During last week’s Beijing Motor Show, Hyundai finally revealed the 2011 Accent compact sedan, or Verna, as it is known in Asia.
As you can see above (if you take your eyes off the lovely ladies), the new Accent sports the same Fluidic design language as seen on the larger Sonata sedan. One can even go so far as to say the Accent is just a shrunken version of its bigger brother.
Either way, this still leaves the compact sedan with a very attractive look, one that is certain to attract the customers that can’t spring for a full grown Sonata. For the Chinese market, two petrol engines are going to be available: a 106 HP 1.4-liter that can be coupled with a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic, or a more potent 121 HP 1.6-liter unit, available only with the automatic transmission.
The 2011 Hyundai Accent is set to hit the Chinese market this summer, with the South Korean carmaker planning to launch the model all around the world somewhere between the end of 2010 and beginning of 2011.
Post tags: Tags: 2011 hyundai accent, 2011 hyundai sonata, beijing motor show, Hyundai, hyundai accent, hyundai sonata
In case you didn’t make it to Beijing this year for the Motor Show (Auto China 2010), BMW has just the thing.
The Bavarian company released a new video in which it highlights the main exhibits it had on the show floor. From the Vision EfficientDynamics hybrid supercar, to the long wheelbase 2011 5 Series, the 1 Series ActiveE electric prototype or the stunning Gran Coupe concept it unleashed at the end of last week, nothing is omitted.
Curious to see all these cars in Beijing? Hit the jump and check out the video made by BMW.
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Post tags: Tags: 2011 bmw 5 series, beijing motor show, BMW, bmw 1 series activee, bmw efficientdynamics, bmw gran coupe, Video
Geely finally revealed the model it hopes will continue the legacy of the black London taxis, the Englon TXN, at the Beijing Motor Show.
For those of you who don’t remember, the Chinese carmaker is the owner of the London Taxis International company, which is responsible for making the famous black cabs we see prancing around the British capital. The models, while iconic as they may be, are in need of a replacement, at least according to the Chinese, who revealed the Englon TXN.
Basically an updated take on the usual black taxis, the TXN can also be ordered as a TX4 version, with increase space in the back. No matter the version, a choice of either a 2.4-liter gasoline engine coupled to a five-speed automatic or 2.5-liter diesel engine, coupled with a five-speed manual, can be ordered.
Companies willing to order these new models for their fleets should dig deep into their pockets, as given current exchange rates, a TXN will go for $30,500.
Post tags: Tags: beijing motor show, cab, englon txn, Geely, london, taxi
British brand MG, now part of the Chinese consortium SAIC, revealed at last week’s Beijing Motor Show a brand new concept.
As you can see above, it isn’t one of the famous roadsters that made the company so well known, but a small compact hatchback model, a bit too similar with the new Ford Fiesta, if you ask us.
Either way, the MG Zero concept hatchback previews a future entry from the brand onto this tough segment. The design was penned in the UK by Anthony Williams, and aims at capturing the interest of a worldwide audience, not just in Europe or Asia.
On the inside we can find quite a lot of futuristic technologies, including the floating center console complete with a plethora of touch screen controls. No other details about engines or when we shall see the MG Zero concept roll off the assembly line were given, so don’t hold your breath anytime soon.
Post tags: Tags: beijing motor show, Concepts, hatchback, mg, mg zero
Did you think Bentley was the only luxury carmaker revealing limited editions of its models for the Chinese market at the Beijing Motor Show?
Well, you’re wrong, as Lamborghini pulled out all the stops and announced that 10 limited models of its Murcielago LP670-4 SuperVeloce supercar will be sold in the Asian country.
What’s so special about this edition? Not a lot, as the Chinese will only be getting a gray paint job with black and orange accents, while the inside will be decked out in Alcantara, carbon fiber and orange accents. Throw in a special numbered plate and you’re all set.
For those who forgot what power lies withing the Murcielago LP670-4 SV, its 6.5-liter V12 now develops 670 HP with a torque of 487 lb-ft. This power is sent to all four wheels and, thanks to the reduced weight, will make the Lambo sprint from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.2 seconds, eventually stopping at 213 mph (342 km/h).
Post tags: Tags: beijing motor show, china, Lamborghini, lamborghini murcielago lp670-4 sv, lamborghini murcielago lp670-4 sv china, lamborghini-murcielago, limited-edition
It seems that the patent sketches GM filed at the beginning of the week were true. The company revealed at the Beijing Motor Show the Chevrolet Volt MPV5 concept.
