Autoblog Canada http://ca.autoblog.com Autoblog Canada http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog Canada http://ca.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Detroit Electric, Geely announce strategic partnership for electric vehicles]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/detroit-electric-geely-ec7-ev-electric-vehicles/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/detroit-electric-geely-ec7-ev-electric-vehicles/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/05/05/detroit-electric-geely-ec7-ev-electric-vehicles/#comments Filed under: , ,



Detroit Electric Technology emblem The revived Detroit Electric company will be partnering with China's Geely, but the mission is not to cooperate on bringing the all-electric Tesla Roadster-like SP:01 to market (pictured above). Instead, Detroit Electric and Geely will co-develop more normal passenger vehicles from Geely's Emgrand brand, starting with the EC7 sedan. The two companies will also work on "related electric drive systems." The recent announcement was made at the Shanghai Motor Show.

Geely and Detroit Electric have been working quietly for three years on feasibility studies and a joint development program that finally selected the EC7. All of the vehicles that emerge from the strategic partnership will be sold in China, and the first model, which will be called the EC7-EV and come in two range flavours 161 km (100 miles) and 257 km (160 miles) is due in 2014. The EC7-EV will apparently have a top speed of over 200 km/h (124 mph). The companies are bold enough to put out sales predictions already, saying they expect 3,000 to be sold in the first year and 30,000 in the first three years.

Detroit Electric is in the midst of an aggressive launch phase, with plans to already start building the SP:01 in Michigan in August. To refresh your memory, the SP:01 scoots on up to 100 kilometres per hour in just 3.7 seconds on the way up to a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The powertrain includes a 37-kWh lithium-polymer battery and an air-cooled, asynchronous AC electric motor that puts out 201 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque. The range (as calculated on the New European Driving Cycle) is 180 miles (290 km) - we figure that means about 150 miles (241 km) using American-based tests.

Click here to watch a video on the latest from Detroit Electric.

Gallery: Lotus Exige V6 Cup and V6 Cup R






Continue reading Detroit Electric, Geely announce strategic partnership for electric vehicles

Detroit Electric, Geely announce strategic partnership for electric vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 05 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 shanghai motor showautoshow2013detroit electricemgrandemgrand ec7emgrand ec7-evevgeelyshanghai motor showsp:01 Sun, 05 May 2013 16:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20549789/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/05/detroit-electric-geely-ec7-ev-electric-vehicles/20549789/article-detail.xml 20549789 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/001-detroit-electric-sp01-live-1366991700_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/001-detroit-electric-sp01-live-1366991700.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz launches long-wheelbase E-Class sedan]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/28/mercedes-benz-launches-long-wheelbase-e-class-sedan/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/28/mercedes-benz-launches-long-wheelbase-e-class-sedan/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/28/mercedes-benz-launches-long-wheelbase-e-class-sedan/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Long-wheelbase sedans are a pretty hot commodity in China, and to keep up with the competition, Mercedes-Benz has introduced an extended version of the 2014 E-Class sedan at the Shanghai Motor Show. Audi, BMW, Volvo and even Cadillac offer extended versions of sedans specific to the Chinese market, and now the E-Class L, shown off in E400L guise, will give luxury sedan buyers in China yet another option.

Compared to the standard 2014 E-Class sedan, the new China-spec E-Class L has been stretched by 140mm (5.5 inches) - all of which goes to the rear-seat passengers. According to an article on China View from earlier in the year, the market for chauffeur-driven cars is growing in the Asian nation, so automakers need long-wheelbase models like the E-Class L in order to fully compete. As for what powers this stretched E-Class, it's available in three models: the diesel E260L, the V6-powered E300L and the E400 Hybrid.

The redesigned E-Class and the all-new A-Class are just the first of 20 new Mercedes-Benz products that will be introduced into the Chinese auto market by 2015. Scroll down for the full press release and additional images of the long-wheelbase E-Class.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz launches long-wheelbase E-Class sedan

Mercedes-Benz launches long-wheelbase E-Class sedan originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sun, 28 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 mercedes-benz e-classlong-wheelbasemercedes-benzmercedes-benz e-classmercedes-benz e-class lwbmercedes-benz e-klasseshanghaishanghai 2013shanghai motor show Sun, 28 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20549157/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/28/mercedes-benz-launches-long-wheelbase-e-class-sedan/20549157/article-detail.xml 20549157 http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/003-mercedes-e-class-lwb-intro_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/ca.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/003-mercedes-e-class-lwb-intro.jpg <![CDATA[Kia unveils Horki sub-brand in China, kicks off with concept car]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/kia-unveils-horki-sub-brand-in-china-kicks-off-with-concept-car/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/kia-unveils-horki-sub-brand-in-china-kicks-off-with-concept-car/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/27/kia-unveils-horki-sub-brand-in-china-kicks-off-with-concept-car/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Kia-DYK Horki Concept live at 2013 Shanghai Motor Show

While we were busy ogling new vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz GLA Concept, Maserati Ghibli and Hongqi L9 at the Shanghai Motor Show, Kia was busy unveiling an entire brand. Through its Chinese joint venture, Dongfeng Yueda Kia (or DYK), the South Korean automaker has introduced its new Horki sub-brand and a concept car, simply called the Horki Concept.

