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Ignore that metallic avocado paint job for a second and perhaps you'll be able to wrap your head around Subaru's latest concept. This XV concept (Roman numerals?) is about the same size as the Kia Sportage compact SUV. The design itself certainly isn't groundbreaking, in fact, it's pretty tame as far as concepts go.
Not that we haven't seen the 2013 Chevy Malibu before, but here it is again in all of its official just-released-in-Shanghai glory.
Chevy's new global Malibu has a 4.5-inch shorter wheelbase (bucking an industry trend for longer wheelbases which results in less rear legroom but increases shoulder room), a half-inch shorter overall length and a width that's up some 3 inches over the previous car. To go with this smaller size is a smaller engine.
The 2013 Chevy Malibu will come with a 2.5-liter direct-injection four-cylinder expected to make 190 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque and routed to the front wheels via six-speed automatic.
Besides this, we've also got full interior pics and, while taken and touched-up by professionals, doesn't appear to be as busy as the spy photos indicated.
Oh, plus Camaro Taillights....
Here's the face of the next-generation Buicks in China... and by default, the United States. Buick's press release for the Envision hybrid concept, which debuted today at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show, makes frequent mention of various styling elements meant to appeal to Chinese customers, even descending into such minutiae as DRLs. "Porcelain-like daytime LED lamps house five 'Chinese pillar-like' LED bulbs for a reserved elegance with bright illumination." Yes, yes, we can picture that.
Otherwise, though, the regional influences are lost on us, as the Buick Envision looks like a lot of crossover concepts we've seen recently. Which is probably fine, as we expect the concept, and its dreamy carbon-fiber chassis with magnetorheological dampers, will segue into a production vehicle -- the Verano-based compact crossover SUV that we've been ancticipating for some time.
The concept has a plug-in hybrid drivetrain involving a direct-injected, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors built into the housing of an "automatic/manual eight-speed transmission." In addition to plug-in capability, the concept reportedly has solar panels capable of recharging is lithium-ion battery pack. A more likely production drivetrain could involve either GM's D.I. 2.4-liter or the 2.0-liter turbo with a six-speed automatic.
It was at the Shanghai Auto Show in 2007 that we first saw Audi's small crossover concept, the Cross Coupe Quattro. And now, 4 years later, we've got images of the production version of the 2012 Audi Q3 bound for the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show. Of course, we've seen the Tiguan-based crossover along the way, most notably from recent renderings, but now we've got the full scoop.
While the big news on everyone's mind is the new Impreza, Subaru isn't sitting back, this is the Subaru XV concept currently being prepped for the Shanghai Auto Show. This new crossover is highlighted by "Innovative styling, inspiring feel, playful nature and Subaru Symmetrical AWD."
In yet another sign-of-the-times simultaneous reveal, Mercedes-Benz will be showing off the new Concept A-Class compact at both the New York and Shanghai auto shows. Can't make it? No worries, these are the official photos. That's right, New York, which would signal at least passing interest by Mercedes in bringing the new A-Class to the states. (Thanks, CAFE!)
Powering the new small Mercedes is a 2.0-liter direct-injection gasoline engine (an M270 BlueEFFICIENCY engine) making 210 horsepower and hooked to a double-clutch transmission which is in turn hooked to the front wheels.
This A-Class concept also features LED headlamps, fiber-optic DRLs, and an advanced control wheel capable of operating 3D apps and your smartphone. That shouldn't be distracting at all.
Overall (except for the Z4-esque side treatment ) this concept A-Class is pretty cool which is rare of a car in this segment.
The debut of the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has been a thing of some speculation. Not what exactly (we know the shape and it being VW, we know the powertrain) but where. Shanghai or New York. Shanghai or New York.
And today we got the answer: Neither. But both.
The official debut of the new 356-lookin' Beetle will be on April 18th, before either show, in a partnership deal with MTV World Stage. The debut will start in Shanghai via MTV Sound System celebration hosted by some MTV VJs. World Stage events will follow in Berlin and New York City with the NYC event live streamed via WorldStage.MTV.com.
