Category: Motor Shows

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Motor Shows

Made in China

Chery @Ant concept

The Auto China 2012 motor show is currently under way in Beijing, and while it doesn’t yet have the cachet of a Geneva, Paris or Frankfurt it may well only be a matter of time.

But what is the scene really like in China? Are they still making shameless knock-offs of well known models? Or is the increase of European and Japanese manufacturers investing in China putting an end to such madness?

Gavin Green from Car has had a pretty good crack at providing answers to those questions. Here’s a snippet:

The local makers are surprisingly weak and their market share is dropping. Volkswagen is brand leader, Nissan second, Toyota third. The biggest indigenous brand is Chery at number eight. But these statistics mislead. All the big Western and Japanese brands have local manufacturing partners to share the profits if not the technical credit. Thus makers like SAIC, FAW and Dongfeng are rather more successful than their own-brand sales figures might suggest.

Wandering the halls of the Beijing show, what’s clear is how far the local makers are still behind. Think Korean cars of five to eight years ago, and you’ll get the picture…

Read Green’s thoughts in full by following the source link below.

[Source: Car]

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Lamborghini Lotus Mazda Mercedes-Benz Motor Shows Nissan Opel Pagani Peugeot Range Rover Renault Skoda smart Toyota Volkswagen Volvo

2012 Geneva Motor Show in pictures – part 2

2012 Geneva Motor Show

Here’s the second and final part of our 2012 Geneva Motor Show photo gallery, featuring manufacturers from L–Z (well V actually). Highlights include the Aventador J pictured above along with a reappearance of the stylish Mazda Takeri concept. The awesome Pagani Huayra is also on show, check the raw carbon fibre model, it looks sublime. Oh, we’d love to hear what you think of the Valmet Automotive Dawn, if it was a person it would no doubt be referred to as one weird cat.

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Aston Martin Audi Bentley BMW Bugatti Chevrolet Citroen Ferrari Ford Honda Hyundai Infiniti Jaguar Koenigsegg Motor Shows

2012 Geneva Motor Show in pictures – part 1

2012 Geneva Motor Show

After a couple of days for press previews the doors to the 2012 Geneva Motor Show are about to be opened to the public. Figuring you probably can’t make it we’re bringing you our biggest photo gallery ever. That’s right, there’ll be over 200 images from the floor of Geneva for you to enjoy.

We’ve kept things varied and ensured there’s dream cars, like the Ferrari F12berlinetta and Lamborghini Aventador J, as well as everyday stuff like the new Audi A3 and the Subaru Impreza Hatch. Then there’s the Valmet Automotive Dawn. We’re not quite sure what that is and you’ll see it in part 2 of our gallery, to be added later today.

After the break you can enjoy the first installment where we’ve taken an alphabetical approach and presented manufacturers from A–K.

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Motor Shows Porsche

Geneva 2012: Porsche Boxster

2012 Porsche Boxster

Back in January Porsche revealed the first official photos and information on its all-new Boxster. However, Porsche had always planned to wait until the Geneva Motor Show for the roadster to make its public debut.

There’s no new press material, so we’ve repeated the text from January for you after the break. There are a few new press photos and also a short video from the launch in Geneva.

Bernhard Maier, Sales and Marketing board member sums it up best: “Driving experience, on a winding road, on a Sunday morning. The sun is shining. Good music, the best music is coming from the Boxster itself, the motor. That seems to be one of the perfect days in my life.”

One final thing, imagine how much better the Boxster will look when it’s not in gold or brown paint!

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Motor Shows Rolls-Royce

Geneva 2012: Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II

Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II

Given our coverage of the Geneva Motor Show so far you could be forgiven for thinking it’s little more than a hot hatch playground. But we’re here to show you how the other half live. Actually, it’s probably more like half of the other half. If that; you get the point. Which brings us to the Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II.

Taking the company’s motto of “Take the best that exists and make it better”, CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös has overseen a compete makeover of the entire Phantom range. That includes the standard Phantom Saloon—if there’s such a thing as a standard Roller—the Coupé, the Drophead Coupé and the Extended Wheelbase models.

“Today I am delighted to present Phantom Series II, a family of models that feature significant improvements in design, drive-train and technology,” said Torsten Müller-Ötvös. “As a consequence of these changes, we will continue to present with pride the best motor cars in the world, which re-confirm Rolls-Royce’s position at the very pinnacle of the ultra-luxury goods marketplace.”