The name Horki comes from the combination of two Chinese characters "Hor" and "Ki," which translates to "China driving." As this suggests, the brand will only be offered in China, and this concept sedan shares its platform with the 2014 Kia Forte. We didn't happen to catch the car live at the auto show, and apparently neither did Kia, since it only provided us with some drawings rather than live (or even studio) shots of the actual concept car. Thankfully, our friends at Newspress managed to ferret it out, so we have a couple of live pics to share after all.

Click through to read the short press release, then watch a video about China's car market.

Gallery: Kia Provo Concept: Geneva 2013







Continue reading Kia unveils Horki sub-brand in China, kicks off with concept car

Kia unveils Horki sub-brand in China, kicks off with concept car originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 27 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 shanghai motor showautoshow2013chinadongfeng yueda kiadykhorkihorki conceptkiakia ceratokia forteshanghaishanghai motor show Sat, 27 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20548252/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/27/kia-unveils-horki-sub-brand-in-china-kicks-off-with-concept-car/20548252/article-detail.xml 20548252 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/kia-horki-concept-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/kia-horki-concept-628.jpg <![CDATA[Hongqi L9 offers retro-weird style for Chinese bigwigs]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/hongqi-l9-shanghai-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/hongqi-l9-shanghai-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/hongqi-l9-shanghai-2013/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Hongqi means "Red Flag," and the sub-brand of Chinese automaker FAW was created in the 1950s to build cars for leaders of the nation known by its red flag. In those early days Hongqi designers took inspiration from what looks to be fifties Chevrolets; these days they've kept a little of the Chevrolet but look more the way of England. The L9 executive sedan is about the length of a Rolls-Royce Phantom - on Mercedes S-Class-like wheels - and not much cheaper than the Rolls, to boot.

According to China Car Times this L9 is the civilian version of the bulletproof L9 sedan that carried then-chairman Hu Jin Tao through the capital during the 60th anniversary celebration of The People's Republic. It's a little shorter and gone are the bulletproof body and platform, but you'll still get a 6.0-litre V12 with something like 400 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. FAW hasn't released any info and listed prices vary greatly - anywhere from $800,000 to one million pounds ($1.6M CAD) - and it's not even clear if people can buy it or if it's merely meant to be for VIPs.

Not that it matters, because you'll probably never see one outside the gallery of high-res images above.

Click through to watch a video showing the Chinese car market's response to the green movement.

Gallery: Kia-DYK Horki Concept: Shanghai 2013






Continue reading Hongqi L9 offers retro-weird style for Chinese bigwigs

Hongqi L9 offers retro-weird style for Chinese bigwigs originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 shanghai motor showautoshow2013chinaChinese carChinese car marketchinese carsfawhongqihongqi l9shanghaishanghai motor show Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:15:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20548271/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/24/hongqi-l9-shanghai-2013/20548271/article-detail.xml 20548271 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/hongqi-l9-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/hongqi-l9-628.jpg <![CDATA[Smart shows production version of winged ForJeremy [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/smart-shows-production-version-of-winged-forjeremy-w-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/smart-shows-production-version-of-winged-forjeremy-w-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/smart-shows-production-version-of-winged-forjeremy-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



The SmartForJeremy is a reality, a limited run of the haute couture Smart Fortwo being announced at the Shanghai Motor Show. It has been toned down for production since we first saw it at last year's LA Auto Show but its signature flourish, the wings, remain. Instead replacing the brake lights, though, a smaller set of red-accented wings sit above them. The white interior remains, though the KITT-style wheel has been swapped for a traditional unit.

A collaboration between Mercedes-Benz Cars Advanced Design Studios and Jeremy Scott, it will come in white with white wheels and alubeam accents outside and in. Production starts this month and there will be three powertrain options all in the coupe bodystyle: a standard 55kW Smart ForTwo Electric Drive for 34,800 euro (CAD$46,436), a more powerful 60kW Brabus Electric Drive for 40,600 euro (CAD$54,175) or a 102-horsepower gasoline-engined Brabus for 33,333 euro (CAD$44,478).

