Gong Xi Fa Cai

Advertisement

Infiniti JX luxury crossover to join line-up in 2012

April 20, 2011 at 10:32 am By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Concept Cars, Infiniti, International News


Click to enlarge

Infiniti has announced that it will be bringing the JX, an all-new three-row luxury crossover, into the market sometime in the second quarter of 2012. The company has released an exterior sketch of the JX, and states that the brand styling theme will continue with a “crescent cut” greenhouse design influenced by the Infiniti Essence concept car.

The seven-seater promises to have a stunning interior, offer exceptional seating flexibility and easy access to the roomy third row, as well as being equipped with the latest in-vehicle technology, including next-generation telematics.

More details will emerge when the JX concept is shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance this August – the production version is slated to make its global debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

Leave a Comment      

Audi A3 e-tron – second preview of the upcoming sedan

April 19, 2011 at 7:42 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Audi, Cars, International News

Like the sedan showed at Geneva last month, this Audi A3 e-tron Concept is billed as a “Technical Study”. But it’s obvious that Audi is planning a small saloon that will slot under the A4 (which has grown by quite a bit through the years), and the fact that both that concept and this one are of the same size and look identical save for a few details, hints that this design should be almost final.

The turbo-five A3 from Geneva teased an RS high performance version, but this Shanghai showstar is all about clean performance, like e-trons before it. Designed as a plug-in hybrid, the A3 e-tron concept is propelled by two power units – a 211 hp 1.4 TFSI and a 27 hp (20 kW) electric motor. Together with a 7-speed S tronic ‘box, this A3 is good for 0-100 in 6.8 seconds on to a 231 km/h top speed.

At the heart of the Audi A3 e-tron concept are the lithium-ion batteries located behind the rear seats. With a charge capacity of 12 kWh, they give the notchback a range of up to 54 km on electric power alone. The batteries are charged by the standard energy recovery system when the car is in motion or directly from a household power socket when parked. This means a large part of daily commuting can be entirely emissions-free.

All nice and good tech for the future, but we’re more interested in whether the production version, which is tipped to surface in the second half of 2012, will retain this concept’s well received proportions and design.

Gallery after the jump.
[Read more...]

13 Comments      


BMW Z4 sDrive28i now powered by N20 4-cylinder turbo

April 19, 2011 at 6:45 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under BMW, Cars, International News

The second car in the BMW stables to receive the new N20B20 4-cylinder direct injected turbocharged petrol engine is the BMW Z4, in the sDrive28i model. The first model to get the engine was the BMW X1 xDrive28i.

In the X1, the N20B20 makes 245 horsepower at 5,000rpm and 350Nm of torque from as low as 1,250rpm, which is slightly less horsepower but a whole lot more torque compared to the engine it replaces – the 3.0 litre 6-pot that in “28i” tune makes 258 horses and 310Nm.

We expect the engine to be extended to other BMW models as well – there’s surely going to be an upcoming new 1-Series 128i, the F30 328i and perhaps even the F10 528i will become 4 cylinder powered.

34 Comments      

Subaru XV Concept – how to mix professional with trendy

April 19, 2011 at 6:22 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, International News, Subaru

Okay, the bright yellow-green shade isn’t the only thing that’s funky about the Subaru’s Shanghai debutant, the XV Concept crossover. The key design concept for it is too – “Protren” then is the word for the day, and it’s coined from the terms “professional tool” and “trendy design.”

Supposedly, it expresses the integration of “authentic functionality as a professional tool” and “urban and stylish design.” Well, yes, whatever works, then. The product itself is simpler to digest – the front of the vehicle contains standard design elements that are common to the Subaru stable, including the new hexagon grille, winged motif and hawk-eye headlights.

At the back, the vehicle features the hexagonal design as in front, and more hexagons engraved into the clear blue base under the license plate complement the consistent design theme. The black lower bumper and wheel arch protection, combined with the car’s metallic highlights, underline its crossover status.

