Cadillac had started the development of a new modular platform, with rear-wheel drive, that will be used for the production of large vehicles ranging from E to F-segments. According to Car and Driver, General Motors would like to introduce a new Cadillac flagship with an exclusive dedicated architecture: the Omega platform. The saloon is scheduled for 2015 and will be offered in standard and long wheelbase versions.

The standard engine will be a 3.5-litre V6 with output of 310 hp, also available in supercharged variant along with a V8 engine and a hybrid solution. The current four-speed automatic transmission will be replaced by an all-new and most efficient eight-speed gearbox. The Omega structure could also serve as the basis to build a spectacular four-door convertible anticipated by the Cadillac Ciel.

The production of the Dodge Dart, American saloon based on the same platform of Alfa Romeo Giulietta, has started. The video released by Chrysler shows the first model out of the assembly line at its Belvidere’s plant in Illinois. The population of this area is particularly grateful to Fiat, because without Dart the factory would have risked closure.

In the States there are great expectations for this promising car, which is already seen as a commercial success, thanks to its 1.4-litre turbo engine of Italian origins, although many would like to see a sportier version, maybe with larger wheels, side skirts and a 2.4-litre engine. The price of the base model is $ 15,995 and it will be launched in five trim levels. The car will be available in showrooms from next month.

New video dedicated to the flagship Jaguar: the XJ. In the clip the narrator talks us through the innovative technologies behind the creation of the next generation of the iconic British car, symbol of luxury and comfort.

The lightweight aluminum architecture ensures excellent performance, providing greater responsive acceleration and maximum road holding, with agile handling. The weight reduction in combination with the new engine range has also improved the car’s performance, increasing power with remarkable efficiency.

The luxurious interior of the car provides the ultimate business class experience: fine leather upholstery with massage functions, heating and ventilation, cutting edge accessories such as champagne chiller, provides unique refinement. The stunning XJ comes with two exclusive iPads that can be connected to a high-tech infotainment system. The saloon is also equipped with the most modern safety system to make each trip safe and relaxing.

New official information on the Kia K9 flagship: the Korean saloon boasting a sleek, modern design, in line with the new stylistic standards of the brand and developed to please both the Asian and the Western markets. The K9 design is elegant, balanced yet simple, with the signature “Tiger Nose” front grille, slim LED headlights, long sweeping sidelines and a well proportioned tail, enriched by twin exhausts.

The premium saloon has an overall length of 5,090 mm, a width of 1,900 mm, a height of 1,490 mm and a generous wheelbase of 3,045 mm. Inside the car appears at the same level of the best German and Japanese competitors: painstaking attention to details, the use of quality materials and refined assemblies. The instrument panel features a large multifunction screen, operated by a control knob and buttons, located at the central of the dashboard. The passenger compartment is equipped with leather upholstery, prestigious trims, a sophisticated entertainment system (17-speaker Lexicon audio system) and air-conditioning.

The tech-department boasts a lane departure warning system, a blind-spot detection system integrated on the rearview mirrors, a smart cruise control and an around-view monitor system with four cameras.
At launch, the car will be available with two engines: a 3.8-litre MPI V6 with output of 290 hp, which will be joined by a 3.8-litre GDI V6 unit with direct fuel injection delivering 334 hp. Future plans for an 8-cylinder engine have not been confirmed, yet. Both engines will be mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. International sales will start later this year: at the moment Kia has no plans to bring the K9 to the UK.

Here are the latest spy shots picturing the upcoming Opel Astra sedan, the three-box version of the popular German hatch. The pictured mule is wearing just some light camouflage on the front grille and on the whole rear section, and shows us a front-end that doesn’t seem too different from what we have already seen on previous spy shots and on the station wagon and convertible versions of the car.

In terms of engine range, the model should come with the same line-up of the other body types: on the petrol side we have a 1.4-litre unit delivering 100 hp, a 1.6 delivering 115 hp and a turbocharged 1.4 producing 140 hp. As for the diesel, there will be a 1.3-litre engine producing 95 hp as well as a 1.7-litre in power steps of 110, 125 and 130 hp, all of which CDTi. The inclusions of a more performing, supercharged 180 hp 1.6-litre turbo petrol unit and of a 165 hp 2.0 diesel unit have not been ruled out and are still in the cards.

