martinbo
Staff member
GCF EDITORIAL
AUDI
Audi's exhibit showcases the newest addition to its Q-badged soft-roader range - the Audi Q3 - as well as another preview of the forthcoming A3 saloon, this time in e-tron Concept guise.
The Audi Q3 features Audi's latest, edgier interpretation of its established design language and is based on the underpinnings of VW's Tiguan sister car. The Q3 will initially be available with a fuel-efficient range of 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol and diesel engines. The choice of transmissions – either manual or dual-clutch – combined with two wheel or four-wheel drive options will be model dependent. The Q3 is certainly destined to compete directly against BMW’s X1 and Range Rover’s forthcoming Evoque in the premium compact SUV segment.
Audi, on this occasion, chose to use the e-tron moniker in yet another iteration previewing the next generation Audi A3 which is expected to go on sale in mid-2012. This time round, rather than the all-electric arrangement seen in previous e-tron concepts, the A3 e-tron combines TSI engine technology with supplementary electric motor power.
BMW
The biggest possible news for any BMW release - regardless of launch venue - is the unveiling of a new M Car. In this case the BMW Concept M5 almost entirely previews the new F10 series BMW M5 that is expected to go on sale in the 4th quarter of this year following official release at Frankfurt in September. Whilst BMW remains tight-lipped about final output figures it has now been extensively reported on that the M5 will be powered by an enhanced version of the reverse-flow, twin-turbo V8 that does duty in the X5M and X6M. Rotational force will reach the rear wheels via a dual clutch M-DCT gearbox, specially strengthened to cope with the expectedly prodigious torque output of the force-fed V8. An active limited slip M-Differential is employed in the rear axle to optimise traction.
Significantly, in terms of BMW’s concerted push in the burgeoning Chinese automotive market, BMW has launched a hybrid, long-wheel base version of its F10 5 Series at Shanghai 2011. Slated for production in China, the car dubbed “New Energy Vehicle” is set to leverage off and in turn, further enhance, BMW’s image as the leading car maker in the eyes of Chinese consumers. In the words of BMW’s head honcho, Norbert Reithofer, the 5 Series Hybrid LWB is specific to the Chinese domestic market and is unlikely to be relevant to any markets outside of China.
Shanghai 2011 marks the occasion for the first public unveiling of the new BMW 6 Series Coupé. Expected to go on sale in the Northern Hemisphere summer, the new 6 Series will feature an all-turbocharged engine line-up mated to ZF’s impressive new 8-speed automatic transmission. As part of the Efficient Dynamics drive coming out of Munich, the 3.0 litre TwinPower Turbo 640i will feature additional fuel-saving technology in the form of stop-start functionality. 3.0 litre diesel versions are on the cards as is, obviously, the new M6 which should make its appearance late in 2012 incorporating the F10 M5’s new powertrain.
CITROEN
Citroen significantly has chosen Shanghai as the venue to launch the biggest car in its premium DS range - the all new DS5. Featuring avantgarde styling, lavish interior trim and a hybrid powertrain the new DS5 as shown in Shanghai is not the final end-product as initially thought. According to Citroen some details still require finalisation such as the interior finishings (say good-bye to that stitched, leather covered dash-top) and certain exterior detailing. This DS5 is powered by the PSA Group’s Hybrid4 system that combines a 163 horsepower (120kW) diesel upfront with a 37 hp (27kW) electric motor on the rear axle for a combined 200 hp (147kW) output. The DS5 is purportedly still some way off being on sale – availability is only expected in 2012.
HYUNDAI
It was a thoroughly China-centric display from Hyundai with the biggest fanfare belonging to the all new version of Hyundai’s best-selling car in China – the rather plain Elantra Yuedong. Exclusively designed and developed for the Chinese market, the Elantra Yuedong is said to cater specifically for local market needs and tastes. And before you knock it, consider that Hyundai has sold more than half-a-million of this particular model in just two years following its introduction in April 2008, so, clearly, it’s working for them.
Also on display was Hyundai’s quirky, asymmetrically apertured, Scirocco competitor – the Veloster – now in production guise as seen at Detroit earlier this year. Nothing notable in that, granted, but what is of interest is Hyundai’s presentation of the new 1.6 Gamma T-GDi turbocharged, direct injection petrol engine. Surely bound for application in the Veloster, this new engine will no doubt enhance the attractiveness of this model to potential hot-hatch buyers. Competitive outputs of 208 hp (155 kW) and 270 Nm are claimed by the manufacturer. The Gamma turbo engine is a key pointer to the rapidly increasing sophistication of this once ridiculed Korean brand.
JAGUAR
No XF facelift just yet for Jaguar – apparently this is cast for New York – instead, the TATA-owned British marque chose to reveal a lowered-output version of its V6 diesel engine in the XJ luxury saloon – the long-wheel base version at that! According to Jag’s big chief of sales, the 237 bhp (173 kW) is more in keeping with Chinese demand for big cars with smaller engines.
KIA
Mirroring sister company Hyundai’s focus on Chinese domestic market needs and preferences, Kia launched its China-only budget sedan, the K2, at Shanghai 2011. The now familiar Kia frontal DRG adorns the nose of what is otherwise a non-descript four door saloon. No doubt though – it will sell in the tens of thousands. Engines are 1.4 and 1.6 litre petrol units. Top speed will be scintillating – if you’re only previously used to a bicycle of course.
MERCEDES BENZ
What’s to say about the Mercedes Benz Concept A that hasn’t already been said? It’s been big news for the past fortnight already. Everyone knows that this concept car previews Mercedes Benz’ forthcoming A-Class, now coming into its third generation. Everyone also knows that the Concept A ushers in an all-new construction from Mercedes for its compact front-wheel drive range. But, what you may not know is that upon its initial presentation to onlookers at the show, the Concept A failed to start on cue thus requiring a push by the men in suits on to the presentation area.