Who are we to argue.

Actually, we’d never paid too much attention to the Phantom Coupé before. Maybe its suicide doors are a bit silly, maybe they’re the most practical doors on the market. Who knows, what we do know is the Coupé has a uniqueness about it that makes it quite cool. We’ll let you fight over the other models.

There’s a short press release, a heap of photos and a couple of videos for you after the break. If you had to choose a location to shoot promo videos for the Phantom Series II do you reckon the Ascari race track would be on the top of your list? Anyway, make sure you take the time to watch the second clip. It’s quite long and is an assortment of clips probably not designed for YouTube use, but there’s some quite interesting footage from the production lines towards the end.

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Motor Shows Opel Vauxhall

Geneva 2012: Vauxhall Astra VXR

Vauxhall Astra VXR

Vauxhall has just announced details of its aggressive new Astra VXR. In coupé form they have stated clearly they want the VXR to tackle the Volkswagen Scirocco R and Renault Megane RS 250 head on.

Making a good start in that battle is the VXR’s 2.0 litre turbocharged engine which produces 280PS (206kW) and 400Nm. That’s more than either of the German or French weapons.

The Astra VXR is based on the GTC but has been tuned with a view to sharper performance. A mechanical limited slip diff (remember them) and Brembo brakes make the biggest contributions. Also tweaked is Vauxhall’s adaptive FlexRide system. A standard old Sport button is not enough for this car, it has a VXR button as well. Essentially they’ve turned the damper, throttle and steering control up to 11.

They’ve taken a similar approach with the wheels by running 20″ rims as standard. A more aggressive bodykit completes the look.

On paper and in pictures this Astra VXR sounds and looks quite appealing. If you like it, best start nagging Opel Australia and help them build a case to bring the car down under.

UPDATE: Thanks to the super attentive staff at Opel Australia we can share their hopes for the Astra VXR: “As an Opel (as opposed to a Vauxhall) it would be part of the OPC range. We won’t be bringing OPCs to Australia for our launch this year, however we are chasing it for next year—not confirmed yet but we are hopeful.” Sounds promising.

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Motor Shows Volkswagen

Geneva 2012: Volkswagen Amarok Canyon

Volkswagen Amarok Canyon Concept

Have you ever thought you couldn’t buy a Volkswagen Amarok because it didn’t suit your freestyle kayaking lifestyle? If you said yes, then you’re in luck, because VW has come up with a concept model just for you.

Dr Wolfgang Schreiber, Head of Development at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, explains, “We are using this extreme concept to illustrate one of the many diverse uses of the Amarok. By tuning its design to an extreme sport, we are bringing the original DNA of the Amarok into focus.”

The Amarok Canyon concept is both taller and wider than a standard Amarok. But, more importantly, Volkswagen knows how much extreme kayakers cherish their colour palettes. As a result this concept has been finished off in exotic “Baladi Orange” paint. Due to the Canyon’s increased ride height there are electrically operated tread plates which lower when stationary to make it easier to step down from the car.

Hmm, so these extreme kayakers love their pretty colours but they can’t step down an extra 40mm without assistance. Are we really getting the full picture?

Extreme power is provided by a gnarly 132kW/400Nm 2.0 TDI. And you can be sure you’ll reach your destination thanks to the switchable 4motion system.

At least the two carbon fibre kayaks in the back are pretty cool.

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Motor Shows Volkswagen

Geneva 2012: Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet

Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet

Here at AUSmotive we’ve never really understood why manufacturers indulge their customers by releasing chop-top versions of performance models. With the Golf GTI Cabriolet at least there is some old skool heritage there from on the Mk1 GTI Cabriolet.

The same questions apply to the numerous iterations of BMW M3 convertible and, equally, the B7 Audi RS4. Really, why make a lesser version of such iconic cars? Let the hairdressers have their fun, of course, but that’s what the Eos was for, surely?

Anyway, Volkswagen reckon the formula of Golf GTI + Cabriolet is a winner and so here we are. Of course, we got a preview of the GTI Cabrio at last year’s Wörthersee show. We just reckon a concept car is how it should have stayed.

What do you think, have we got it wrong?

UPDATE: New promo video has been added below.

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Green Machines Infiniti Motor Shows

Geneva 2012: Infiniti Emerg-E

Infiniti Emerg-E

Phwoar, that’s pretty sexy, don’t you think. It’s the Inifiniti Emerg-E concept and it’s been made to help put the fancy-Nissan product on the map as it extends into new markets.