It's not for everyone, but if you want to live like it's Fashion Week every week look no further. The press release and videos below can tell you more about it.


Gallery: Smart ForJeremy Photos

Continue reading Smart shows production version of winged ForJeremy [w/video]

Smart shows production version of winged ForJeremy [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 shanghai motor showjeremy scottshanghaishanghai motor showsmartsmart forjeremysmart fortwo Tue, 23 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20547163/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/23/smart-shows-production-version-of-winged-forjeremy-w-video/20547163/article-detail.xml 20547163 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/smart-forjeremy-production_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/smart-forjeremy-production.jpg <![CDATA[Rolls-Royce Ghost Alpine Trial Centenary celebrates century-old Austrian race]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/rolls-royce-ghost-alpine-trial-centenary-collection-race/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/rolls-royce-ghost-alpine-trial-centenary-collection-race/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/rolls-royce-ghost-alpine-trial-centenary-collection-race/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , ,



Among the harvest of premieres at the Shanghai Motor Show was a special-edition Rolls-Royce Ghost to celebrate the 1913 Austrian Alpine Trials. Four Rolls-Royce Silver Ghosts entered the race a century ago, and in completing the 2,929 km (1,820-mile) challenge flawlessly earned the sobriquet "The Best Car in the World." The new Ghosts commemorating the feat represent two firsts for the brand: Rolls-Royce has never created a bespoke homage to one of its own cars, and it has never released a car with a black grille.

Those two features, as well as blue paint and black wheels, are in tribute to James Radley's privateer entry in that 1913 race that drove alongside the three factory teams. Other special features include the coachline (pinstripe) that evokes the four cars from the 20th-century race, and inside, a colour-matched headliner, a clock with the rally stages and times, and topographical inlays on the front fascia and rear picnic tables.

The 20-Ghost Club will be reenacting the event this year, the parade including Radley's 1913 car. It kicks off in Vienna, Austria on June 14. For the time being you can read the press release below and check out the high-res photos above.

Scroll down to watch a video showing Rolls-Royce' new Wraith coupe, along with a photo gallery of the brand's first new car in decades.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost







Continue reading Rolls-Royce Ghost Alpine Trial Centenary celebrates century-old Austrian race

Rolls-Royce Ghost Alpine Trial Centenary celebrates century-old Austrian race originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 shanghai motor showaustrian alpine trialsautoshow2013ghostjames radleyrolls-royceRolls-Royce Alpine Trial Centenary Collectionrolls-royce ghostrolls-royce silver ghostrrrr ghostshanghaishanghai motor show Tue, 23 Apr 2013 09:45:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20547433/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/23/rolls-royce-ghost-alpine-trial-centenary-collection-race/20547433/article-detail.xml 20547433 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/rolls-royce-ghost-alpine-trial_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/rolls-royce-ghost-alpine-trial.jpg <![CDATA[Editors' Choice: Top Five 2013 Shanghai Motor Show Debuts]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/editors-choice-top-five-2013-shanghai-motor-show-debuts/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/editors-choice-top-five-2013-shanghai-motor-show-debuts/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/editors-choice-top-five-2013-shanghai-motor-show-debuts/#comments Filed under: , ,



Want proof that the Shanghai Motor Show is gradually becoming more and more important with each passing year? Up until now, our coverage of the Chinese expo has never been as in-depth as it was for 2013, and this post marks our first round of Editors' Choice picks for the show.

Sure, a lot of what we're seeing in Shanghai will never come to North America, and a lot of it is purely conceptual, but because the Chinese auto market is growing at an incredible rate, more and more automakers are lining up big debuts for this show. Because of that, there's a lot to talk about regarding Shanghai, and we've tallied up our votes to give you the five (okay, six - there was a tie for fifth place) best unveilings from this past weekend's expo.

Scroll down to check them out, and sound off with your own personal opinions in the comments.

Continue reading Editors' Choice: Top Five 2013 Shanghai Motor Show Debuts

Editors' Choice: Top Five 2013 Shanghai Motor Show Debuts originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 19:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 shanghai motor showautoshow2013best ofeditors pickshighlightsshanghaishanghai motor show Mon, 22 Apr 2013 19:14:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20547116/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/22/editors-choice-top-five-2013-shanghai-motor-show-debuts/20547116/article-detail.xml 20547116 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/cutartautoshowshanghai-1366657414_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/cutartautoshowshanghai-1366657414.jpg <![CDATA[Our Shanghai Motor Show roundup, in case you missed it]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/our-shanghai-motor-show-roundup-in-case-you-missed-it/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/our-shanghai-motor-show-roundup-in-case-you-missed-it/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/our-shanghai-motor-show-roundup-in-case-you-missed-it/#comments Filed under: , ,

Shanghai Motor Show

It's one thing to have a major international auto show hold its one sole press day on a weekend, and it's another to have to accommodate for that on top of a huge time difference. Such was the case with the Shanghai Motor Show this past weekend, and while we managed to get a majority of our live coverage wrapped up on Saturday, a few stragglers and updates have also worked their way into the fold.

