All posts in “Auto China”

Auto Shanghai 2021 Highlights: Motor Shows are Back!

China has managed to control the COVID-19 situation, and businesses seem to be getting back to normal with few or no lockdowns across the large Asian country. While global Motor Shows around the world were postponed to 2022, China’s own Auto Shanghai has recently opened it’s doors and will run from April 21st to 28th.

There are quite a few surprises presented at the event, with key focus on EVs and the ever growing large number of Chinese car makers. European car makers on the other hand are using the Auto Shanghai 2021 to showcase what their local partners have been up.

Here are the highlights:

Genesis X Concept

The future of Genesis design, spearheaded by the former head of design at Bentley. This is a futuristic GT that hints at design cues of future Genesis cars. It’s likely going to be a full EV if it ever makes it to production.

Audi A6 e-tron Concept

A look into the future full electric Audi A6. According to Audi, it is 95% of what the production car will look like. It’s powered by two electric motors producing a total of 469hp. Expect that number to go up when the RS version is revealed.

Zhiji IM Airo Concept

A concept car built from a collaboration between Alibaba, SAIC, and Zhangjiang Hi-Tech, aimed at urban transport and autonomous driving.

Nio ET7

Nio’s new flagship sedan, full electric and offered in various trims with different ranges. The most powerful version will produce 643hp and 850nm of torque. The range varies from 500km for the standard model to 1000km for the long range model.

Hycan

A joint venture between NIO and GAC formed in 2019 to create electric vehicles. Doesn’t sound like the Taycan at all.

Ford Evos

For the local Chinese market only, the new Ford Evos is built by Ford’s local partner Changan Automobile. It will be sold side to side with the Chinese spec Mach-E. It’s not an EV either, power comes from a 2.0L I4 turbo engine developing 245hp.

Lincoln-Zephyr

Another Chinese specific model made by an American car company. The sedan market in China is still booming, especially sedans with large leg room, that’s why Mercedes introduced a new C-Class LWB in China which looks like a mini S-class especially from inside. The Lincoln-Zephyr will likely be a full EV when it finally hits the market. The original “Zephyr” was made in the late 1930s and classified as a luxury car.

Lexus LF-Z

Lexus first concept to use an all new EV platform. With it, Lexus will launch the future electric vehicles using a series of new technologies. Direct4 is being marketed through the new LF-Z, an intelligent AWD system that switches between AWD, FWD and RWD appropriately. The LF-Z also seeks to revolutionize steer-by-wire technology by applying modern physics of driving.

Hengchi

One of the many upcoming EV car companies in China, Hengchi has a total of 9 models that includes SUVs, MPVs and sedans.

Audi RS e-tron GT

Asian debut for the Audi RS e-tron GT took place at the Auto Shanghai 2021. The car is identical to the Porsche Taycan in terms of technical components. The total output is 647hp and it can do 0-100km/h in just 3.3s.

Chery Antee X

Full EV sub-compact SUV from Chery.

Hongqi L concept

Very interesting concept car from China’s oldest car manufacturer Hongqi. The car has 3 seats, one at the front and two at the rear. There is a chandelier hanging from the roof and there is no steering wheel – a full autonomous vehicle.

GALLERIES

April 21, 2021 / Comments Off on Auto Shanghai 2021 Highlights: Motor Shows are Back!
0
545

Lamborghini at the Auto Shanghai 2021: Essenza SCV12 Steals the Show

Lamborghini celebrated three premiers at the Auto Shanghai 2021 motor show by unveiling the new Essenza SCV12 which is limited to only 40 units worldwide, a homologated track car Huracan STO made its debut in China and Huracan Flou Capsule which was also unveiled in the Asia Pacific for the first time. The Urus SUV also joined the line-up rounding up to a powerful Lamborghini tour de force.

The Essenza SCV12 has a powerful naturally aspirated V12 engine developed by Lamborghini and a direct descendant of Miura Jota and Diable GTR. The SCV12 generates over 830 hp and also obtains an additional power boost from the RAM effects at high speeds. Its new X-trac sequential gearbox has been fitted on the chassis and combined with a rear wheel drive system to handle the power as well as ensure a greater torsional rigidity.

The track-only Essenza SVC21 has also been fitted with a large rear wing, side fins and a front splitter all inspired by the Huracan Super Trofeo EVO and GT3 EVO to enhance the efficiency as well as generate higher downforce levels compared to a GT3 car, 1,200kg at 250km/h.

In addition, the Essenza features a power-to-weight ratio of 1.66hp/kg as a result of the new generation carbon fiber monocoque chassis without an internal roll cage.

The Lamborghini Huracan STO is a street homologated super sport car that made its first ever appearance in China, the car regenerated from the Lamborghini Squadra motorsport prowess and heritage.

The Huracan STO is powered by a naturally aspirated V10 engine which generates an output of 640 hp and 565 Nm of torque at 6,500rpm. The vehicle can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 3 seconds, 0-200km/h in 9 seconds and the top speed is set at 310km/h.