Well, a 300kW sports car with seductive flowing lines and a 0-60mph time of 4.0 seconds is a pretty good place to start. True, they’re not the most spectacular numbers going around for a car that looks that good, but keep in mind it’s only got a measly 1.2 litre three cylinder petrol engine to supplement the twin electric motors.

The baby engine is rather quaintly called a “range extender”. That’s just as well too, because in all-electric mode you’ve only got around 50km to play with.

Most importantly, though, the Emerg-E made us sit up and take notice. Infiniti is coming to Australia, too, so let’s hope there’s more stuff like this to follow.

If you want to keep an eye on Infiniti product the European division has rather kindly opened their press guff up to everyone, no passwords required: www.infinitipress.eu

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Green Machines Motor Shows Volkswagen

Geneva 2012: Volkswagen Cross Coupé

Volkswagen Cross Coupe

Here is the “new” Volkswagen Cross Coupé. If you think you’ve seen something like this before, well, you have, last December. Back then the Cross Coupé on display in Tokyo was a petrol-electric hybrid. But now, VW has ripped out the TSI engine and plonked in a TDI, coupled it to the electric motors and, voila, a “world premiere”.

The Cross Coupé concept weighs 1858kg and it’s a measure of the car’s technology that it can accelerate to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 220km/h, thanks to its total power of 225kW. Yet, with a cautious approach, it will sip diesel at just 1.8l/100km.

In full electric mode the top speed is limited to 120km/h and a range of only 45km is predicted. An electric motor powers each axle, with up to 40kW sent to the front wheels and a max of 85kW to the rear. If power is being supplied only by the TDI engine the Cross Coupé is front-wheel drive.

In photos the Cross Coupé looks quite big, but in actual fact it is sized in between a Golf and Tiguan. Hinting at a possible production future the concept model has been based on the MQB platform.

Local sales figures tell us the SUV market is the strongest segment around. The Range Rover Evoque is showing that style plays an important role in the market, whether purists like it or not. So, were the Cross Coupé an actual production model do you reckon it would sell well?

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Ford Motor Shows

Geneva 2012: Ford Fiesta ST

Ford Fiesta ST

Geneva looks like being the place to be for hot hatch lovers this year and this new “production-ready” Ford Fiesta ST is another one to add to the list. It’s not due until 2013 so Ford are being a bit coy with concrete information.

We can tell you the Fiesta ST is powered by a 1.6 litre engine offering 132kW (180PS). It should be good for 0-100km/h in around 7 seconds or maybe even a bit less. Top speed should be around 220km/h.

Hmm, not so sure about that goofy looking front grille, but otherwise this baby hot hatch looks the goods. Even if the interior is a wee bit lairy.

More of a competitor to the Polo GTI the latest ST from Ford brings high expectations. Jost Capito, Ford’s director of Global Performance Vehicles says, “We believe Ford customers will be blown away by the new Fiesta ST, and not only by the exhilarating performance but by the styling and specification, too. This dynamic new hot-hatch is undoubtedly our best Fiesta ST to date.”

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Lamborghini Motor Shows

Geneva 2012: Lamborghini Aventador J

Lamborghini Aventador J

Just when you thought a German hatchback was a bit radical Lamborghini stands up and slaps you in the face with a 700hp dose of reality. This is the Aventador J, “a force of nature on wheels” Lamborghini claim.

Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Lamborghini says, “With the Lamborghini Aventador J, we have molded our brand DNA into its most definitive form to date. This automobile is as extreme and as uncompromising as only a Lamborghini can be.

“The new Lamborghini Aventador J is the most radical open supersports car of Lamborghini’s history. Its name comes from our tradition and combines an unconventional design with technology innovation.”

Winkelmann is referring to the Miura P400 Jota, a one-off creation made in 1970 to comply with the FIA’s Appendix J regs. Following suit, this Aventador J is also a one-off creation, albeit one that has used its Aventador LP700-4 platform wisely and is ready for road use. As such it will be offered for sale and won’t be consigned to Lamborghini’s museum.

It’s a timely and pleasing reminder from Winkelmann that he knows the legacy Lamborghini holds in the automotive world. “Nowadays we are confronted with several regulations that we face in the spirit of challenge. The Aventador J is the proof that, despite the rules, Lamborghini will always make people dream, even in the future,” he said.

The Aventador J is as wild as it is brilliant! More power to them.

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