Because of that, we're giving you one more look at our official, final, tied-a-bow-on-it roundup, in handy-dandy grid format below. Take a look at everything that came out of the Shanghai show and make sure to tell us what your favorite debuts were, in the comments.


Gallery: 2013 Toronto Auto Show Highlights - North & South Hall



Continue reading Our Shanghai Motor Show roundup, in case you missed it

Our Shanghai Motor Show roundup, in case you missed it originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 shanghai motor showauto showautoshow2013shanghai motor show Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20546924/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/22/our-shanghai-motor-show-roundup-in-case-you-missed-it/20546924/article-detail.xml 20546924 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/chinaautoshow.e2dc1fada8874a7b88d6d7b41efa56a9_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/chinaautoshow.e2dc1fada8874a7b88d6d7b41efa56a9.jpg <![CDATA[We obsessively covered the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/we-obsessively-covered-the-2013-shanghai-motor-show/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/we-obsessively-covered-the-2013-shanghai-motor-show/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/we-obsessively-covered-the-2013-shanghai-motor-show/#comments Filed under:



With each passing year, the Shanghai Motor Show gets more and more important - take that, if you will, as a metaphor for the entire Chinese automotive market as a whole. And while the show's press events are limited to one single day (on a Saturday, no less), we've done our best to bring you our usual obsessive live coverage direct from the show floor.

So as we prepare to board jumbo jets for the long flights back to North America, have a look through our full roundup of Shanghai coverage below.

We obsessively covered the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 20 Apr 2013 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 shanghai motor showshanghaishanghai motor show Sat, 20 Apr 2013 19:59:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20546270/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/20/we-obsessively-covered-the-2013-shanghai-motor-show/20546270/article-detail.xml 20546270 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/cutartautoshowshanghai_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/cutartautoshowshanghai.jpg <![CDATA[Acura Concept SUV-X is where brand should be going [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/acura-concept-suv-x-shanghai-2013-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/acura-concept-suv-x-shanghai-2013-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/acura-concept-suv-x-shanghai-2013-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Acura Concept SUV-X

We're not saying Acura should off their Concept SUV-X for sale as-is, we're just saying we'd like to see Acuras that are interesting to look at on the outside, rather than just being packed full of technology on the inside. Revealed at the Shanghai Motor Show, the Concept SUV-X joins other compact high-rollers like the MG CS concept as an entrant for China's compact SUV segment.

But this won't be a concept forever. Acura says that the SUV-X is the precursor to a production offering from the brand in China that will come "in about three years." A presser below sheds a little more light on this and the Chinese version of the RLX that will go on sale in a few months, and there's a short video detailing some of the concept's finer points, as well.

Continue reading Acura Concept SUV-X is where brand should be going [w/video]

Acura Concept SUV-X is where brand should be going [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 20 Apr 2013 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 shanghai motor showacuraacura concept suv-xacura rlxconcept suv-xshanghaishanghai motor show Sat, 20 Apr 2013 19:27:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20546267/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/20/acura-concept-suv-x-shanghai-2013-video/20546267/article-detail.xml 20546267 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/001-acura-suv-x-concept628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/001-acura-suv-x-concept628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Honda concept dials M for minivan [w/video]]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/honda-concept-m-shanghai-2013-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/honda-concept-m-shanghai-2013-video/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/honda-concept-m-shanghai-2013-video/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Honda Concept M

Yes, it looks a bit, uh, toothy, but what you see here is a concept that previews a brand new small MPV specifically designed for the Chinese market. Called the Concept M, the swoopy Honda was designed in Japan and the automaker is currently aiming to launch a production version in China sometime in 2014.

Honda hasn't released many details about its small van concept, simply saying that it "offers the attributes of a passenger car while adding new value through the realization of a comfortable and spacious cabin space made possible by Honda's packaging technologies, and the fun of driving." Doesn't sound too bad to us.

Have a glance at the Concept M in the gallery above (full disclosure: we don't have live shots of this one), and take a look below for the official press blast direct from the MPV's Shanghai debut, as well as a promotional video showing the new concept from all angles. Oh, and be sure to turn your volume down before pushing the play button.