The XV wears a distinctive five-spoke alloy wheel design which features contrasting silver spokes, black rims and clear blue centre caps, chosen to intentionally generate more flash. Not that the exterior matte shade, called Electro Yellowgreen, isn’t striking enough already. Elsewhere, the XV features a roof with a continuous glass sheet and metallic/clear-finish roof rails.

The interior gets a silvery white leather finish – with yellowgreen piping – for the seats, which provides a distinct contrast to the dark interior trim. The concept features Subaru’s Eyesight advanced driving assist system; a LCD monitor positioned between the two well-balanced and highly visible combination meters allows the driver to check the images captured with the EyeSight’s stereo cameras.

Measuring in at 4,450 mm long, 1,800 mm wide and 1,620 mm tall, with a 2,635 mm wheelbase, the XV Concept is equipped with a 2.0 litre Boxer engine, mated to a Lineartronic CVT gearbox. The five-seater sits on 19-inch wheels wrapped with 245/45 series tyres.

Photos after the jump.
[Read more...]

10 Comments      

Audi Sand Art performance at Audi A8L Launch

April 19, 2011 at 5:37 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Audi, Cars

When Audi launched the new Audi A8L earlier this year, they had sand artist Loong Bee to perform as part of the launch gimmick. Enjoy the sand art performance video above, which features various Audi-inspired drawings.

9 Comments      

Bigger and curvier new Nissan Latio/Tiida hatch unveiled, 1.6L turbo performance variant has 190 hp and 240 Nm!

April 19, 2011 at 4:03 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Nissan

This is the new Nissan Tiida, unveiled at Auto Shanghai 2011 today. Produced at the Dongfeng Nissan Huadu Plant in Guangzhou, the Tiida hatchback, which we know here as the Latio Sport, will start selling next month in China. It will be launched in approximately 130 countries around the world by 2014, according to Nissan.

The new car will have pretty big shoes to fill. The outgoing Tiida hatch, first introduced in China in 2005, sold 85,000 units last year. But it’s very well armed to achieve better, thanks to new swoopy styling (hints of Mazda3 spotted), increased dimensions and space and new drivetrains, headlined by a 1.6L turbocharged engine.

If you’ve been in the Latio Sport, you’d have noticed the car’s impressive cabin space. The new one further builds on this. At 4,295 mm long and 1,760 mm wide, the new car is 45 mm longer and 65 mm wider. More significantly, the wheelbase has been increased by 100 mm to make 2,700 mm, leading Nissan to claim best-in-class rear knee room. The new size is now firmly in the C-segment, as opposed to the old car’s middle ground between B and C classes.

Nissan’s HR16DE is again in service, but with added Pure Drive low-emission technologies such as dual injectors. Transmission choices include a manual gearbox and Nissan’s Xtronic CVT. However, the highlight is the 1.6L turbo variant, which makes 190 hp and 240 Nm of torque. By the way, 240 Nm is identical to what the twincharged VW Golf TSI makes, but the Nissan has a 30 horse advantage.

In the image set we have, the red car with the black interior is the 1.6L turbo. Notice the “DIG Turbo” sign below the TIIDA mark? DIG stands for Direct Injection Gasoline. Other differences include 17-inch wheels and unique tail lamps. A Japanese rival to the 308 Turbo and Golf TSI? This is it!

Gallery after the jump.
[Read more...]

89 Comments      

Kia K2 sedan unveiled in Shanghai – only for China?

April 19, 2011 at 2:08 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, China, International News, Kia

The Kia K2 revealed in leaked and spyshot photos yesterday has been officially unveiled in Shanghai. Based on the all-new Rio platform, the B-segment sedan is designed and engineered by Kia and its Chinese JV Dongfeng Yueda Kia specifically for the Chinese market, and will begin production at DYK’s manufacturing facility in Jiangsu in June.

The K2, which measures in at 4,370 mm long, 1,700 mm wide and 1,460 mm tall (with a 2,570mm wheelbase), is being positioned as a premium small car with advanced styling and upgraded levels of quality and performance. A five-door hatchback version is set to join the party sometime in August.