MINI
MINI once more displayed its delightfully compact and urbane (was there ever a more appropriate word for this little city car?) Rocketman concept. In addition, MINI also showcased a limited edition model – “Inspired by Goodwood” – featuring a sumptuously appointed interior overseen by Rolls-Royce interior designer Alan Sheppard. This exercise in MINI-excess results in what will surely be the most expensive MINI yet. Styling of the regular Cooper S donor car has been subtly toned down to be more in keeping with the decorum of the model and the most notable omission is that of the faux bonnet scoop.
NISSAN
Nissan unveiled a new super-mini class sporting hatchback seemingly based on the Nissan Micra and turned out by Nismo. It’s quite obvious that Nissan’s stylists injected a healthy dose of sister company’s Renaultsport Clio influence into the mix but one can’t help but wonder if they went so far as to incorporate the now in-vogue offset kingpin front suspension bits into this 190 hp (140 kW) hatchback. The turbocharged, direct injection 1.6 litre gasoline engine is presumably the same as that installed in the Nissan Juke.
PEUGEOT
Bolstering the PSA Group’s efforts to portray how seriously the French manufacturer views the Chinese Market, Peugeot showed a behemoth of a French car – a concept quite alien in this day and age of sprightly hot hatches and compactly packaged mom-mobiles. The Peugeot SxC Concept is a large SUV study that is sexy by name only – bigger (though lower) than a Porsche Cayenne and possessed of a lower jaw-line that would give Godzilla a complex, this concept originates out of Peugeot’s Shanghai design studio whilst being overseen by chief designer, Gilles Vidal. It too features the PSA-developed Hybrid4 powertrain as seen in the DS5 on the Citroen stand, this time however, combining the electric get-up at the rear axle with a turbo’d 1.6 litre petrol engine.
ROLLS ROYCE
In keeping with the theme of longer wheelbase derivation now so synonymous with the Chinese market, Rolls Royce too showed a stretched version of an existing model. In this case it’s the Rolls Royce Ghost that’s come in for elongation in the EWB version – that’s for “Extended Wheelbase” if you hadn’t worked it out yet. The big drawcard is obviously, wait for it... rear legroom. With the front seats moved to their rearmost position, there’s still a full foot-and-an-inch (330mm) of space between the front and back seats. For the rest of it, it’s regular Rolls Royce Ghost fare. If you really want to split hairs then there’s a new forged alloy wheel design. The Ghost EWB is expected to be a hit with those who find a Phantom to be “too ostentatious”. Yes, really.
SUBARU
The XV Concept not only previews the all new Impreza hatchback but also signifies the introduction of the XV crossover as a distinct and separate model in the vein of Outback vs. Legacy. The XV will certainly be fitted with Subaru’s all-new, compact Boxer engine – the FB20 – as well as the current 2.0 litre turbodiesel. Petrol turbo engines are unlikely so don’t go hoping for an STI version of this thing. Well, not for the foreseeable future at least. It remains to be seen by how much the XV’s attractive but altogether unremarkable styling will be further dumbed down in the transition to production versions.
TOYOTA
Huge news out of Toyota: Japan’s biggest car maker once again showed the exterior of its FT-86 sporting coupé. And nothing else.
VOLKSWAGEN
The big news out of the VW exhibit is obvious by now. The new Volkswagen Beetle’s flattened and elongated roofline eschews the more overtly arched treatment borne by its predecessor, the old New Beetle. As a result, the new New Beetle (alright, enough of that...) exhibits a distinctly sportier and more serious persona than its more cartoonish forebear. The Beetle is a big car for what it is; at 4.28 m long, the 2011 Beetle is not only significantly longer than its direct rival – the MINI, according VW top brass – it’s also a touch longer than the Golf 6 with which it shares its platform. In keeping with the pervasive trend of turbocharging everything except Grandma’s wheelchair, the Beetle houses 1.2, 1.4 and 2.0 litre displacement turbo-petrol engines together with two turbodiesels. Drive is through the front wheels and one can expect the familiar transmission offering of six-speed manual and dual clutch gearboxes depending on the model. As green is the theme these days, the lower rung models feature stop-start and brake energy recuperation technology although that ultimate expression of tree-hugging frivolity – the flower vase – has been consigned to the obsolete parts catalogue. For sure, the new car’s interior aligns with a more modern, yet safer, aesthetic. The Beetle will be built in Puebla, Mexico and is expected to be available early 2012.
VOLVO
And in a final nod to the Chinese market’s predisposition toward long wheel-base luxury cars, Volvo surprises with the grandly titled Volvo Universe – a large, luxury concept showcasing design elements that can be expected on future large Volvos. Apparently commissioned by parent company Geely’s chairman, the Universe exhibits a dramatic front end graphic that is more radical than the altogether more conventional styling aft of the front wheels. The distinctive frontal styling is intended to evoke association with the Volvo PV544 and the car will subsequently be presented in other countries to gauge reaction. According to Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation: "Our aim is to be the brand that best understands what buyers of modern luxury cars want. We are eager to hear what the most demanding Chinese customers think of this luxurious concept. Later, we will show the design in Europe and the United States in order to bring it into the global context that we are aiming for with all our car models...” The interior is typically Scandinavian in its clean and uncluttered execution.
Clearly, the Universe is primarily a styling exercise at present as no mention of powerplant or drivetrain configuration is made in the official press release. The same goes for this Volvo Concept.
As for GermanCarForum’s star of the show? Well, let the debate ensue...
Ends.