Nissan will be launching an all-new model next summer, to mark the 30th anniversary of the Sentra in the U.S. The saloon is based on the Nissan Sylphy, a concept car displayed at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show, and will be sold on the global market by 2013. The teaser video shows just a few images of the seventh-generation Sentra, without revealing too many details.

Like the Sylphy Concept, the Sentra is a compact saloon and will be the third of five new models that Nissan wants to introduce on the U.S. market within the next 15 months. The other two cars arriving in the U.S. during summer will be the new Pathfinder and the new Altima, followed by other two new models that will be released later in 2013.

By 2013 Nissan will have refreshed three-quarters of the models available on the American market, attracting new customers into showrooms and rewarding loyal owners of the Japanese brand.

Nissan has presented the Sylphy Concept at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show, a midsize saloon that will debut later this year in China. The car anticipates some features of the Nissan Sentra that will be launched in the U.S. during summer and could also arrive in Europe.

The Japanese saloon stands out for its classic and simple outline, boasting some stylish details and a refined interior. The front is dominated by LED daytime running lights with additional chrome trim that add character to the car. The interior is finished with high quality materials and Nissan has worked very hard during development to achieve excellent spaciousness and a good acoustic comfort.

The Sylphy Concept is the result of a close collaboration between Nissan and Dongfeng, which has plans to expand its global sales and to conquer over 120 markets by the end of 2014. The prototype is powered by a 1.8-litre petrol engine mated to a next-generation Xtronic CVT automatic transmission.

Roewe is the luxury brand of Chinese automaker SAIC Motor and it is at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show as well to introduce its new car for the E-segment, the Roewe 950. The new model is pretty different from the previous cars we have seen from this manufacturer, in terms of both aesthetics and mechanics: the 950 has been developed on GM’s Epsilon II platform, and for this reason it has a lot in common with the Buick LaCrosse.

Measuring 4,992 mm in length, 1,857 mm in width and 1,502 mm in height, the car is actually quite big and this reflects in its roomy and comfortable cabin, which comes with a dashboard that is very similar to the one of the LaCrosse. The engine range of the Roewe 950 will be initially made of three petrol units, all of which of General Motors heritage: a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder, a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder and a 3.0-litre V6 with direct injection. Prices will range from 23,000 to 38,500 Euros.

Bentley is at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show introducing the Bentley Continental GTC powered by the mighty 6.0-litre W12 engine with output of 575hp and 700 Nm of torque. The luxury convertible version is been presented to the Chinese public with a more aggressive look. The new engine offers top-quality performance: acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and top speed of 314 km/h.

The engine power is transmitted to the wheel through the ZF 6HP28 transmission with Quickshift system. The manufacturer claims that this device is able to reduce shift times by 50%. The AWD features a 40:60 rear torque compared to the original to minimise understeering. The increased width of the car ensures better stability. Standard 20-inch wheels with five spokes are complemented by a choice of three styles of 21-inch wheels with five, seven or ten spokes.

As always, the inside has been designed to provide sophistication together with outstanding comfort. The luxurious passenger compartment can be customised with an extensive range of materials, colours and veneers. The dashboard is lined with soft-touch leather; the original Cobra Style seats give extraordinary support and spaciousness to the cabin. The infotainment has a storage capacity of 30 GB, a touch screen and navigation system. The audio system features Balance Mode Radiator speakers and Revolutionary Dirac Dimensions DSP for exceptional sound reproduction.

