hasn't been released yet, but with the 4.6-liter mill in the Genesis putting out close to 400 hp, something north of that mark is expected in this application. The Equus VL500 will debut in November, but will be exclusive to Korea for the time being. Hat tip to William!

Gallery: Hyundai Equus Limousine

[Source: The Car Blogger]

Spy Shots: Long-wheelbase Equus prototype is one big Hyundai originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo unveils long-wheelbase S80L for Chinese market

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, China, Volvo

Just like the long-wheelbase Audi A4L that debuted in China yesterday, Volvo has just rolled out a longer S80 with an extended wheelbase designed to suit Chinese premium car buyers' tastes. Unlike the Audi, we have a profile shot to show the extra length of the Volvo S80L. Volvo entered the Chinese market with its locally built S40 in 2006. Now it has made the decision to produce this market-specific version of the brand's flagship sedan in China, as well. The S80L gets stretched a full 14 cm (5.5 inches), and all of that extra space goes into the rear seat area. You have to wonder if these longer versions will eventually make their way into other markets.

One additional note: While most of the commenters on the Audi A4L post spent their time arguing about racism, stereotypes, average heights and nutrition, we want this one to be all about the car. So just to be clear, nobody was saying that all Chinese people are looking for additional height. We're sorry if some of you thought that was implied in the post. In fact, Chinese people apparently want extra length... in their premium cars. Get your minds out of the gutter.

[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Volvo unveils long-wheelbase S80L for Chinese market

Volvo unveils long-wheelbase S80L for Chinese market originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva '08 Preview: Spyker to unveil long-wheelbase C8

Noah Joseph — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 15:43:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Supercars, Spyker

The current standard-wheelbase Spyker C8 Laviolette

Spyker may be down, but it's not out. The Dutch exotic automaker has fallen on some hard times, but that's not going to stop it from moving forward with at least some of its plans. The C12 Zagato has been postponed indefinitely, but at the upcoming Geneva auto show in March, Spyker is expected to unveil an improved version of its existing C8 Laviolette.

As wonderfully quirky as the current C8 is, owners complain of constricted space. In response Spyker has stretched the wheelbase, giving more space in the cabin while improving the vehicles proportions. The C8 Laviolette LWB will feature an elongated version of the current model's glass roofline. A long wheelbase Spyder version is expected to follow sometime thereafter, benefiting from a proper motorized convertible roof instead of the largely useless folding rag on the current short-wheelbase model. It's a small step forward for the ailing company, but a step forward nonetheless.

Follow the jump for a video rendering of the upcoming C8 Spyder LWB doin' the turntable thing.

[Source: Spyker Owner Forum]

Continue reading Geneva '08 Preview: Spyker to unveil long-wheelbase C8

Geneva '08 Preview: Spyker to unveil long-wheelbase C8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Jan 2008 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official Shots: Cadillac DTS-L

John Neff — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 12:08:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, LA Auto Show, Sedan, Cadillac

click on image to enlarge

We told you last week that reports of Cadillac building a long-wheelbase version of the DTS were true, and now we have confirmation in the form of official shots of the long legged sedan released by General Motors today. While no information accompanied the images, you can clearly see about 6 to 8 inches of extra wheelbase that makes itself evident behind the rear doors. That extra length also gets added to the C-Pillar, which will both protect important back seat passengers from prying eyes and be a challenging blindspot for chauffeurs to see around. It's also clear from these pictures that, as we reported, a high-performance V-Series of the DTS-L will not be offered. One is clearly meant to be driven in this car, not to drive it himself (or herself). The rear-seat legroom is ample, as we would expect, with enough space behind the front seats to park an Aveo.

Will the Cadillac DTS-L give the aged Lincoln Town Car a run for its money? It might, if Cadillac can keep the cost down and find enough livery outlets looking to switch. Keep in mind, however, that we haven't heard much about the Chrysler 300 Long Wheelbase making any waves in the human delivery market. The Town Car is a tough cookie to beat due to its total entrenchment in this market, relatively low cost and a library of maintenance that's well known and tolerated. We'll likely see the Cadillac DTS-L at the L.A. Auto Show next week in person where we'll certainly climb in back and kick our feet up.

Check out the interior shot after the jump.

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Official Shots: Cadillac DTS-L

Official Shots: Cadillac DTS-L originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Nov 2006 12:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadillac unveiling long-wheelbase DTS in L.A.