Though sharing the same technical underpinnings as the all-new Rio, the K2 has been completely redesigned for the Chinese market, drawing on styling cues from the popular K5 sedan (the new Optima) – it has definitely borrowed a fair bit element-wise from the latter, if rescaled.

Design elements include a front featuring Kia’s signature tiger nose grille, a large air intake, dynamic swept-back headlamps and an interesting fog lamp design, for starters. A side character line, side air vent and trunk edge line beef things further, and the rear features a two-tone bumper and modern combination lamps.

The driver-focused interior features, among other things a three-cylinder supervision instrument cluster, cloth lined door panels, 60:40 split rear folding seats, leather steering wheel and TGS knob, as well as push-button engine start, replete with smart key. Kia says the K2 has a best-in-class interior space, and the car offers 500 litres of boot space.

For the market, the K2 will be available in six trim levels across two engine variants, these being the 106 hp 1.4 litre or 120 hp 1.6 litre Gamma petrol units, mated to either a manual or automatic transmission.
[Read more...]

33 Comments      

Buick Envision Concept previews future crossover

April 19, 2011 at 1:12 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Buick, Cars, International News

GM’s Buick brand likes to use Shanghai to preview its upcoming cars. Some may just brush these concepts off as mere eye candy, but these guys are serious. Case in point is the Buick Business Concept from Shanghai 2009 that was launched in production form as the new Buick GL8 last December, with stepped windowline intact.

This time it’s a crossover. The Envision Concept, like the Business Concept, was developed jointly by Shanghai GM and the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC), which lies just outside the city. It merges Buick’s global design language with Chinese aesthetics for the SUV segment. “It introduces the development direction for Buick’s future SUV products for the market,” said Shi Hong, Director of Buick Marketing at Shanghai GM.

The Envision features the traditional waterfall grille that houses Buick’s tri-colored shield. Headlamps and fog lights are inspired by traditional Chinese patterns – porcelain-like daytime LED lamps house five “Chinese pillar-like” LED bulbs. Sharp lines start from above the headlamps, submerge into the body, and reappear at the rear, running through the taillamps and showcasing the traditional Buick double sweep spear.

The Envision has scissor-style doors with sensors for a grand sense of occasion. This “coupe-like body” and multifunctional space offer a hint of Buick SUVs to come for the Chinese market, according to GM.

The insides of the doors are inspired by the “yin and yang” concept. Together with the two-toned galaxy-blue and sand-beach white Italian leather and maple and metallic materials with a velvety texture, it offers a “visual effect of peace and elegance”. A shared armrest runs from the front to the back, with storage function and hidden air vents. The flat floor is supposed to emulate the deck of a yacht.

The AWD Envision is powered by GM’s PHEV plug-in hybrid system. The 2.0-litre SIDI intelligent direct injection turbocharged engine is complemented by a pair of electric motor generators in the Envision’s eight-speed auto transmission. A lithium battery and a solar energy roof with optical equipment serve as an alternative energy source independent from the engine.

More pics after the jump.
[Read more...]

7 Comments      

Volvo Concept Universe interprets next luxury Volvo sedan

April 19, 2011 at 12:47 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, International News, Volvo

Here is Volvo’s definition of what a uber-luxury sedan should be – it’s called the Concept Universe, and the large and lush vehicle is supposed to offer a preview of what to expect from the firm’s next top-of-the line sedan. It’s all rather removed from the current S80, which suddenly looks quite dowdy.

The company says that the Concept Universe – which was unveiled in Shanghai – has been designed to spark a subconscious desire and a feeling of eternal beauty, with a form exhibiting a new human-centric design language.

The shape is very much geared towards the future, with a coupe-like roofline and contemporary, solid rear defining things, but Volvo says it also echoes the company’s proud heritage by borrowing design cues from classic models of the past.

