The annual China auto show, which alternates between the cities of Beijing and Shanghai, began this week with highlights that include the BMW Concept X4, a new Lamborghini Aventador anniversary edition, the Mercedes-Benz GLA crossover concept, and a Buick Riviera.
General Motors revealed the Buick Riviera plug-in hybrid concept at the auto show in Shanghai this week. Safety features include a system that collects traffic info through 10 high-resolution cameras and 18 micro sensors for distance monitoring. The data is then presented in a holographic image onto the windshield. In addition, an intelligent driver-assist system incorporates an eagle view record system, night-view assist, side blind-zone alert system, lane-departure-warning system, full-speed range-adaptive cruise control system, lane-change assist system, parking-assist system, rear cross-traffic alert system, autopilot system and “transparent” A pillars.
Lamborghini celebrates half a century of performance, power and design panache with a limited-edition supercar called the Aventador LP720-4 50° Anniversario. Autoweek reports that modifications grow output to a listed 720 hp from the Aventador's 6.5-liter 12-cylinder engine paired with the ISR (Independent Shifting Rods) gearbox. The tandem is capable of propelling the celebratory Lambo to 62 mph in 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 217.5 mph The front and rear fascia are redone for improved aerodynamics, and efficiency is increased more than 50 percent compared with the Aventador. One-hundred units will be produced for global sales, and they are marked with a serial number and the 50° logo. The Aventador LP720-4 50° is colored a shade of yellow developed for the anniversary car and is a salute to Lamborghini's signature color.
Called the Concept X4, BMW's five-door closely previews the look of the production version of BMW's second so-called Sports Activity Coupe that is planned to go on sale in North America about a year from now as a more affordable alternative to the X6, which is largely credited with initiating the trend toward four-door, coupe-style off-roaders, according to AutoWeek. The design of the X4 has been heavily influenced by that of the five-year-old X6. The two share the same basic silhouette and proportions, with large wheelhouses, a high waistline, shallow glasshouse, curved roofline, four framed doors, heavily raked rear window and almost vertical back end.
Mercedes-Benz GLA concept is meant to preview the sharp appearance, contemporary interior and mechanical package of Benz's upcoming GLA. The compact SUV is part of a new-model family meant to appeal to younger customers, rather than Mercedes' more traditional models. It is planned to go on sale in North America in early 2014 at a price expected to pitch it into direct competition with small utes like the BMW X1. A transverse-mounted, direct-injection turbocharged 2.0-liter four powers the concept, producing 208 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The same engine is available in several Benzes, and word is the production car will have a choice of four gas and three diesel engines, depending on the market. There's a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and multi-plate clutch all-wheel-drive system‘the same system Benz unveiled on the B-class 4Matic at the Geneva motor show in March. See the complete slide show on this new Mercedes crossover model.
MG Motor said its MG CS concept previews a potential compact SUV/crossover that would target young, fashion-conscious people. The MG CS is similar in size to the Nissan Qashqai. MG said the concept previews the brand's first production SUV and a potential competitor in one of the fastest-growing global automotive segments. The concept is the latest investment in the U.K. brand by Chinese owner, SAIC Motor Corp.
The Maserati Ghibli is set to underpin the Italian car maker's bold expansion plans and hopes of selling more than 50,000 cars per year by 2015. The Ghibli, whose name harks back to the company's coupe of the same name introduced in 1966, has been conceived to rival cars such as the Audi A6, BMW 5-series, Jaguar XF and Mercedes-Benz E-class. Based on a shortened version of the platform used by the Quattroporte, the Ghibli will be produced alongside its more luxurious sibling at the ex-Bertone plant in Grugliasco, Italy, Autoweek reports. As well as giving Maserati the potential for a significant increase in world-wide sales volume, the sedan will also provide the basis for a range-topping Alfa Romeo model, which will also be built on the on the same production line from 2015. Elements of the Ghibli's underpinnings are also set to be incorporated on a successor to today's Chrysler 300.
Eterniti Motors sold its first car at the Chinese show. The company took five orders for the Eterniti Artemis, four in standard specification and one bespoke version. The standard Artemis SUV costs about $337,500. The Artemis gets its power from a 4.8-liter, twin-turbo V8 producing more than 600 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Eterniti says the Artemis can reach 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and can exceed 180 mph. The interior of the standard version includes leather seats, natural wood veneers and piano black and carbon-fiber accents. The hand-built body panels are made of carbon composite, and 23-inch lightweight wheels are offered in a variety of styles.
Volkswagen makes its plans known for a second new SUV model at the Shanghai motor show when it reveals the CrossBlue coupe. The German auto maker plans to build the SUV at its plant in Chattanooga, Tenn., in 2015. The overtly sporting all-wheel-drive concept previews a future five-seat model being developed as a sister car to the original seven-seat CrossBlue unveiled at the Detroit auto show in January. A Volkswagen spokesperson told Autoweek that the company is looking to cover a broader section of the market with its next generation of SUV models, adding there is customer demand for a more sporting model alongside the standard model hinted to with the earlier BlueCross concept. Read Autoweek's extensive coverage of the China auto show.
