Audi A3 e-tron concept debuts in Shanghai (video)

Audi rolled out yet another e-tron concept alongside the new Q3 in Shanghai, and what it lacks in power, it makes up for with efficiency, fuel economy... and weight.

The original A3 sedan concept that bowed in Geneva came packing a modified version of the TT RS'turbocharged five-cylinder, outputting over 400 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. This etron variant – based on the RS3 hatch – ditches the five-pot in favor of a turbo'd and direct-injected 1.4-liter four-cylinder that brings 211 horsepower to the party, and combined with another 27 ponies pulled from the 20kW electric motor, can propel the A3 etron to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds before topping out at 143 mph.

A seven-speed dual-clutch S-tronic transmission is the only drivetrain component carried over from the concept's RS3 roots, but combined with lithium-ion battery pack stored in the trunk, Audi claims the e-tron can putt along for up to 34 miles on electric power alone thanks to the plug-in hybrid drivetrain.

The suspension carries over, with a MacPherson design up front and a four-link independent rear end, along with 20-inch wheels wrapped in 245/30 R20 rubber at all four corners. The square setup would indicate that the e-tron is all-wheel-drive, but Audi doesn't give any specifics on how power finds its way to the ground.

The exterior is a dead-ringer for the original A3 concept, albeit e-tronified with a new grille and bumper framed by a carbon fiber-reinforced frame, aluminum hood, trunk and doors. However, the weight savings is largely nullified by the battery weight in the boot, increasing the curb weight to 3,792 – nearly 400 pounds more than the original.

Inside, it's typical concept car flare partnered with Audi's next-generation MMI system complete with a UMTS module to provide wireless internet, WLAN hotspot functionality and Google mapping and POI search.

A toned-down version of the A3 sedan is due to hit the market late next year, and if Audi intends to stick to its electrified roadmap, we could see an e-tron variant arrive by 2013 at the earliest. Full details in the press blast below the fold.-autoblog.com

2013 Infiniti JX Bound for 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show

The 2013 Infiniti JX, a three-row crossover that goes on sale in spring 2012, was teased on Tuesday ahead of its debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Infiniti said more details on the JX, which was inspired by the Infiniti Essence concept, will be released in August at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

The teaser sketch shows what Infiniti is calling a "crescent cut" greenhouse design reminiscent of the Essence concept. The Infiniti Essence, a 592-horsepower luxury coupe concept, debuted at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show and featured a gas/electric hybrid drivetrain. The concept was characterized by a long hood, short rear deck and a wave profile on the sides.

Infiniti did not release any powertrain details about the production JX.

The seven-passenger Infiniti JX will put a premium on seating flexibility, said the automaker.

"The Infiniti JX will have a stunning interior, while offering exceptional seating flexibility, easy access to the roomy third row, plus the latest in-vehicle technology — including next-generation telematics," said Ben Poore, vice president of Infiniti Americas, in a statement.-.insideline.com

Subaru XV Concept: 2011 Shanghai Auto Show

This is the Subaru XV crossover concept, unveiled today at the 2011 Shanghai motor show.

The Subaru XV is definitely not an SUV, is it?

No, the XV is Subaru's idea of an Impreza-based compact crossover hatchback. In concept it's a direct descendant of the 2010 Subaru XV concept, which appeared at 2010's Geneva motor show. It also reflects Subaru's new 'Protren' design language.

Protein? Is that why the Subaru XV looks like a pumped-up new Impreza hatch?

No, that's 'Protren'. Protren may be more memorable than the car - and had us in stictches when we heard about it.

Subaru Japan describe its new addition to the design lexicon as coming from a cross between 'professional tool' and 'trendy design'. The possibilities are endless...

Putting English mash-ups aside, tell us more about the Subaru XV concept.

Up front, we have the latest iteration of Subaru's hexagonal grille, flanked by 'hawk-eye' headlights in what is emerging as a consistent family style. Hexagonal and angular forms appear at the rear as well in the licence plate surround and taillight clusters. 

There's a panoramic glass roof, so be careful what you load on the roof rails. Crossover trappings such as a front skid-plate, and black sill extensions round out the transformation of what looks like the 2011 Impreza 5dr hatchback. On stilts.  That colour is 'Electro Yellowgreen', and gives the Subaru XV some added visual punch.