Continue reading Honda concept dials M for minivan [w/video]

Honda concept dials M for minivan [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 20 Apr 2013 18:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 shanghai motor showhondahonda concept mshanghaishanghai motor show Sat, 20 Apr 2013 18:12:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20546265/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/20/honda-concept-m-shanghai-2013-video/20546265/article-detail.xml 20546265 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/001-honda-concept-m628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/001-honda-concept-m628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Renault Alpine A110-50 Concept makes fast friends at Shanghai show]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/renault-alpine-a110-50-concept-shanghai-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/renault-alpine-a110-50-concept-shanghai-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/renault-alpine-a110-50-concept-shanghai-2013/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Renault Alpin A110-50 Concept

Last year, Renault created the Alpine A110-50 Concept to mark the 50th anniversary of the original Renault A110, but we had to wait until this year's Shanghai Motor Show to see the stunning concept in person. First introduced in 1961, the A110 became a dominating force in the rally car circuit in the early 1970s, and the A110-50 Concept shows what a future version of the car could be - although there's still no official word if Renault plans to ever bring this car to production.

As a refresher, this concept pays homage to the classic A110 with its Alpine Blue paint job and hood-mounted foglights, but its wavy rear wing, scissor doors and curvaceous carbon fibre body are all modern cues. This concept gets its power from a mid-mounted 3.5-litre V6 producing 400 horsepower, which is controlled through a six-speed, dual-clutch gearbox. For more information on this concept (including a digital video of the car in motion) head on over to our previous post of the car from last year.

Continue reading Renault Alpine A110-50 Concept makes fast friends at Shanghai show

Renault Alpine A110-50 Concept makes fast friends at Shanghai show originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 20 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 shanghai motor showconcept carrenaultrenault alpine a110-50renault alpine a110-50 conceptshanghaishanghai motor show Sat, 20 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20546233/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/20/renault-alpine-a110-50-concept-shanghai-2013/20546233/article-detail.xml 20546233 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/renault-alpine-a10-50-concept-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/renault-alpine-a10-50-concept-628.jpg <![CDATA[Cadillac still planning for big things in China]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/cadillac-still-planning-for-big-things-in-china/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/cadillac-still-planning-for-big-things-in-china/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/cadillac-still-planning-for-big-things-in-china/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

2013 Cadillac Escalade ESV Hybrid revealed at 2013 Shanghai Motor Show

Despite some hiccups, China remains the auto industry's great hope for new vehicle sales, with significant sales gains and a huge upside. Nowhere is that hope more fervent than at General Motors, which offers eight different marques in the Asian nation. China has been GM's single biggest market the last three years running, and is unlikely to give up that title anytime soon. Yet its premiere brand, Cadillac, has remained essentially stagnant, selling just 30,000 units in China last year. That's in a segment where sales of luxury vehicles has outpaced that of the larger Chinese market. So what gives?

According to Cadillac officials Autoblog spoke with in China this week at the Shanghai Motor Show, it's been a problem of product - they haven't had the right ones. Displacement taxation issues, import tariffs and currency fluctuations have all conspired to make the brand's products less appealing than they might otherwise have been. But GM is stepping on the gas with Cadillac, and executives are eyeballing 100,000 sales by 2016 - more than triple the Wreath and Crest's current volume. And the expectations for the brand only get more ambitious from there - they're shooting for 10 per cent of the luxury market by 2020. Bob Socia, President of GM China, promises that there will be a new Caddy launched in the market each year from now through 2016 and most will be built in China. Characterizing the company's efforts to revive the brand's fortunes as a "relaunch" of sorts, the brand also figures to gain dealers as GM expands its sales outlet footprint westward.

New products like a made-in-China XTS sedan (with a market-specific 2.0-litre four-cylinder to avoid heavy displacement taxes) will help, and Socia hinted that the ATS sport sedan could be next in line for in-country production. The SRX crossover - currently the brand's best-selling model in China - will also likely get a long look for future local production with the next-generation model is introduced. In the meantime, Cadillac unveiled the Escalade ESV Hybrid (shown above) as its latest model addition to capitalize on the market's white-hot luxury SUV segment.

In addition to new products, GM China is also investing in developing market-specific technology at its facilities in Shanghai. Much of that will come in the form of apps for its infotainment systems like Cadillac's CUE, including connectivity for popular social media utilities like Weibo, which executives described as China's Twitter.