View the full Bentley Continental GTC 6.0 W12 @ the 2012 Beijing Motor Show photo gallery

Bentley has provided a detailed technical data sheet of the new Continental GTC, which is here quoted in full:

ENGINE
Type: 6-litre twin-turbocharged W12
Max Power: 567 bhp / 423 kW / 575 PS @ 6000 rev/min
Max Torque: 700 Nm / 516 lb/ft @ 1700 rev/min

TRANSMISSION
ZF 6-speed automatic with quickshift and steering wheel-mounted paddleshift
Driveline: Continuous all-wheel drive (40:60 rear bias)
Ratios:
1st. 4.17
2nd. 2.34
3rd. 1.52
4th. 1.14
5th. 0.87
6th. 0.69
Final drive: 3.526

BODY CONSTRUCTION
Steel monocoque

BRAKES
Front: 405 mm ventilated discs (optional 420 mm Carbon Silicon Carbide, cross drilled)
Rear: 335 mm ventilated discs (optional 356 mm, Carbon Silicon Carbide, cross drilled)

WHEELS AND TYRES
9.5J x 20” (optional 9.5J x 21”)
Pirelli P Zero 275/40ZR 20 (optional 275/35 ZR21)

STEERING
Type: rack & pinion, power assisted, speed-sensitive ZF servotronic
Turns lock to lock: 2.6 turns
Turning circle: 11.3 m

SUSPENSION
Front: Four link double wishbones, computer controlled self-levelling air suspension, with anti-roll-bar.
Rear: Trapezoidal multi-link, computer-controlled self-levelling air suspension, with anti-roll-bar.
Damping: Continuous Damping Control, tuned for dynamic performance.

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase 2746 mm
Overall Length 4806 mm
Width (across body) 1943 mm
Width (including mirrors) 2227 mm
Overall Height 1403 mm
Fuel Tank 90 litres
Boot Volume 260 litres
Kerb Weight (EU) 2495 kg / 5501 lb
Gross Vehicle Weight 2900 kg / 6393 lb

PERFORMANCE
Top Speed: 195 mph (314 km/h)
0 – 60 mph: 4.5 secs (0 – 100 km/h: 4.8 secs)
0 – 100 mph: 10.9 secs (0 – 160 km/h: 10.9 secs)
30 – 50 mph: 2.0 secs (60 – 100 km/h: 2.5 secs)
50 – 70 mph: 2.4 secs (80 – 120 km/h: 3.1 secs)

FUEL CONSUMPTION (EU Cycle)
Urban 11.1 mpg (25.4 l/100km)
Extra Urban 24.9 mpg (11.4 l/100km)
Combined 17.1 mpg (16.5 l/100km)
CO2 emissions 384 g/km

FUEL CONSUMPTION (EPA Cycle)
City Driving 11 mpg (US)
Highway Driving 19 mpg (US)
Combined 14 mpg (US)

EMISSIONS CONTROLS
EU 5 and US LEV 11

Chrysler has brought to the 2012 Beijing Motor Show a special version of its 300C sedan that will be released on the Chinese market only, the 300C Ruyi Design Concept. In order to celebrate the return of the American manufacturer on the Asian markets, the 300C has been painted with a special Maximum Steel black color that emphasizes the elegance of the model without affecting its athletic looks.

Exclusive paintjob aside, this limited edition 300C comes with a newly designed set of 22″ 10-spoke alloys and a mildly revised front end, now featuring a slightly different grille and a newly designed bumper. From a mechanical point of view though, the original 300C powertrain has been left untouched, with its 292 hp 3.6-litre V6 Pentastar engine, 8-speed automatic gearbox and rear-wheel drive being its main, basic features.

As for the cabin, the Chrysler 300 C Ruyi Design Concept comes with new materials and top notch contrasting finishing. A few drawings inspired by the Chinese culture can be spotted on the backrests of the seats, a phenomenon that is becoming kind of trendy on the cars that are being marketed in that country. Needless to say, the car comes with all sorts of accessories and systems that you would expect in a car of this class, but if you would like to know more about this special 300C, check out Chrysler’s official press release right after the jump.