Following the online shows, the car will be on display at the Shanghai and New York Auto Shows.
How long will it be before all reveals are handled this way?
Here's some perspective of the global variety: The redesigned 2013 Chevrolet Malibu will debut at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show, which butts up right against the New York Auto Show. Oh, and if you're not in China, you can watch the unveil live on Chevrolet's Facebook page via the web, your iPhone or your iPad on April 18 at 8:30 a.m. EST (5:30 a.m. PDT). Oops, sorry Android users. You can then go see the car at the New York show starting on April 23.
GM will sell the 2013 Malibu in almost 100 markets worldwide, and many customers will be in China, where the automaker plans to assemble it locally (in addition to U.S. production, of course).
In order to give it more world appeal, GM designers have worked to give the sedan a sportier, more chiseled body, explains lead designer Dan Gifford in the teaser video after the jump. But if by more appeal, GM simply means more attractive, well, we'll all benefit.
No product details have slipped out yet, though GM has again reiterated that this Malibu will take a page from the Hyundai playbook and use an all-four-cylinder engine lineup and six-speed automatic transmissions.
Have you been wondering how much horsepower the new Rolls-Royce Ghost will have? How about its 0-60-mph time? Or maybe its top speed interests you?
Now you can rest easy, as Rolls-Royce has decided to let a few more details loose on its upcoming "small" sedan. Its new 6.6-liter V12 engine will produce 563 horsepower and 575 pound-feet of torque. They used to call numbers like that "ample"; now they have changed to "significant."
All that power is sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed ZF transmission. The result is a 0-60-mph time of 4.7 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
The final production version will be shown at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show in September, with U.S. deliveries scheduled for early next year.
2009 Shanghai Auto Show: Rolls-Royce Ghost
BMW announced pricing for the 2010 X5 M and X6 M today, and as we expected they are sickenly expensive. As in, we'll never be able to afford them expensive.
The 2010 BMW X5 M will run you a cool $86,255 while the X6 M will command a slight premium of $89,725 for its oddness.
New York Auto Show: 2010 BMW X6 M
Looks like the Volkswagen group had a little meeting to figure out its production plans for the next couple of years as Audi has also announced some upcoming production plans. The Q3, a compact SUV loosely based on the Cross Coupe Concept, will be built in Martorell, Spain starting in 2011 Audi announced today.
According to Audi's press release, the Q3 will be, "a coupe-like five-door SUV with seat positions, wheel size, and ground clearance characteristic of a typical SUV. The Q3 will blend a compact car's design and driving dynamics with an SUV's spaciousness and versatility."
So yeah, nothing really new here, just another vehicle to slot into the lineup in an effort to conquer BMW.
Last year Geely stole the show in Beijing with its long and lean GT concept. It was over the top in many ways, but at least it was an original design.
This year, the GT is back, but it's flowing lines have been interrupted by the realities of production. There's a full interior this time around and a much larger greenhouse to open up more passenger room. Unfortunately, the new shape makes the car look awkward and unfinished. If Geely wants to make a name for itself with a flagship coupe, it's going to have to channel a little more of the concept into the finished product.
2009 Shanghai Auto Show: Geely GT
So how did Porsche get its new Panamera up to the 94th floor of the Shanghai World Financial Center for the sedan's world debut? By the collective will of the Communist people of course. Oh, and one particularly large freight elevator helped too.
Prior to today's announcement at the Shanghai Auto Show, the Rolls-Royce Ghost was called everything from the "baby Phantom" to RR4 to 200EX. Now it has a proper name from the Rolls-Royce history books, one that makes it sound all wispy and athletic.
Don't be fooled, though, this sedan still measures 212-inches nose-to-tail, a good 7-inches longer than a Mercedes-Benz S Class, and it will use a 6.6-liter, turbocharged V12 under its hood. Production is expected to start at Goodwood later this year.
Jaguar used the 2009 Shanghai auto show to announce details on the upcoming 2010 XJ sedan. It will debut this summer in London on July 9th and go on sale in some markets by the end of this year.