Continue reading Cadillac still planning for big things in China

Cadillac still planning for big things in China originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 20 Apr 2013 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 shanghai motor showbob sociacadillaccadillac atscadillac chinacadillac escaladecadillac xtsgeneral motorsgmgm chinashanghaishanghai motor showweibo Sat, 20 Apr 2013 16:27:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20546229/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/20/cadillac-still-planning-for-big-things-in-china/20546229/article-detail.xml 20546229 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/cadillac-escalade-esv-hybrid-shanghai_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/cadillac-escalade-esv-hybrid-shanghai.jpg <![CDATA[BMW X4 hatches its fastback shape in Shanghai]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/bmw-x4-hatches-its-fastback-shape-in-shanghai/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/bmw-x4-hatches-its-fastback-shape-in-shanghai/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/bmw-x4-hatches-its-fastback-shape-in-shanghai/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

BMW X4 Concept reveal live at 2013 Shanghai Motor Show

The day has finally come for BMW to pull the covers off its X4 Concept at the Shanghai Motor Show. The machine brings few surprises - we've already seen an official image gallery from the German automaker, so its exterior shape was well known - but at least now we get to see it with our own eyes, and with the lenses of our very own cameras.

You can clearly see the fastback roofline in our high-res image gallery above, along with the jacked-up stance that allows BMW to call this machine a Sports Activity Vehicle, which basically means "Crossover" to our friends in Munich. We've seen similar vehicle shapes before, most notably in the form of the BMW X6, but also as far back as the 1980s from the likes of AMC.

We fully expect the transition from concept to production to be pretty seamless, so what we see here is, for the most part, what we'll see on the showroom floor in 2014. Feel free to peruse the press release below, but first, be sure to browse through our live images from Shanghai and let us know what you think.

Continue reading BMW X4 hatches its fastback shape in Shanghai

BMW X4 hatches its fastback shape in Shanghai originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 20 Apr 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 shanghai motor showbmwbmw concept x4bmw x4shanghaishanghai motor show Sat, 20 Apr 2013 15:45:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20546251/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/20/bmw-x4-hatches-its-fastback-shape-in-shanghai/20546251/article-detail.xml 20546251 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/628-bmw-x4-concept-shanghai_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/628-bmw-x4-concept-shanghai.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Maserati Ghibli snarls in Shanghai]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/2014-maserati-ghibli-shanghai-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/2014-maserati-ghibli-shanghai-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/2014-maserati-ghibli-shanghai-2013/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



Big things are happening at Maserati, where the automaker is looking to increase its sales to 50,000 units annually. In addition to the revised Quattroporte that we saw at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year, Maserati has launched the all-new Ghibli here in Shanghai - a smaller, more driver-focused model that will take on the likes of the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

At launch, the Ghibli will be offered with three six-cylinder engines, two gas and one diesel. The base engine is a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 with 330 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque, good for a 100 km/h (0-62) time of 5.6 seconds. The more powerful Ghibli S, however, comes with a twin-turbocharged version of this engine, good for 410 hp and 406 lb-ft, reducing that 0-100 km.h (0-62) time to just five seconds flat. On the diesel end, the Ghibli will offer a 3.0-litre diesel V6 with 275 hp and 443 lb-ft of twist, able to do that same 100 km/h (62-mile-per-hour) run in a still impressive 6.3 seconds. The more powerful Ghibli S will also be available with Maserati's new Q4 all-wheel-drive system, though we're told that this feature cannot be had on right-hand-drive versions.

As for what we can see here in Shanghai, the Ghibli looks pretty darn good, though that front fascia reminds us an awful lot of the BMW 3 Series. (Seriously, just picture the Bimmer with a more gaping grille opening.) Maserati will offer the Ghibli with standard 18-inch wheels, though 19s, 20s, and even 21s will be available as optional extras.

Have a look through our photo galleries above and below, and let us know what you think of the new Ghibli in the comments.

Continue reading 2014 Maserati Ghibli snarls in Shanghai

2014 Maserati Ghibli snarls in Shanghai originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 20 Apr 2013 14:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 shanghai motor show2014 maserati ghiblimaseratimaserati ghiblishanghaishanghai motor show Sat, 20 Apr 2013 14:49:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20546227/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/20/2014-maserati-ghibli-shanghai-2013/20546227/article-detail.xml 20546227 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/maserati-ghibli-shanghai-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/maserati-ghibli-shanghai-628.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe Concept is green-tinted high performance]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/volkswagen-crossblue-coupe-concept-shanghai-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/volkswagen-crossblue-coupe-concept-shanghai-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/volkswagen-crossblue-coupe-concept-shanghai-2013/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



Those of us who like a little style injected into our greenery will appreciate the Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe Concept seen above. Like the original seven-seat non-coupe version of the crossover first seen at the Detroit Auto Show, this five-seat machine from Shanghai features a high-tech drivetrain that consists of twin electric motors, one up front and one at the rear, that get juice from a 9.8-kWh lithium-ion battery. Under the hood sits a 295-horsepower, direct-injection, gasoline-burning V6 in place of the turbo-diesel of the Detroit version.