A blend between a crossover and a people carrier, this new vehicle, as we suspected, uses the Voltec powertrain, meaning it has the same 150 HP engine connected to a 16 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery used in the Volt sedan. The increased size and worse aerodynamics make the MPV5 electric crossover reach just a 32 mile electric range, as opposed to the Volt’s 40. When the battery is depleted, the range extending 1.4-liter generator kicks in, allowing the concept to travel around 300 miles.
As its name suggests, the MPV5 has five seats and can store 30.5 cubic feet behind those seats. If you fold them down, the capacity will extend to 62 cubic feet. On the inside it looks almost the same as the Volt sedan so you won’t have any big surprises.
The Chevrolet Volt MPV5 electric crossover/people carrier is just a concept at this moment, but you can clearly figure out that when the Volt sedan arrives on the market, the production version of this model won’t be far behind.
Post tags: Tags: beijing motor show, Chevrolet, chevrolet volt mpv5, chevrolet-volt, Concepts, Electric Vehicles, General Motors, gm
What you see above is the Ford Start design study. Before you say it, yes, it looks like an Audi A1 from afar, but the reasoning behind the concept is quite interesting.
While it does seem a bit on the simplistic side, especially when compared to the well-received Kinetic design direction we saw on cars like the Fiesta, the Start concept was made to showcase a move towards making the manufacturing process more efficient.
The structure of the Start uses aluminum and high strength steel in order to keep weight down but also keep the car secure. The body panels are made from recyclable composites and thus eliminate the need to actually paint the vehicle. Also, the shape of the concept demands less resources in the production cycle.
It’s worth mentioning the new MyFord Mobile infotainment system that relies on a connection with a smartphone in order to allow drivers to interact with the car and change various settings.
Still, don’t expect the Start to make it to production, as the only thing even remotely possible to see the light of day at the end of an assembly line is its engine, a 1.0-liter EcoBoost unit. In case you didn’t notice the name, the engine is both turbocharged and direct injected, meaning the three-cylinder unit can match the power output of a regular 1.6-liter inline-four, according to Ford. While official figures weren’t given, you can except power ratings to be around 100-105 HP.
While we’re not so crazy about the design, the promise of that EcoBoost engine is mighty tempting.
Post tags: Tags: beijing motor show, Concepts, ecoboost, engine, Ford, ford start
As any self-respecting luxury carmaker, Bentley knows most of its money is currently coming from China and just revealed two special editions based on its Continental lineup for the Asian country at the Beijing Motor Show.
First off, four-door lovers will be able to enjoy the Continental Flying Spur Speed China, which, alongside a more elegant trim line and accessory lineup, saw its exhaust system toned down and received a softer suspension. Still, this doesn’t stop Bentley from hyping up the model as the “world’s fastest luxury four-door saloon.”
Chinese coupe fans weren’t neglected, with the British carmaker revealing Continental GT Design Series China model. The car has a bespoke interior (pictured above) with three-tone leather and new accents that can be ordered in a variety of colors.
Either way, if you happen to be passing by the Chinese capital, you can visit the Beijing Motor Show and check out these special Bentleys.
Post tags: Tags: beijing motor show, Bentley, bentley continental flying spur speed, bentley-continental, bentley-continental-gt, china, special-edition
The Volkswagen Phaeton luxury limousine has been somewhat of a failed experiment for the German company, at least in Europe or the USA. In Asia though, the flagship model is scoring some impressive sales, recession be damned.
As such, the German company decided to showcase the 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton facelift at this week’s Beijing Motor Show, taking place in the Chinese capital. As you can see above, the new Phaeton received a refreshed look, in line with the new design line for VW models.
LED lights dominate the front headlamps, while a chromed grille surrounds the VW logo. The rear of the flagship sedan has also been restyled to inspire more personality than the older and dull one. LED technology has also been used on the taillights.
On the inside, new features were added for luxury lovers. From the posh Alcantara, leather and wood inserts to the fully-adjustable power seats, both the driver and the passengers are going to feel quite pampered. The navigation system has now received Google Maps connectivity and will also detect road signs, letting the driver know the current speed limits or whether or not overtaking is allowed.
The 2011 VW Phaeton also boasts its wide array of sensors that scan 164 feet (50 meters) back and 12 feet (3.6 meters) on each side and lets the driver know is maneuvering the car or changing lanes is safe.