A second-generation of Jaguar's aluminum chassis will underpin the new flagship and both standard and long-wheelbase models will be offered. Engines will range from a V6 diesel to the 510-horsepower supercharged V8 already shown in the XFR sedan.
In what can only be called anti-climatic, the 2010 Porsche Panamera made its first public appearance at the 2009 Shanghai Auto Show. This after years of seeing lightly disguised prototypes crisscrossing the world, not to mention a recent technical briefing and ride along at Porsche's research center.
If anything, this look at the Porsche Panamera is another chance to give it the once over and contemplate whether you would rather have this sedan over a new BMW 7-Series or the upcoming 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
You may have had enough of the auto show circuit after last week's show in New York, but there's one final international show left before summer.
The 2009 Shanghai Auto Show will not only have several production cars bound for the U.S. like the 2010 Porsche Panamera and 2010 BMW X5 M, it will showcase China's growing home market brands like Geely, Chery and Great Wall.
As is typical of the Chinese shows, we'll be seeing a colorful array of model names that make monikers like Brougham and Bonneville SSEI seem quaint. So far we've seen previews of the Chery Karry Viewsonic, Great Wall Cool Bear and the Dongfeng Fengshen. Check back next Monday for more cool name and additional coverage from Shanghai.
You may not notice it from the pictures, but this is the reskinned 2010 Audi Q7. The changes are so slight as to be unnoticeable, so we'll point them out for you.
In terms of design, the grille has been given chrome vertical bars while the lower fascia gets a skidplate-looking thing. You'll also notice the glittery looking light cluster. It's now available with optional LED marker lights that add what is quickly becoming a distinctive light signature for all Audi's.
New window moldings change up the profile of this Q7 while the rear end gets a two-tone paint job along with an aluminum tailgate to save weight. Interior upgrades are also minimal as the most noticeable enhancements are a new instrument panel and additional chrome accents throughout the cabin.
Although Europe gets to choose from six engines in the Q7, U.S. versions will offer just three. A new 3.6-liter V6 with 280-hp, a 4.2-liter V8 with 350-hp and a new 50-state legal 3.0-liter TDI V6. A six-speed automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive is standard with all engines.
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#NYIAS Mercedes gave a quick introduction to the Vision E250 Bluetec sedan yesterday in New York. We took a quick photo. By today, the diesel Benz concept was gone, already whisked off for the Shanghai auto show
.
"Vision" is somewhat of a misnomer, because the E250 isn't really a concept. A version of this car, the E250 CDI, is already part of the 2010 E-Class lineup in Europe. But the "Bluetec" indicates the car now has an AdBlue urea tank in back, allowing it to meet Europe's more stringent EU 6 emission standard that goes into effect in 2014. Compared to the current EU 5 standard, this requires a significant cut in NOx emissions.The urea injections would also allow the Mercedes-Benz E250 to get 50-state certification here.
Who's going to buy a four-cylinder diesel E-Class? You are. Consider that the Vision E250 Bluetec has a 2.1-liter turbodiesel four (or 2.2 liters, according to Benz, but displacement is only 2,143cc) good for 204 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque from 1,600-1,800 rpm. That's not much less than the 210 hp and 400 lb-ft in our current E320 Bluetec, and the E250 would be cheaper, Mercedes officials tell us.
Estimated fuel economy ratings on the U.S. test cycle are an incredible 28 mpg city/39 mpg highway -- vastly better than the E320 Bluetec, rated at 23/32.
Mercedes has not yet made a decision about whether to import a production E250 Bluetec, but if it came here, it would replace the diesel E320. This diesel is also under consideration for the GLK. -- Erin Riches, Senior Editor
Though we reported yesterday
that the 2010 BMW X5 M
won't officially debut until the 2009 Shanghai Auto Show
, BMW has quietly released more photos.
And it turns out that the X5 M has the same 20-inch wheels as the X6 M. Similarly, the front seating areas are indistinguishable. So as on the non-Motorsport versions, the differences come down to sheet metal, seat count and cargo capacity. You already know our preference.
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