We’re pretty certain that very few readers will be interested in the fact that Maserati chose the Beijing Auto Salon for the Asian debut of the 440 Hp GranTurismo S, so we decided to concentrate on the Italian sports carmaker’s show stand that was adorned with succulent (though a bit overdressed for our tastes), babes. Image gallery after the jump.
BMW's Chinese partner Brilliance took the wraps off the BS4 Station Wagon model at the Beijing Show this weekend. The BS4 borrows quite a few styling cues from the BMW 3-Series and the previous generation Audi A4, but the end-result is an elegant looking SW. And despite what you may think, like its sedan counterpart, the BS4 SW has actually been designed and engineered by the famous Italian house, Pininfarina!
The BS4 Sation Wagon comes equipped with the same 1.8 and 2.0-liter gasoline engines as the sedan version which was introduced in the Chinese market last year. Both variants of the BS4 are expected to go on sale in
Volkswagen’s second joint-venture in 
Like its VW Shanghai counterpart, the 2009 Bora will be offered with a choice of two 4-cylinder gasoline engines that can be paired to either a manual or a six-speed. The new Bora will be available in
Standard features include ABS, front passenger airbags, power steering, power windows, climate control system and a CD-Radio (MP3-capable). The top version Comfortline adds 15-inch alloy wheels, sliding sunroof, chrome package, anti-theft warning system, and cruise control and parking sensors. -Continued
Buick will take the wraps off a new luxury sedan concept that was designed collaboratively by GM's centers in 
Measuring 194.2 in. or 4.932 mm in length, the Buick Invicta is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-banger that produces 250 Hp and 220 lb-ft (298 Nm) of torque. The engine is matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. Looks preety nice overall, but we'll have to wait for GM to release real-life pictures before we can say more. For the time being follow the jump for more details and the image gallery.
PRESS RELEASE: Buick Evolves Global Design Inspiration Into Invicta Show Car
The sleek Buick Invicta show car revealed here in conjunction with Auto China 2008 is Buick's strongest statement yet of its deliberately international plans. The four-door midsize sedan with a coupe-like roofline presents bold direction for Buick's new generation of vehicles in the world's two biggest automotive markets ��� the
Invicta has evolved from Buick concepts such as the 2004 Velite convertible and 2007
"Buick's global appeal created an opportunity for GM Design Centers to elevate our collaboration to new levels. Using our virtual reality centers in
Invicta is powered by Buick's first direct injection turbocharged engine, a four-cylinder powerplant that produces 250 horsepower (186 kW) and 220 lb-ft (298 Nm) of torque. The engine is matched with a six-speed automatic transmission for maximum fuel efficiency.
Modern, sleek exterior
Invicta's designers drew inspiration from the
As with
Up front, the Buick tri-shield is prominently displayed inside the Velite-inspired chrome vertical waterfall grille. Polished aluminum surrounding the headlamps, portholes, around the D-pillar and along the lower side of the vehicle on the lower doors accentuates the overall exterior design. Reminiscent of a number of historic Buick models, Invicta's portholes ��� three per side ��� are located on the hood rather than on the front quarter panels.
Invicta's wheelbase and high belt line give the vehicle more substantial proportions while visually reinforcing its premium appearance. Invicta's 20-inch polished aluminum wheels feature a milled Buick tri-shield in the center cap.
To signal its premium attributes while enhancing the vehicle's sleek proportions, Invicta's exterior is draped in a sumptuous AluStone color. Its warm beige tone contains wafer-thin flakes of aluminum that reflect light to emit a liquid gold appearance.
Flowing, crafted interior
The focus and attention to seamless transitions carry over inside Invicta. The doors merge to become one with the instrument panel, which morphs into the center console.
The wrap-around design of the interior and fluid design provide a spacious cabin for all passengers, especially those seated in the back of the vehicle. At nearly 100 cubic feet of interior space, Invicta delivers large-car comfort in a mid-size sedan. The sense of roominess is further accentuated by a full glass roof, which allows all passengers to enjoy the sights, day or night.
Invicta also showcases a high level of interior craftsmanship while creating an environment that is soothing, quiet, comfortable and inviting for all passengers.
The blending of premium materials ��� such as wood trim and polished aluminum accents, soft aniline leather, supple suede-like material and soothing Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting technology ��� encase passengers in Buick luxury.
Beyond its sumptuous appearance, Buick created a show car for the senses. Authentic French seam stitching on the soft-touch instrument panel pad, door panels and steering wheel invites touch. Buttons, switches and door pulls are crafted to deliver a tactile quality experience. Soft and soothing Ice Blue ambient LED lighting on the instrument panel, around the central vehicle function controls, along the console and center storage, and in the front footwells provoke visual sophistication. Two discriminating "spotlights" also accent the center point of the front and rear seats.
Buick introduced the Invicta in
BUICK INVICTA SPECIFICATIONS
Vehicle type: four-door, five-passenger luxury show car sedan
Wheelbase (in / mm): 114.5 / 2908
Length (in / mm): 194.2 / 4932
Width (in / mm): 73.8 / 1874
Height (in / mm): 57.7 / 1466
Track (in / mm): 64.4 / 1635 front; 64.5 / 1637 rear
Engine: 2.0L DOHC, direct injection turbo
Horsepower (kW): 250 / 186
Torque (Nm): 220 / 298
Transmission: six-speed automatic
Suspension: MacPherson strut, front; independent, rear
Brakes: four-wheel anti-lock disc
Wheels: polished aluminum, 20 in. x 8.5 in. with milled Buick emblem
Tires: P245/40R20
While we have no reason to doubt reports from various Chinese websites stating that the FAW Group’s flagship mark Hongqi (Red Flag) will unveil a luxury SUV Concept at this week’s Beijing Show, we must say that, unless Hongqi has come to some sort of agreement with Lincoln, these pictures from the site “Sohu” that have been circulating in the internet do not depict that concept… -Continued
Link: Sohu
Audi is building a new assembly plant in The Q5 will be officially revealed tomorrow night (April 19, 2008) at the 2008 Beijing Auto Show opening with sales set to start in Europe this summer and the States towards the end of 2008 or early 2009.
Via: Süddeutsche Zeitung
Geely’s never-ending offerings for this week’s 2008 Beijing Auto Show continue with the revelation of two more models called the FC2 and FC3. Based on the same architecture, the FC2 is a compact 5-door hatch while the FC3 is a compact-sized 4-door sedan. The Chinese manufacturer supports that both models meet European standards in terms of crash-test worthiness and emissions, but that’s something that will have to be proven when the two models go on sale on the other side of the 
Via: Autoblog.it
We’re not sure how many of Geely’s dozen or so Beijing Auto Show concept cars will actually make it into production, but the GC sedan sure looks like it could be one of them. From what we can tell from the pictures as Geely insists on withholding information on its Beijing Show vehicles, the GC appears to be about the same size as a Legacy - now you all know why we picked the Subaru out of all mid-size sedans... –One more pic after the jump
A while ago we showed the first images of Roewe’s new compact sedan called 550. Today, the Chinese automaker, which acquired the rights to build MG-Rover cars from the Brits in 2005, released a whole bunch of pictures of the 550. Despite the fact that 550’s exterior design has been inspired from a variety of cars including the VW Passat and the Lexus IS, we must admit that its styling is more than decent. Same goes for the sedan’s interior even though from what we know, Roewe did not acquire the rights from BMW to imitate its dashboard design… Still, we think you’ll agree with us when we say that the 550’s cabin looks a whole much better than many Japanese, Korean and American cars. The 550 will be available in
