At the Beijing show the Chinese brand Geely will present the NL Concept, a smaller-sized SUV, which as seen in these sketches, brings back a little the Ford Kuga (on the sides and the rear) and also the Opel Antara (in the front). We’re waiting to see the photos but otherwise it appears that Chinese manufacturers these days are fast arriving at “passable” designs for European tastes.

Via | Autoblog.com

Continue reading: Beijing show - Geely NL Concept

First impressions last: capturing a stylistic sense happens rarely with Chinese cars but this Geely concept seems to fly in the face of such opinion, and shows that perhaps the empire’s designers are learning how to create beautiful cars.

The GT Concept to be presented in Beijing can either please or not, but what’s certain is that it’s style will not make people laugh or blanch like nearly all cars built in China - it’s surprising for its more mature expression. Technical characteristics are still unknown but at this stage we’re content with a discussion of its lines.

It’s clear that the Chinese haven’t lost their bad habit of breaking out here and there, but this time the model’s inspiration would have made Geely tremble: from the body work a bunch of different elements flower: from the 612 Scaglietti, to the the splendid Maybach Exelero, but suprisingly the combination is not unelegant or irreverent. We’re looking forward to the Beijing show to find out more.

Geely GT Concept

Via | Autoblog.com

Continue reading: Beijing 2008: Geely GT Concept

Halfway through 2009 FAW Group will present a new, upsetting (it’s the case to say it) limousine that will break any last psychological barriers, bringing a Chinese manufacturer of the hypercar world, and creating an exclusive V12 engine, so adopting the most noble part of the automobile world. That it’s happening in China is another thing.

What can we say? Looking at the photos, some of the Hongqi HQE’s details - developed as a concept a few years ago - are unashamedly copied from the much more aristocratic Rolls-Royce Phantom, including the flanks and the unmistakable suicide-doors.

Aside from these considerations, it needs to be said that the engine (from the CA12VG project) is an aspirated 6.0 developed entirely independently and which will be the first engine with exclusive production to finish under the bonnet of a Chinese car. The HQE will be the most expensive Hongqi ever produced by the company.

Hongqi HQE V12

Via | edmunds

Continue reading: FAW prepares the Hongqi V12, Chinese limousine "inspired" by the Phantom

Rumors from Germany that have BMW wanting to segment the arm of its smaller cars are ever more frequent. Yesterday we spoke of the electric city car and the chat between Reithofer and Auto, Motor und Sport. The same magazine today, returns to the topic of the flirt between BMW and the smaller segments of the market.

This “smaller” proposal from Munich will most probably include more individual designs exuding BMW personality, and not the classic utilitarianism of smaller cars. As said, the much-talked about model will be paying some attention to the environmental theme: the car will be smaller than the series 1 and the Mini, and will offer in 2012 (a year after its debut) a no-emission version. No fear though from the German manufacturer about driving pleasure, according to Auto, Motor und Sport, because the power produced by the electric motor will be enough for a city car, with added autonomy supplied by a lithium ion battery.

There’s more: the version equipped with a combustion engine could be an option for emerging markets. Management is ready to bet that in four years time, in countries like China, a new rich generation will be born and will be very interested in new forms of transport. In short, there would be many a premise for a “cultmobile” along the lines of the Mini in Europe. On the topic of Mini, there remains only the puzzle of the brand: in Munich they have yet to decide under which brand to commercialize the new citycar.

Continue reading: BMW's citycar: rumors still flying

The new Volkswagen Lavida will start production between June and July, the new Berlin proposal created by Wolfsburg for the Chinese market.

The car distinguishes itself through more advanced mechanics, not only in comparison to the products usually dedicated by Western countries to emerging markets, but also in absolute terms. For the engines it appears as if the modern 1.4 TSI engine (assembled in China) will be used, even if it’s more likely that the 1.6l or 1.8 turbo will be employed in the next generation.

Even the platform - PQ 34 - will be shared with other illustriuous european parents such as the VW Golf, new Beetle, Jetta, Audi A4, TT, Seat Leon and the Skoda Octavia. It is foreseen that the “mini-Phaeton” (nickname coined by the Chinese press) will sell 8000 cars in the second half of 2008. The figure is still modest but it’s the prelude for a strong expansion.

Via | ChinaCarTimes

Continue reading: New VW Lavida revealed, "mini-Phaeton" for China