No specific technical details with this one, so it’s left to the imagination and visuals to hold court. There’s no shortage of Scandinavian design cues on parade though, especially in the cabin.

The interior has been designed to be user-focused but refreshingly uncomplicated, being driver-orientated in the front and comfortably relaxed in the rear, Volvo says. Features available to the driver are intuitive controls and a touch-screen that approaches the hand when the driver reaches towards it.

The seating on this one is inspired by ultra-comfortable chairs. Passengers at the back – enveloped by an interior that moulds into the rear seat and becomes part of the seating environment – are embraced by light-coloured seats offering pure comfort.

Displaying classic forms, materials and textures, all used with a twist to create a special contemporary luxury experience, the Concept Universe is very much a style-sampling exercise – the company is eager to hear what the most demanding Chinese customers think of this luxurious concept, ahead of taking notes from its European and American customer base. Well, China is very much the “home” market now, so it’s no surprise potential customers there get first dibs on exploring the new bits being bandied with this one.

In Shanghai, Volvo also announced that it is developing an all-new platform architecture called SPA (Scaled Platform Architecture) for its next generation of cars. When the next luxury sedan arrives in a few years, it will be among the first Volvos built on the SPA; the platform will eventually find its way on to all the company’s large and mid-size cars.

Gallery after the jump.
[Read more...]

29 Comments      

Chevrolet Malibu revealed – global car for 100 markets

April 19, 2011 at 11:05 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Chevrolet, International News

After a two pic tease last week, the Chevrolet Malibu has been fully unveiled online ahead of its Shanghai world debut. Like the Cruze, the Malibu is now a global car intended for nearly 100 markets on six continents. This is a first for Chevy, as the Malibu was previously a domestic Camry/Accord fighter, while some overseas markets got the dreary Epica to do the same job.

The new Malibu features a global lineup of four-cylinder engines that “complements its European-inspired driving characteristics”. Of the range, they’re focusing on the new Ecotec 2.5-litre direct injection unit. This DOHC engine features “enhanced authority” continuously variable valve timing, variable-displacement oil pump and electronic thermostat that save fuel.

Said to deliver “V6-like performance”, the Ecotec is estimated to have 190 hp and 245 Nm, which is quite a bit more than a Mazda6 with the same displacement.

The engine has noise-reducing features such as a cast exhaust manifold, steel crank, low-noise timing chain and direct mount accessories. It’s mated to a Hydra-Matic 6T40 six-speed automatic with features designed to enhance efficiency. They include changes to clutch controls and hardware that improves shift response and time. These enabled engineers to specify higher gearing to improve cruising efficiency while maintaining performance and driveability.

With a “body structure as stiff as any” in the midsize market (as Americans call this size of cars), the Malibu sits on MacPherson strut front and mutli-link rear suspensions. The steering is of the EPS variety with “variable-effort” function.

Large, ventilated front disc and solid rear disc brakes, clamped on by dual-piston front and single-piston rear aluminum calipers, are expected to deliver segment-best stopping distance. Airbags will include side, knee, roof rail and second-row head/thorax ones.

In terms of appearance, there’s nothing really unexpected. The exterior features a prominent Chevy dual-port grille, projector HIDs and Camaro inspired LED dual-element taillamps. The smallest wheels are 17-inch items. Inside, the Malibu gets Chevy’s usual “dual cockpit” design and ice blue lighting, although the overall look doesn’t look very contemporary for a new car. The cabin is 113 litres larger than the previous model’s.

In the US, Malibu will come with Chevrolet’s new MyLink infotainment package at launch. It builds on the safety and security of OnStar and seamlessly integrates online services like Pandora internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio. There’s a six-inch deep storage area behind the seven-inch touch-screen that can flip open.

Selected US models also get electronically controlled integrated active aero shutters (lower air intakes are sealed when cooling isn’t needed) to improve aerodynamics (claimed to be segment best, Cd is near 0.28) and enhance fuel economy without sacrificing the exterior design.

Gallery after the jump.
[Read more...]

25 Comments