View the full Chrysler 300C Ruyi Design Concept @ the 2012 Beijing Motor Show photo gallery

Chrysler Brand Commemorates Return to China with Premiere of Chrysler 300 Ruyi Design Concept at 2012 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition

• Chrysler brand returns to China with multi-awarded Chrysler 300C and world-renowned Chrysler Grand Voyager
• Sales of production Chrysler 300C sedan to begin in June 2012
• Chrysler 300 Ruyi design concept blends modern American design and technology with tradition-rich Chinese symbols

Today, the Chrysler brand announced its return to the China market at the 2012 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition. To commemorate this important occasion, Chrysler unveiled the 300 Ruyi design concept, a vehicle based on the innovative Chrysler 300C sedan and catering to the tastes of Chinese customers.

The ruyi and its significance in Chinese tradition inspired designers in creating the unique concept vehicle especially for China. Ruyi means “as one wishes” and takes the form of a curved decorative object, like a scepter, that symbolizes prosperity. A ruyi is often crafted of precious materials with beautiful design, carrying a promising meaning of abundant good fortune.

“We celebrate our reentry into China with a vehicle that symbolizes an auspicious beginning for the Chrysler brand,” said Saad Chehab, President and Chief Executive Officer – Chrysler Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “By integrating our distinctive American design and technology with timeless Chinese inspiration, we are looking to attract an emerging set of customers who are driven and dare to be different. We look forward to gathering the reaction of Chinese customers to the Chrysler 300 Ruyi, to surprise them with future models incorporating elements that we can see today in this design concept.”

The Chrysler brand also displayed the 300C sedan and Grand Voyager MPV – the first two models to arrive for sale in China. The Chrysler 300C Luxury Series will be equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission mated with the award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar® V-6 engine and will begin sales in mid-2012, while the Grand Voyager is planned to follow in the fourth quarter of this year.

Since 1925, the Chrysler brand has delighted customers with daring American design, leading technology, craftsmanship and premium features ever since the first Chrysler vehicle was sold. Now the brand is returning to China with a promise to deliver upon those values, with a proposition that exceeds expectations.

Chrysler 300 Ruyi Design Concept
Cultural cues from the Chinese ruyi were the inspiration behind the Chrysler 300 Ruyi design concept. Looking to enhance the car’s upscale and urban composition, designers started with a Maximum Steel exterior color and added dark chrome to the exterior door handles, grille surround and lower grille tracer.

The premium Chrysler wing badges and headlamps contrast with low side sills, rear fascia and dual exhaust tips, giving the car an elegant yet sporty look.

Final exterior touches include a polished ruyi-inspired signature grille with dark chrome throats, bluish steel-grey tinted glass (to be in harmony with the Maximum Steel body color), a ruyi Chinese character badge on the deck lid and a ghosted speed stripe running along the side character lines.

Probably the most exotic exterior feature, and one that pays direct homage to the ruyi, are the proud 22-inch concept alloy wheels. These ten-spoke wheels feature spokes designed with a curvature reminiscent of a ruyi scepter. The spoke faces are polished with dark chrome pockets, and the Chrysler wing badge is placed on the center caps.

Interior appointments are given many unique finishes like black chrome on the outer dash vents, navigation screen and center dash vent surrounds, gauge rings, steering wheel rim and door handles. Brushed patterned trim is incorporated in the center console, upper door panels and flanking the dashboard. Machined metal accent trim is found surrounding the shift gate, both center console storage areas, upon the door and on the steering wheel spokes.

Highlighting the interior are custom seats with light-tone leather-wrapped seating surfaces with suede center inserts and side bolsters. Contrasting French stitching, black piping and a ruyi-inspired cloud form (embossed onto the seat backs) complement the sophisticated interior appointments.

The Chrysler 300 Ruyi concept is equipped with the “Engine of the Year” 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels.

A traditional ruyi has a long S-shaped handle and a head fashioned like a cloud. Ruyi symbolize authority, prosperity and good luck in Chinese tradition, and they date back to the Han Dynasty in the first century AD, especially flourishing during the Qing Dynasty (starting in the 17th century) when they became highly valued gifts. Ruyi are often associated with cloud motifs and can be found in art and architecture, appearing in knot and rug patterns, sculpture, paintings and even modern corporate logos.