Those three powerplants combine to put out an impressive 415 horsepower, which is sufficient enough to shuttle the CrossBlue Coupe Concept from 0-60 (0-96 km/h) in a scant 5.9 seconds and on up to a top speed of 236 km/h (147 miles per hour). Of course, green-leaners will be more interested in the Concept's ability to travel 34 km (21 miles) on electricity alone that couples with the estimated 79 miles per gallon (3.0 L/100 km) on the European combined cycle - for what it's worth, there's no direct translation of that figure into US mpg EPA, but it wouldn't be nearly that high - that allows for a 1,158 kilometre (720-mile range)... on paper, of course.

Styling, as they say, is subjective, but we like what we see. Have a look at the VW CrossBlue Coupe Concept in our high-res image gallery above, read the press release below, and let us know what you think.

Continue reading Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe Concept is green-tinted high performance

Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe Concept is green-tinted high performance originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 20 Apr 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 shanghai motor showshanghaishanghai motor showvolkswagenvolkswagen crossblue coupe concept Sat, 20 Apr 2013 14:15:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20546220/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/20/volkswagen-crossblue-coupe-concept-shanghai-2013/20546220/article-detail.xml 20546220 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/volkswagen-crossblue-coupe-concept-628-1366450811_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/volkswagen-crossblue-coupe-concept-628-1366450811.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan Friend-Me Concept is cooler than its name]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/nissan-friend-me-concept-shanghai-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/nissan-friend-me-concept-shanghai-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/nissan-friend-me-concept-shanghai-2013/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Nissan Friend-Me Concept - live at 2013 Shanghai Motor Show

Here is the Nissan Friend-Me, a swoopy - and let us emphasize that word "swoopy" - sedan-with-a-hatchback developed specifically for Chinese youth in their mid-twenties, the ones born in the eighties mainly bereft of siblings due to China's one-child policy. The exterior is meant to be most imposing at night, when Nissan figures these single children will be getting together with their friends. The sheetmetal looks like it was shaped by waves, and the details like lighting and vent openings could have been penned on Krypton.

The real show is inside, where peers are made equal and can interact with one another via the "oracle stone." The concept is that instead of a driver and three passengers, everyone gets access to the same information and the ability to alter the ambiance of the car - dash readouts are provided for all of the occupants, and anyone can move content from their phones to the in-car screens to be shared throughout. As Nissan says, it's the end of anyone being a "music dictator."

Designed by Nissan Design China for a specific market-within-a-market estimated to contain 240 million potential buyers, Nissan says the wishes of these customers and the ideas in this car could shape automotive offerings for decades to come. So read all about it in the press release below and have take some long virtual looks in the galleries of high-res photos.

Continue reading Nissan Friend-Me Concept is cooler than its name

Nissan Friend-Me Concept is cooler than its name originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 20 Apr 2013 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 shanghai motor shownissannissan friend-meshanghaishanghai motor show Sat, 20 Apr 2013 12:46:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20546216/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/20/nissan-friend-me-concept-shanghai-2013/20546216/article-detail.xml 20546216 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/nissan-friend-me-concept-shanghai-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/nissan-friend-me-concept-shanghai-628.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Lamborghini Aventador LP720-4 50 Anniversario is indeed worth celebrating]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/2013-lamborghini-aventador-lp720-4-50-anniversario-shanghai-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/2013-lamborghini-aventador-lp720-4-50-anniversario-shanghai-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/2013-lamborghini-aventador-lp720-4-50-anniversario-shanghai-2013/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



Here is the Giallo Maggio candle that carries the flame of Lamborghini's 50th anniversary: the
Aventador LP720-4 50 Anniversario Edition. There will be just 100 of them produced, each one in the buttery hue that has been the most popular colour among the Lamborghini palette since the Miura arrived in 1966.

This limited-edition Aventador gets 20 more horsepower than the standard car for a total of 720 horses, and there's a new aerodynamics package to keep all of them planted on the ground. Inside, there's new leather in colours tied to the Bolognese home of Lamborghini: Terra Emilia brown or Giallo Quercus yellow, and black. A new diamond type of stitching also sets it apart from any other Aventador out there.

You'll find a press release with a lot more info just below.

