2008 Beijing Motor Show Highlights

With China now one of the fastest growing automotive markets, the Beijing Motor Show has become one of the most important International shows in the world, joining the ranks of Geneva, Paris, Frankfurt, Tokyo and Detroit.

More than 60 different car companies from Europe, Asia and America had vehicles on display, many of which were shown for the first time anywhere. Included in the world debuts were two vehicles coming to America—the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLK. A freshly styled Hyundai Elantra was also shown publically for the first time.

Watch Video:  Beijing Motor Show Highlights

Here are some of the highlights of the show, chosen for significance or just for catching our eye.

Geely GT Concept

Some may recognize Geely as one of the few Chinese car companies that have presented vehicles at the North American International Auto Show. But Geely never brought anything to Detroit like the Geely Tiger (GT). Still just a concept, the GT features a bold grille, long sweeping lines and a front-engine/rear-wheel-drive configuration expected in a grand touring coupe. The low roofline and muscular rear design emphasizes power to the rear wheels. While it may not make it to production, the GT provides a clear example of sexy designs that can come from China-based Geely. The GT was just one of several stylish new models on display at Geely’s Beijing Motor Show stand.

View Pictures:  Beijing Motor Show Highlights

Oulim Motors Spirra

Oulim Motors may not have the name recognition of Hyundai or Kia, but the Korea-based car company is looking to get noticed with its first production car, the Spirra S. We certainly noticed. The Spirra S is a hand-built mid-engine sports car with sleek lines and a wide stance. Clearly visible through the Plexiglas engine cover is a supercharged 2.7-liter V6 that produces an estimated 400 horsepower. Power runs to the rear wheels via a 6-speed gearbox, and the manufacturer claims 62 mph comes up in just 4.8 seconds. To match the power and styling, the Spirra is equipped with some serious brakes—6-piston Brembos in front, 4-piston binders in the rear. The Spirra’s space frame and carbon-fiber body make it light and stiff, two hallmarks of a true sports car. The Spirra is scheduled to go on sale in Korea this summer, but there’s been no word on availability stateside.

Audi Q5

Making its world debut in Beijing, the Q5 is Audi’s first entry into the growing luxury crossover market. The Q5 has a sporty appearance with a wide stance, bold fender flares and available 20-inch wheels. The clamshell cargo hatch is similar to the styling of the larger Q7, providing both a wide opening for easy loading while needing little space behind the vehicle to raise the hatch. Split taillights, like those on the Q7, leave lights visible even with the hatch open. Inside is a large cargo area that can be expanded by either sliding the rear seats forward or folding them flat. While a number of different engine options are available for the European and Asian market, the Q5 will be available exclusively with a 270-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 when it goes on sale in North America early in 2009. Audi’s legendary quattro all-wheel-drive system will be standard on all Q5s.

Read:  First Look: 2009 Audi Q5

View Pictures:  2009 Audi Q5 in Beijing

Nissan Teana

The Japanese automaker revealed the next generation of its flagship for the Chinese market, the Teana. The press release from Beijing, tailored for the Chinese audience, pegged the Teana as embodying, “deep insight into the unique cultural taste and Chinese consumer behaviors.” It goes on to say that “both the center console and leather seats create gentle and comfortable visual experience.” To fit the Chinese market, special attention was paid to making the Teana run quietly and smoothly. Its V6 engine is teamed with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

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Mercedes-Benz GLK

The German car company has had great success building luxury SUVs, and early next year it will take on the luxury compact SUV market with the all-new GLK. Making its world debut in Beijing, the GLK features a more chiseled, angular style somewhat reminiscent of the first Mercedes SUV, the G-Class. For the U.S. market the new model will be sold as the GLK350, sporting a 3.5-liter V6 engine putting out 268 horsepower. Available with two- or four-wheel drive, the GLK comes with a slew of standard features, including 19-inch wheels, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity and multiple airbags. A rear-seat entertainment system featuring two eight-inch screens, wireless headphones and an integrated dual-source DVD player will also be available. The GLK350 is expected to arrive stateside in January 2009 as a 2010 model.

View Pictures:  2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK

Buick Invicta

It was no big surprise that Buick would be making news at the Beijing Motor Show. After all, General Motors sells more Buicks in China than in any other country, including the U.S. The news in question was the world debut of the all-new Invicta concept. The large 4-door sedan features a bold grille with sweeping lines, giving the appearance of speed even when standing still. The high beltline and low roof give the Invicta the sleek lines of a coupe, and fit well with the 20-inch polished alloy wheels. Following Buick tradition, the Invicta features three portholes on each side, but instead of being placed on the fenders, they are located on either side of the hood. The Invicta gets Buick’s first direct-injected turbocharged engine, a four-cylinder powerplant that produces 250 horsepower. In no way is the Invicta a production car, but future Buicks will likely take many of the styling cues introduced on this sexy sedan concept.

View Pictures:  Buick Invicta Concept

Watch Video:  Buick Invicta Reveal

Chery Faira

Chery is one of the largest automobile producers in China, and boasted one of the largest stands at the Beijing show. The display’s center of attention (beyond the dozens of beautiful models showing off the cars), was the new Faira series of cars. An all new platform, the Faira series includes a 2-door hatchback, 4-door hatchback, 4-door sedan, compact SUV and sporty coupe and a convertible. All feature a fuel-efficient, clean-running 1.3-liter engine. Fit and finish looked good on the Fairas on display, and the many choices on one platform show the versatility of the brand.

View Pictures:  Chery Automobiles

Great Wall GWKULLA

About the size of a smart car, this cute 2-seater is still a concept but shows the direction Great Wall is taking to combat high fuel prices as well as bad air quality in Beijing. GWKULLA is an electric car with zero emissions and a range of about 65 miles. Though no details were provided about the battery technology, it did garner plenty of attention as it was driven up and down the stage periodically during the show.

Dongfeng Mengshi

Tucked away in a corner of the Beijing Motor show was a very familiar-looking heavy-duty SUV. Although it looks almost exactly like a Hummer H1, this is actually the Dongfeng Mengshi—Mengshi is Chinese for “Warrior.” We’re uncertain as to the relationship with Hummer and General Motors, but the spokesperson for Dongfeng told us the vehicle is based directly on the Hummer, and that it would first be built for military use and eventually become available as a civilian vehicle. That scenario sounds very familiar.

Guangzhou Honda LI NIAN

The LI NIAN concept received a lot of attention at the Beijing Motor Show, and not just because of its bold design. LI NIAN will be a new brand created by Guangzhou Honda, a production and sales joint venture in China. The concept on display gave an idea of the direction the brand will take when it brings out its first production car in 2010. Guangzhou Honda receives support from Honda in Japan, but the idea behind the LI NIAN brand is to create products designed specifically to meet the needs of the Chinese customer. With this partnership Honda became the first foreign automaker in China to develop products under an original brand of a local joint venture company.

Message Board: Is it only a matter of time before there are Chinese-made vehicles on American roads?

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