The new Huracan STO features a high level of downforce as well as best aerodynamic balance thanks to its exterior design which optimises the airflow. The exterior design features a unique cofango and one-piece carbon fibre on the front bonnet, front bumper and on the fender. Other features include rear fenders with air intakes, rear bonnet with air scoop, manually adjustable rear wing and an integrated shark fin.
Over 75% of the exterior panels are made of carbon fibre which gives the car a weight-to-power ratio of 2.09 kg/hp with 1,339kg dry weight. The vehicle features three driving modes, STO, Trofeo and Pioggia. STO mode is default and ideal for curvy roads whereas Trofeo and PIoggia are ideal for wet and dry roads. The Huracan STO has been fitted with new heat resistant Brembo CCM-R braking units derived from F1 applications that ensure performance and consistency.

The new Lamborghini Huracan EVO Flou Capsule debuted in Asia Pacific for the first time, the vehicle was unveiled in matte Verde shock (green). In addition to the show car color scheme, four interior and exterior configurations including Arancio Livrea (orange), Celeste Fedra (blue), Arancio Dac (orange) and Giallo Clarus (yellow) all combined with matte black will be available for the Capsule.

The Lamborghini Urus also joined the lineup at the Shanghai motor show, the unit pictured was fitted with 23 inch wheels and red brake callipers available as an option.

The Lamborghini stand at the Shanghai auto show was completed by a display of branded clothing lines, accessories and projects dedicated to the Lamborghini brand extension.

April 21, 2021 / Comments Off on Lamborghini at the Auto Shanghai 2021: Essenza SCV12 Steals the Show
0
453

All New Mercedes-Benz EQB Debuts at Auto Shanghai 2021

Mercedes-Benz arrived at the Shanghai Auto Show 2021 with a range of new models that includes the new EQB, CLS Coupe facelift, new EQS and the new EQA.

In China, the EQB (full EV version of the GLB) will have an official market launch in November 2021 as a fully equipped top model with seven seats and AMG line with an output of 288hp as standard. In Europe clients will be given a chance to choose between five and seven seats, all wheel drive and different output levels. The interior features a maximum boot capacity of 1710L and the inclining backrests in the second row can be adjusted in several stages.

The Mercedes EQB range will include several models with various power ratings – with some exceeding 200kW. There will be batteries with capacities starting from 66.5 kWh and front wheel or all wheel drive versions.

The EQB also features Eco Assist which incorporates traffic signs, navigation data and information from the sensors. A standard navigation with electric intelligence calculates the routes to a destination, ensures the high-voltage battery is charging at an optimal temperature and also contributes to the handling of the car. Green power is set as standard and ensures the renewable energy resources are fed into the grid. Over 200,000 charging stations are available across Europe.

An intelligent driving assistance system that supports Active Lane keeping Assist and active brake Assist is available for the EQB as standard. The enhanced package includes a turning maneuver function, alerting drivers on nearby cars and cyclists and warns the driver when approaching a nearby zebra crossing. Passive safety is also applied on the EQB i.e the body of the EQB was built with special requirements of an electric car, the battery has been fitted in a frame made of extruded sections with a battery guard in the front area to prevent the battery from being pierced by any foreign objects.

The exterior of the EQB also features an EQ black panel grille with central star, a continuous light strip at the front and rear of the car and a fibre-optic strip that connects the full-LED headlamps. Additional features include outward positioned wheels, studded roof rails and exclusive light alloy wheels available in bi- or tri- colour design. The wheels are up to 20 inches in size and are available in Rose Gold or blue decorative trim.

The interior of the EQB features a large dashboard, a widescreen cockpit with MBUX control and display. Aluminium look is used on the door handles, centre console and on the instrument panel on the passengers side. A backlit trim piece and rose gold elements on the air vents, seats and vehicle key is available depending on the equipment line and design of the car.

The EQB can be charged upto 11kW with alternating current (AC) via an onboard charger, charging time depends on the available infrastructure and equipment i.e charging using a Mercedes Wallbox is faster compared to a household socket and even faster if charged using direct current (DC) fast charging stations. Charging from 10% to 80% can take just 30 minutes if the vehicle is charged at a corresponding station with maximum power of 100kW. There are over 500,000 charging stations available for the EQB across 31 countries.

The all-electric EQS luxury saloon, the compact all-electric EQA alongside the long wheelbase version of the EQB were all on display at the Auto Shanghai show for the same time, as part of Mercedes EQ night. All three EQ models debuted during the evening at the Auto Shanghai show.

The Mercedes long wheelbase version of the new C-Class features more legroom, luxury head restraints and large armrests with a storage compartments. Additional features include USB ports, cup holders on the rear seats, comfort suspension and enhanced noise insulation for a quiet interior.

The interior of the new CLS four-door coupe has been upgraded with a new generation steering wheel as well as leather and trim combination. The vehicle also features the latest generation diesel with an integrated starter generator.

There is a special edition of the Mercedes AMG CLS 53 4MATIC+ limited to 300 units only.

April 20, 2021 / Comments Off on All New Mercedes-Benz EQB Debuts at Auto Shanghai 2021
0
494