In terms of engines, the new Phaeton will offer a 240 HP 3.0-liter TDI V6 diesel, as well as few gasoline units: a 260 HP 3.6-liter V6, a 335 HP 4.2-liter V8 and a 450 HP 6.0-liter W12 engine, the latter being reserved for the long wheelbase edition.
Overall, the 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton is looking good, but judging from the lackluster response to the current edition, it will only have fans in Asia. The car will hit the market this fall.
Post tags: Tags: 2011 volkswagen phaeton, beijing motor show, facelift, refresh, Volkswagen, volkswagen phaeton
It’s been a long time coming, but rich people all around the world can rejoice: the Maybach lineup has received a facelift for the 2011 model year, complete with new looks, revised engines and, most importantly, more luxury features than you can shake a diamond-encrusted stick at.
First off, the 2011 Maybach lineup is likely to be the last we’ll ever see of the luxury brand, as sales are dwindling and Mercedes-Benz is losing money with the current cars. Hopefully this refresh might breathe some more life into it, but things aren’t looking good.
The facelifted Maybach, as was leaked a few months ago, has received improved looks, in terms of front and rear fascia. A chromed radiator grille was added, which varies depending on the versions rich people opt for, as well as a restyled hood, a new front bumper, revised door mirrors and improved rear taillights.
Standard 57 and 62 models get a set of 21-spoke 19-inch wheels, while S models will boast 12-spoke 20-inch ones. The new changes, according to Maybach, made the car more aerodynamic but also increased its dimensions slightly.
On the inside, the refreshed Maybach lineup really shines, as it boasts things like a 19-inch rear screen, a perfume atomizer and even a wireless internet connection. Those option for long wheelbase models will receive a new electro-transparent panoramic glass sunroof with (get ready) a liquid crystal membrane that will change the glass from transparent to opaque at the flick of a switch.
Curious to see what’s going on around the car but don’t want to get near the windows or lower the privacy screen between the chauffeur and your rich self? The Maybach has you covered, as a camera can broadcast an all-round view from the car to the aforementioned 19-inch screen. Those springing for the ‘cheaper’ 57 edition will now get to experience the reclining rear seat that was available on the 62 up until now.
Overall, the new Maybach facelift may seem a bit useless in today’s market, but as long as there’ll be rich people, such models do have a niche to cover. Check out the new 2011 Maybach facelift lineup in the photo gallery below.
Photo Gallery: 2011 Maybach facelift
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Post tags: Tags: beijing motor show, china, facelift, Maybach, official, refresh
Things are all sunshine and butterflies for Saab now, but, at the beginning of the year, things weren’t that good. As you may remember, in an effort to get some money off of Saab, its owner, General Motors, decided to sell some of its platforms and intellectual rights to China’s BAIC.
The Chinese corporation declined to say what its plans were, but now, as the Beijing Motor Show is starting to open its doors, we have a clear picture. What you see above is the new C71 concept that BAIC will be building through its BAW (Beijing Auto Works) division.
Feel like you’ve seen it before? Sure you had, as this is an old Saab 9-5. Of course the Chinese plastered a futuristic front fascia, but you can’t miss that rear end. Expect other such concepts to appear in the future, as BAIC also secured the rights for the pre-2006 Saab 9-3 and two other platforms, engines and transmissions from GM before Spyker came in and saved Saab.
Post tags: Tags: baic, beijing motor show, china, Concepts, Saab, saab 9-5
SAIC (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation) has just presented a new type of electric vehicle, dubbed the E1, which boasts that its battery pack can be recharged up to 80% in just 30 minutes.
The SAIC E1 owes this impressive feat to the new lithium iron phosphate battery pack. It allows the car, a three-door four-seater, to have a range of 88 miles, while being able to reach 75 mph. The small weight, just 2,292 pounds (1,040 kg), makes the SAIC E1 accelerate from 0 to 31 mph in 5.5 seconds, while the 62 mph (100 km/h) mark is reached in less than 16 seconds.
SAIC is also the first Chinese carmaker to attach an actual mass production date to its electric vehicle, as the E1 will commence rolling off the assembly line in 2012. Stay tuned for more details at the end of the week when the Beijing Motor Show will start.