Alex Nunez — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Sedan, Cadillac, GM

UPDATE 1 - Motor Trend's blog confirms the rest of the details that were floating around. 8-inch stretch, privacy seating, etc.

A couple of sites have posted reports that Cadillac will be unveiling a long-wheelbase version of the DTS at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Intrigued, we checked with some of our sources and have it on good authority that the General will indeed have a long-wheelbase DTS in LA. We think we can also quell speculation about the possibility of a V-Series edition of said car, as our understanding is that this stretched DTS is primarily oriented toward the livery market. That means that the recently saved-from-execution Lincoln Town Car is about to have a serious new competitor breathing down its neck in the executive sedan segment. We expect to hear full details on the new Caddy towards the end of the month. Stay tuned.

[Source: Internal]

Cadillac unveiling long-wheelbase DTS in L.A. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Nov 2006 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadillac to debut China-only SLS at Beijing Show

Alex Nunez — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 08:53:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, China, Cadillac

GM is taking the care and feeding of its growing business in China very seriously. Case in point: The 2007 Cadillac SLS, which will make its public debut at Auto China (the Beijing Motor Show) next week. The SLS is essentially an STS lengthened an additional 100mm (~4 inches) to give backseat passengers additional room to stretch out. In the press release accompanying the above photo, GM states that in China, luxury cars are usually chauffeur-driven, and as such, the cabin has been designed to meet the "specific needs" of the market. We take that to mean that the aft section of the compartment is equipped with more creature comforts than you'd find on a regular STS. Unfortunately, we don't have any photos of the interior to share.

The car will be built in Shanghai, with three engines -- the 2.8L V6, the 3.6L V6, and the Northstar V8 -- available to choose from. News of the long-wheelbase Caddy comes on the heels of BMW's announcement that the 5-Series is getting a similar treatment in China, as automakers scramble to take advantage of every opportunity the growing Chinese market presents to them.

(Press release after the jump)

[Source:GM]

Continue reading Cadillac to debut China-only SLS at Beijing Show

Cadillac to debut China-only SLS at Beijing Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Nov 2006 08:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How big of a hit will the Chrysler's 300C LWB be?

John Neff — Wed, 21 Jun 2006 12:04:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, New York Auto Show, Sedan, Chrysler, Daimler

Rick Kranz of Automotive News recently penned a piece asking just how popular will the upcoming Chrysler 300C LWB (Long Wheelbase) be, and is Chrysler underestimating its appeal to the public. DCX is saying it expects to sell around 70 percent of its LWB models to the livery business, which includes limo and high-end taxi services. But Myles Kovacs, president of Dub magazine, thinks the company is underestimating the car's appeal to the public, which includes the superstar athletes and entertainers that grace his mag's covers.

And it's not just the 300C's image, but also it's practical increase in interior volume, that will endear it to the big and tall among us. Its wheelbase is stretched by a full six inches, and we can tell you after sitting in one at the New York Auto Show that the difference in interior volume is profound. Back seat passengers sit so far back that an intercom system should be standard equipment so they can communicate with those up front.

And don't forget about all the old money out there that Lincoln has been attracting with its Town Car Executive L. While prices of the 300C LWB have yet to be announced, Chrysler has assured us that it will be substantially under the Town Car's price of around $51,345.

[Source: Automotive News via Winding Road]

How big of a hit will the Chrysler's 300C LWB be? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jun 2006 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York Auto Show: Kickin' back in the Chrysler 300 LWB

John Neff — Fri, 14 Apr 2006 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Etc., Chrysler

Absent the Imperial Concept, nothing says "Upper Middle Class" like the Chrysler 300 LWB and its six-inches of extra length, 10.2-cubic feet of additional interior space and whopping 46-inches of rear legroom. Those extra six inches are extremely transparent from the outside, as evident from the ten minutes we wasted unsuccessfully attempting to pick out the LWB from a group of 300s Chrysler had on display.

As you can see, our dogs quit their barking once we sat down in the LWB's back seat. What you can't see is that we took a time out from the show back there that lasted another ten minutes. While the rear seats may not recline in place or offer a retractable ottoman like some multi-hundred-thousand-dollar luxury cars we know, on our middle-class incomes we'll take what we can get.

More shots of my feet and some official images from Chrysler after the jump...

Continue reading New York Auto Show: Kickin' back in the Chrysler 300 LWB

New York Auto Show: Kickin' back in the Chrysler 300 LWB originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Apr 2006 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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