While car manufacturers are struggling to make enough business in Europe, the Chinese market is still flourishing. Nothing indicates this better than the Shanghai Motor Show 2013 that had 17 massive halls jam packed with visitors and exhibitors, not only from China but also models from across the world. Even with the big-city traffic, big-ticket car licenses and pollution problems, the annual car sales in Shanghai are expected to touch a whopping 20 million this year. If you are under the impression that these are just low-cost, drab minivans and small, disproportionate saloons borrowing some old styles from the west, here are the top twelve highlights of the Shanghai Motor Show to give you some perspective.
1. Mercedes-Benz GLA Concept – The Man of the Match:
Mercedes seems to be back in the game after a not-so-great period of okay-okay designs, with its GLA Concept that clearly stole the show with its bold, yet elegant design. A compact SUV, this model is sure to give some tough competition to its rivals the Audi Q3 and Range Rover Evoque. Although the concept revealed some futuristic, outlandish elements such as removable action camera and laser-beam headlamps, the production model is still impressive, following the design lines of the popular A-Class of the German car manufacturer.
Beneath the hood sits a 4-cylinder, 2.0-liter engine sending a torque of 258 pound-feet and a power of 208hp. The 4Matic AWD system, a proprietary of Mercedes provides 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Together the powerful engine efficiency and the bulging fenders, the Mercedes GLA appears to be fierce, even with its compact size.
2. Maserati Ghibli – The Star of the Shanghai Show:
With a mission to reach an annual sale of 50,000 units in mind, Maserati made a smart move with the launch of its new model- the all-new Ghibli at the Shanghai Auto Show. Smaller and more compact and driver-friendly than its cousin, the Maserati Quattroporte, this model is here to challenge its rivals including the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6.
The Ghibli launched at the show featured 3 powerful 6-cylinder engines- one diesel (3.0 liter V6 powering 271bhp) and two petrol (3.0-liter, twin-turbo V6 powering 330/410 bhp) giving it a decent 0-60 time of 5.6 seconds. It is expected to hit the RHD markets this October.
3. Nissan Friend-ME Concept – Not as Silly as it Sounds:
With the sharp connectivity and styling, this swoopy sedan for four has been clearly designed to target the Chinese youth. If not the tight, muscular exterior and the futuristic look attributed to the wave-shaped sheet-metal, the name is sure to do the eye-catching.
Just as impressive as the exterior, the interiors are stunning with features such as a full-length center-console extending from the dashboard right to the rear seats such that all four passengers have color-display screens allowing them to stream content and images with the idea of equal information sharing. The modest 2.0-liter, 150hp range engine is hardly worth a mention here.
4. Chery @Ant 2.0 Concept – The Mobility Hero:
The @Ant 2.0, as the name suggests, is the second concept created by the Chinese brand Chery. Its scissor-doored predecessor that came with a pair-docking feature to save energy. While this new concept retains those features, it is more simplified with focus on execution and future mobility. At the same time, this futuristic model aims to meet the existing industry demand for SUVs and saloons.
5. Icona Vulcano – The Style Icon at Shanghai
This product of Icona came as a pleasant surprise with its excellent know-how and superstar style created with the combined expertise of the former designer of the Jaguar Land Rover and the ex-engineer of the Ferrari F1. This beautifully proportioned model comes with some impressive specifications including a gasoline/V12 hybrid, 2 or 4-wheel drive powering 870/950hp and a 0-60 sprint in 2.9 seconds with a 217mph top speed. It also features a 7-speed transmission with a highly futuristic dashboard, promising if you can afford to spend over a million pounds on it.
6. Acura Concept SUV-X – A Good Leap by the Brand:
This concept by Acura is a great example to illustrate how the China is gaining importance among global auto manufacturers. While it doesn’t imply that the production model should be totally based off the concept, it can be safely said that Acura has taken an a good decision to add some interest in the exterior looks for once instead of creating just technology-packed interiors. Although no information has been given about it, the Acura SUV-X Concept sports a swooping, contoured exterior design with slit-like LED headlights and air-intakes housed in the bumper. The drivetrain is speculated to be along the lines of a 300hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine with 6-speed auto transmission giving it a 0-60 sprint speed of 6.5 seconds and a 125mph top speed.
7. BMW X4 Concept – BMW’s New Sales Strategy:
After BMW’s success with its sports coupe – the rakish X6, this German automaker is now all set for its new BMW X4 Concept to enter the markets in 2014. The X4 can be aptly described as a shrunken version of the X5 SUV with the mid-sized length of the X3 SUV, however wider and with a lower, more sloping roofline. Although there hasn’t been any disclosure about the drivetrain or interiors, it is expected, from the brand’s product strategy, that the X4 will share the same underpinnings as that of the X3.
8. Ford Escort Concept – The Saloon Concept Resurrected:
With the Ford Escort Concept, Ford revived its image of the brand that focused on affordable transportation rather than bold design and excellent driving dynamics. With the brand’s new hexagonal grille sported up-front, flanked by a cluster of LED lights and air-intakes with chrome finishing, the concept cannot be said to be all that unattractive. Apart from the exteriors, Ford hasn’t disclosed much about the concept although it is expected to come with a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine providing a modest power.
9. Lamborghini Aventador LP720-4 50th Anniversario Edition – is truly a celebration:
To celebrate its 50th anniversary, Lamborghini plans on producing 100 special units of Aventador in may yellow- the most popular color on the Lamborghini palette. This version of Aventador features an increased 20hp in addition to the standard 720hp that will give it a 2.9-second 0-60mph sprint time and a special aerodynamics package to give it extra high-speed stability. Special colors and a unique diamond-stitch for the quilting are features included in the interiors.
10. Buick Riveria Concept – The Seductive Concept Car:
The Buick Riveria Concept is a concept car in the every sense of the word. Similar to the previous 2007 concept by Riveria, this new concept shows the line that the brand is likely to take with respect to styling. Of the many features, noteworthy ones include the “active grille” that has the brand’s classic waterfall design with enhanced aerodynamics enabled by the automatic shutters that close at high speeds. Also interesting is the theoretical system of hybrid electric-propulsion enabling inducing charging where the car just needs to be parked on a specially designed pad.
11. Honda Concept M – The Swoopy Concept M:
Although Honda hasn’t disclosed enough information about its Concept M-minivan, it can be looked as a prequel to the production version that the brand is looking to introduce in 2014- tailored specifically to the needs of the Chinese market with a new, so-called category of vehicles- MPVs or Multipurpose vehicles. With the production of this concept, Honda intends to create a practically-oriented passenger vehicle, still keeping in mind a more stylish and refined package with a reasonable drivetrain.
12. Suzuki Authentics Concept – The Conservative, Yet Promising Concept:
This concept car has been designed to eventually result in a production car suitable for the Chinese auto market. With other similar concepts like the Ford Escort, the Suzuki Authentics already has stiff competition waiting in line. While not much information has been revealed, the sleek, 4-door, conservative design seems promising in the future auto market in China.