Post tags: Tags: beijing motor show, Concepts, Electric Vehicles, saic, saic e1
China, by all accounts, is set to become the largest car market in the world. As such, many European and American companies are trying to present products aimed at the Asian country.
Judging by the latest premieres made before the Beijing Motor Show starts this week, the Chinese sure love some long limousines, as not only the 2011 BMW 5 Series long wheelbase model was revealed, but also the 2011 Audi A8 L.
Now, Citroen isn’t content with letting the Germans have all the fun, and revealed the Metropolis concept, a luxury limousine that dwarfs its long wheelbase rivals at 17.38 feet (5.3 meters) and is as wide as a Maybach model at 6.5 feet (2 meters).
The car is the first creation of the PSA Group’s Shanghai design bureau, but as you can see, uses many styling cues already found on other recent concepts like the Survolt, the Revolte or the DS High Rider. The model sits on the Platform 3 architecture, the same as the Peugeot 407 or the Citroen C6.
But even though it uses an older platform, the Citroen Metropolis has a 2.0-liter V6 gasoline engine under the bonnet that runs in tandem with an electric motor. This, coupled with an overboost function, can generate 460 HP and 317 lb-ft of torque. The two units are kept in check by a seven-speed gearbox that sends power to all four wheels. Citroen insists the Metropolis luxury sedan emits just 70 g/km of CO2.
Like with all recent Citroen concepts, we’re extremely pleased by its styling, and, with such impressive technical specifications, the Metropolis is looking very good. What do you think? Share your thoughts below.
Post tags: Tags: beijing motor show, china, Citroen, citroen metropolis, Concepts, Hybrid, limousine, luxury
Last year’s premiere of the 2011 Audi A8 flagship limousine impressed a lot of people, but still had a few nay-sayers. With the premiere of the 2011 Audi A8 L long wheelbase variant, that is certainly going to change, as the Ingolstadt manufacturer is packing a huge amount of power in a complete luxury offer.
First off, let’s start with the premium features. The limousine now measures 17.28 feet (5.2 meters), half a foot longer than the regular A8. This allowed the German carmaker to throw in the luxury features like nobody’s business. The rear of the A8 is now decked out in premium leather while the two rear seats are heated and cooled, can be adjusted in almost every imaginable way and employ ten air bladders to massage their occupants.
Further highlighting the space available in the rear, there’s even a folding ottoman seat, just in case you want to show off to your rich friends. There’s the standard four-zone climate control, but it can now be adjusted with the help of no less than 25 separate motors. The center tunnel can accommodate anything from a standard table to a refrigerator and anything in between. It also helps you control the 1,400-watt 19 speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system or enjoy a video on the two 10.2-inch LCD displays.
The 2011 Audi A8 L will still give you quite a few reasons to replace your chauffeur, as it boasts a massive 6.3-liter W12 engine under the bonnet. It outputs 500 HP and 461 lb-ft of torque, and pushes it through an eight-speed automatic to all the four wheels, thanks to the quattro AWD system. Its power translates in a 0 to 62 mph time of 4.9 seconds and an electronically-limited 155 mph top speed.
The Audi A8 L long wheelbase will be revealed in Beijing next week and appear on the market this summer. Until then, check out the luxury limousine in the photo gallery below.
Photo Gallery: 2011 Audi A8 L
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Post tags: Tags: 2011 audi a8, 2011 audi a8 l, Audi, audi a8, beijing motor show, limousine, long wheelbase, luxury, photo-gallery
The Beijing Motor Show will start next week, but already a big surprise from General Motors, the 2011 Buick Excelle compact sedan, has been spied by a Chinese website.
As you can see above, the sedan version of the Excelle is largely based on the similar variant of the Opel/Vauxhall Astra, and uses GM’s Delta II platform, shared by the Chevrolet Volt and the Cruze. This model has a more personality, at least on the outside, but on the inside, it basically just swapped the Opel badge with a Tri-shield Buick and called it a day.
While no official details were revealed, it’s expected that the sedan Excelle will first appear in China, then in North America. Rumored engines include a 116 HP 1.6-liter, a 138 HP 1.8-liter plus a 180 HP turbocharged 1.6-liter. A diesel engine and a more potent 220 HP 2.0-liter are also rumored for the Chinese market.
In case this new model got you interested, stay tuned for its official debut in Beijing next week.
Post tags: Tags: 2011 buick excelle, beijing motor show, Buick, buick excelle, china, sedan, Spy Shots