Inside the Subaru XV

The XV has a full interior, with seats trimmed in white leather with that yellowgreen colour migrating inside on contrast piping and mesh highlights. There's a touch-screen display in the centre console for infotainment and navigation.

Subaru's EyeSight collision warning system is also fitted to the XV - twin forward-facing cameras scan for obstacles and alert the driver via a display in the instrument panel. 

What's under the Subaru XV's bonnet?

The Subaru XV is powered by a 2.0-litre flat-four engine, with CVT transmission and Subaru's signature all-wheel-drive transmission. No alternative fuel powertrain lurk within the XV - the Subaru's green quotient is supplied by that paintwork.-carmagazine.co.uk

Volvo Concept Universe Previews Next-Gen S80 Sedan: 2011 Shanghai Auto Show

Volvo’s new owner Geely is keen to reposition the Swedish automaker as a ‘Tier 1’ luxury brand able to compete with the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz, though such a task is much easier said than done.

Acura is one such company that’s often stated reaching Tier 1 status as its primary goal but has still failed to deliver.

Volvo’s ambitions aren’t quiet as clear, as we’ve had both confirmations anddenials of such plans, but perhaps the strongest hint comes from the unveiling of the new Concept Universe at this week’s 2011 Shanghai Auto Show.

Described as a design study for a future luxury Volvo sedan, the Concept Universe has been designed to suit the tastes of demanding luxury car buyers.

Speaking at its unveiling, Volvo boss Stefan Jacoby said:

"We will listen very carefully to what the Chinese car buyers think of the design. Later, we will also show the Concept Universe in other parts of the world. This brings it into the global context we are aiming for with all our cars."

Jacoby also revealed that the Swedish automaker is currently working on a new platform dubbed the Scalable Platform Architecture (SPA), and that the new luxury sedan, due in the next few years, will be the first model to ride on the platform.

The SPA will eventually spawn all of Volvo’s large and mid-size cars, which  means you can bet that the upcoming luxury sedan will be the replacement for the aging S80, which was recently updated for the 2012 model year.-motorauthority.com

Shanghai motor show: Kia K2

Kia has unveiled its new Rio-based model - the Kia K2 saloon – at the Shanghai motor show.

Specifically designed for China, the K2 shares the same underpinnings as the Kia Rio and takes its styling cues from the K5 saloon, with the signature “tiger nose” radiator grille.

On the inside, the K2 gets a futuristic interior and features a leather steering wheel, start-stop system and “smart key.”

Powering the K2 is either a 1.4-litre or 1.6-litre petrol engine and six trim levels will be offered with the car.

At 4370mm in length, 1700mm wide and 1460mm high, the K2 is bigger than the previous-gen Rio.

The new model will be positioned as a premium small car and is expected to be a "highly competitive offering in a segment that accounts for 16 per cent of all new car sales in China."

From August, the company will begin production of five-door hatchback version of the K2.-autocar.co.uk

2012 Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase: 2011 Shanghai Auto Show

When it comes to a Rolls-Royce, the seat of choice is not the one behind the steering wheel but rather the one behind that. Rolls-Royces are designed to be driven in, not driven, so of course you would want the maximum amount of legroom for yourself and other passengers.

Not surprisingly then, even a car as big as the new Rolls-Royce Ghost, which already stretches 17.7 feet in length, is too ‘small’ for some. That’s why the automaker has unveiled the new Ghost Extended Wheelbase model today at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show.

The Ghost’s already ample interior space is further enhanced in the Extended Wheelbase variant by the addition of 6.7-inches to the car’s wheelbase. Legroom is significantly enhanced with knee-room more than doubled compared to the standard Ghost. Increased cabin space in the rear passenger compartment and a panoramic sunroof are other benefits.

Power comes from the same twin-turbocharged 6.6-liter V-12 engine found in the standard Ghost, with peak output coming in at 563 horsepower and 575 pound-feet of torque--enough to accelerate the big sedan from 0-60 mph in just five seconds. The standard Ghost’s sporty four-corner air suspension also remains.

The new 2012 Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbase will be built to order and available in only limited numbers for 2011 until full production begins in 2012.