Chrysler 300C for 2012
Integrating the first eight-speed automatic transmission in a U.S. luxury sedan, the 2012 Chrysler 300C sedan offers world-class technological innovation, craftsmanship and quality while delivering stylistic distinction, fuel efficiency and premium E-segment sedan features at a legendary value.

Arriving to China will be the Chrysler 300C Luxury Series, designed to be the most luxurious and fuel-efficient Chrysler flagship sedan ever. Exclusive interior features include ultra-premium leather and hand-sanded matte wood trim, power-adjustable front seats, and ventilated and heated front and rear seats.

On the exterior, large polished-face aluminum wheels and platinum-chrome accents give the Chrysler 300C Luxury Series an upscale look. Premium amenities include the segment’s largest touchscreen infotainment system and many more state-of-the-art amenities and connectivity features.

The Chrysler 300C Luxury Series features the ZF 8HP45 eight-speed automatic transmission paired with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine for better power, performance, refinement and fuel efficiency.

The Chrysler 300C is available with more than 60 safety and security features and recently earned the highest five-star safety rating from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for front driver and overall vehicle scores. In addition, the Chrysler flagship sedan was named a “Top Safety Pick” by the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Chrysler brand was named the “Most Ideal Popular Brand” in AutoPacific’s 2011 Ideal Vehicle Awards, based on U.S. owners’ ratings of their 2011 cars and trucks.

About Chrysler Brand
With a spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation, the Chrysler brand has a proud American heritage and strong foundational values that go back to 1924, inspired by founder Walter P. Chrysler.

Nearly 90 years later, each new Chrysler vehicle continues to personify the original vision for the Chrysler brand: standout design, superb engineering and technology, and exotic features at a great value.

Chrysler Group LLC manages vehicle marketing, sales and service – together with alliance partner Fiat Group – in more than 120 countries around the world.

Renault introduces its new sedan Talisman at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show, a car that can be considered as the French counterpart of the Samsung SM7. The model is basically identical to the SM7 with just a few slight differences on the front end - where we find a brand new grille - and a set of smaller wheels. The Talisman will be produced in South Korea and exported to China starting mifd-June, with a price of 38,652 Euros.

Measuring 4.95 meters in length, the new 3-box sedan from the French carmaker looks well-proportioned and boasts a quite rounded design. At the moment there are no news concerning the engine range of the Talisman, but it is expected to feature something similar to the 195 hp 2.5-litre V6 and the 290 hp 3.5-litre V6 of the Samsung SM7. On a side-note, the name Talisman had been previously used by Renault for a 2001 concept car which anticipated the design of the Mégane. Making a special appearance at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show is also the Captur Concept, that Renault introduced at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

Honda showed up at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show with two new concept cars: the Concept C and the Concept S. These two prototypes are supposed to be an anticipation of the future design theme of the Japanases manufacturer and use sleek lines as well as futuristic aesthetics, although several details are very reminiscent of certain models that are already out there. Another pretty interesting model at the Honda stall in Beijing is the EV-Ster Concept, a little electric 2-seater that got unveiled at the latest Tokyo Motor Show.

The Concept C is a quite large sedan that boasts a pretty athletic look - especially as far as the rear end is concerned - with both tense and rounded lines. The aggressive aesthetic of the car uses is maybe a little too daring, with a massive and somewhat peculiar front grille, while the bumpers feel a little out of place in the comparison with the overall elegance of the model.

The Honda Concept S is supposed to be the prototype of a future global model that is like a small MPV. Apparently, the future model that will be based on this concept will carry on using the Odissey name in North America while in other markets will be introduced with a brand new name. Its streamlined design is pretty nice and doesn’t look too futuristic, which would have us believe that the final model will not look too different from this concept car. The model is pushed by an hybrid powertrain that - according to Honda - will allow for a comfortable ride and environmental protection.

View the full Honda Concept C and S @ the 2012 Beijing Motor Show photo gallery