Continue reading 2013 Lamborghini Aventador LP720-4 50 Anniversario is indeed worth celebrating

2013 Lamborghini Aventador LP720-4 50 Anniversario is indeed worth celebrating originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 20 Apr 2013 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 shanghai motor showlamborghinilamborghini aventadorlamborghini Aventador LP720-4 50 Anniversario Editionlimited editionshanghaishanghai motor showspecial edition Sat, 20 Apr 2013 11:58:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20546213/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/20/2013-lamborghini-aventador-lp720-4-50-anniversario-shanghai-2013/20546213/article-detail.xml 20546213 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/628-lamborghini-aventador-lp720-5-50-anniversario_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/628-lamborghini-aventador-lp720-5-50-anniversario.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid is one mean green machine]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/2014-porsche-panamera-s-e-hybrid-shanghai-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/2014-porsche-panamera-s-e-hybrid-shanghai-2013/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/2014-porsche-panamera-s-e-hybrid-shanghai-2013/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



The entire Porsche Panamera lineup gets a refresh for the 2014 model year, and new additions to the range include two long-wheelbase models and this E-Hybrid fuel-sipper that makes its debut here at the Shanghai Motor Show. And, well, we say "fuel-sipper lightly."

Porsche has packed its hybrid Panamera with 416 horsepower and 435 pound-feet of torque, and that certainly makes for one quick sedan-hatchback-thing. Hitting 60 miles per hour (96 kilometres per hour) will reportedly take just 5.2 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 269 km/h (167 mph). And while Porsche hasn't revealed specific powertrain details, the company says that the S E-Hybrid "improves upon the concept offered by the previous Panamera S Hybrid with a more powerful electric motor," which leads us to believe that the supercharged 3.0-litre V6 engine at the heart of it all still remains intact.

Fuel economy numbers (or estimates) have not been released as of this writing, but we expect to have that information closer to the car's on-sale date later this year. As for the new battery system, Porsche says that when plugged into a 240-volt charging station, it can be fully charged in just two and a half hours. When topped off, the Panamera S E-Hybrid should have an electric driving range of around 32 kilometres (20 miles) at speeds up to (135 km/h (84 mph), though, obviously, not at the same time.

Have a look at the press release below for more information.

Continue reading 2014 Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid is one mean green machine

2014 Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid is one mean green machine originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 20 Apr 2013 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 shanghai motor show2014 porsche panamera s e-hybridporscheporsche panameraporsche panamera s e-hybridshanghaishanghai motor show Sat, 20 Apr 2013 11:15:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20546210/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/20/2014-porsche-panamera-s-e-hybrid-shanghai-2013/20546210/article-detail.xml 20546210 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2014-porsche-panamera-s-e-hyrbrid-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2014-porsche-panamera-s-e-hyrbrid-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ford Mondeo (Fusion) with 1.5-litre EcoBoost debuts in China]]> http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/ford-mondeo-fusion-with-1-5-litre-ecoboost-debuts-in-china/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/ford-mondeo-fusion-with-1-5-litre-ecoboost-debuts-in-china/ http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/ford-mondeo-fusion-with-1-5-litre-ecoboost-debuts-in-china/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Does the car above, posing fancifully in white, look familiar? Well, it should. Although it wears Mondeo badges in the form you see above for the Chinese market - as it does in Europe - the car is basically the same thing sold in North America as the Ford Fusion. Of course, it's what's under that shapely skin that counts.

Ford has chosen the Shanghai Motor Show as the venue with which to unveil its 1.5-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine. We'd heard about the engine before, but now we have a few performance estimates to share: 133 kW of power (about 178 horsepower) and 240 Nm of torque (about 177 pound-feet).

Those numbers pretty much confirm previous rumours indicating about 177 in each category, and it's right on par with what Ford's own 1.6-litre EcoBoost produces. Ford is claiming best-in-class fuel economy as well, but no specific figures have yet been provided. In any case, we'll surely have all the data soon enough, as the 1.5-litre mill is destined for North American Fusion in 2014.

Ford will also offer a 2.0-litre EcoBoost in the Chinese Mondeo that puts out 178 kW (239 horsepower) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft). All that and more can be found in the press release below.

Continue reading Ford Mondeo (Fusion) with 1.5-litre EcoBoost debuts in China

Ford Mondeo (Fusion) with 1.5-litre EcoBoost debuts in China originally appeared on Autoblog Canada on Sat, 20 Apr 2013 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1.5-liter ecoboost2013 shanghai motor showecoboostfordford mondeoshanghaishanghai motor show Sat, 20 Apr 2013 10:29:00 EST http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/20546208/article-comments.xml http://ca.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/20/ford-mondeo-fusion-with-1-5-litre-ecoboost-debuts-in-china/20546208/article-detail.xml 20546208 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2013-ford-mondeo-ecoboost-china-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/2013-ford-mondeo-ecoboost-china-628.jpg -1 2