Rolls-Royce also used this week’s Shanghai event to showcase a new bespoke China Edition Ghost. Built exclusively for the Chinese market, the special sedan features a stunning consort red interior, gold twin-coachlines, a gold-plated Spirit of Ecstasy and stainless steel pinstripes.-motorauthority.com

Buick Envision SUV concept revealed

Buick are in dire need of a compact SUV to take on the Chinese market, it is a segment that they have almost lost to the Japanese, Korean and European compact offerings but a Buick branded SUV will have the pulling power to take back what has been lost, thus Buick have released the Envision SUV concept at the Shanghai Auto Show. The official unveiling was yesterday but the media masses will get their first look at the concept later today when media day begins at the Shanghai The Envision SUV was designed by Shanghai-GM’s own R&D facility alongside the new Buick GL8 and is rocking the Shanghai-GM styled Buick styling that has reinvigorated the ailing brand worldwide. Initial thoughts seem to be that the Envision looks rather like the Hyundai Tucson SUV, but once we see it in the flesh later today we might have another opinion. Wait and see.-chinacartimes.com

Redesigned 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is revealed in New York (video)

Volkswagen is whipping the covers off the 2012 Beetle this week, with simultaneous presentations at the New York and Shanghai auto shows and an invite-only event near VW headquarters in Berlin.

The two-door hatchback, planned for North American sale beginning in September, continues with the retro-inspired appearance of its direct predecessor. The separate fenders have tauter surfacing, crisper feature lines, squarer bumpers, altered detailing and a more rakish roofline.

The look, developed under Volkswagen Group design boss Walter de Silva and VW brand boss Klaus Bischoff, recalls many of the cues revealed on the Ragster concept first wheeled out at the 2005 Detroit auto show.

Among the car's new features are LED daytime running lights, bi-xenon headlamps and larger wheels--the latter of which can be specified up to 19 inches. At 168.4 inches long, 71.2 inches wide and and 58.5 inches tall, the new Beetle is a considerable 6 inches longer and 3.3 inches wider--but a half-inch lower than the outgoing model, which has accounted for more than 1 million sales globally since its introduction in 1998.

Inside, there's a redesigned dashboard that is said to provide the car with a more conventional driving position. The outgoing Beetle was criticized for its deep dashboard, something that imbued it with an upright, MPV-like driving environment.

In a move that will disappoint the flower power generation, the plastic vase has been deleted in favor of new list of optional extras, including satellite navigation (the first time it has been has been made available on the Beetle), a high-end sound system developed with guitar and amplifier manufacturer Fender, keyless access and a glass roof that is claimed to be 80 percent larger than that offered on the previous model.

The engine lineup will be the 2.5-liter five cylinder making 170 hp, the 2.0-liter TDI diesel (140 hp) and the 2.0-liter four-banger (200 hp). Other variants will be offered around the world.

As with its predecessor, the new Beetle will be assembled at Volkswagen's Puebla plant in Mexico alongside the Jetta, with which it shares elements of its front-engine/front-wheel-drive platform. Along with the coupe revealed here, VW is well advanced on a convertible version, which insiders say is likely to make an appearance at the Los Angeles auto show in November.-autoweek.com

Ssangyong shows KEV2 electric vehicle concept

Unveiled at the Seoul Motor Show, Ssangyong's KEV2 is an all-electric concept car based on the company's latest diesel engine Korando SUV. For the KEV2, the conventional drivetrain has been replaced by a 120 kW electric motor and 35kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which Ssangyong says will take the car to a top speed of 93 mph (150 km/h) and deliver a maximum range of just over 110 miles (180 km).

The KEV2 concept retains the overall shape of the Korando, but the front grille is gone and the standard headlights replaced by a sharper LED design. Side vents and alloy wheels have been also been added and inside there's a tablet PC mounted in the center console (though no official pics of the interior have yet been released).

Ssangyong quotes a charging time of around eight to ten hours via a conventional electricity supply with a higher-voltage rapid charge option reducing this to "as little as 30 minutes."

The Korean automaker recently emerged from court-protected bankruptcy (after India's Mahindra & Mahindra took a majority stake in the company) and hopes that the KEV2 will signal that its "plans for an electric vehicle range are back on track."-gizmag.com