Automopedia.org

With the 2010 Beijing Auto Show in full effect car fans all over the world are getting their first glimpse at the next generation of vehicles. Foreign and domestic alike, there’s hot styles and high tech on display in China. We follow The New York Times Wheels Blog as they investive our three favorite unveilings.

BMW Gran Coupe Concept

“BMW introduced a new ‘tweener sedan concept at this week’s auto show in Beijing, a design study that hints at how far the brand thinks it can push its styling without giving up its signature elements. Called the Gran Coupé, it would slot into BMW’s lineup between the 5 Series and 7 Series. The sleek Gran Coupé retains iconic touches like the double-kidney grille, shark nose, the Hofmeister kink at the rear windows and the sporty coupelike silhouette — but rounds off, cleans up and pushes them to almost exaggerated levels.”- NYT

Ford Smart Concept

“Ford introduced its Start Concept urban car Friday morning at the Beijing auto show. With China emerging as the world’s hottest and most congested automotive market, Beijing seems an obvious choice for the automaker to show off a vehicle that features its lightweight materials and EcoBoost engine technology. While the Ford Start Concept is small, it’s not tiny. Its overall length of about 145 inches makes it about three-feet longer than the diminutive Smart Fortwo, with which it will undoubtedly share some name confusion.”

“Under the Start’s round nose sits yet another example of Ford’s growing EcoBoost engine family. Using direct injection and turbocharging, the 1-liter 3-cylinder power plant delivers the power of a normally aspirated 1.6-liter 4-cylinder, Ford said. According to one report from Ford, the 1-liter is slated for production.”- NYT

Chevy Volt MPV5

“The Volt MPV5 bears a strong family resemblance, especially in the front, to the Volt, which goes on sale in the United States later this year. It also borrows some environmental ideas from the Eco edition of the Cruze in its aerodynamically designed front end, underbody belly pan and other wind-cheating touches. The MPV5, with flip-and-fold rear seats, is seven inches longer than the production Volt and about the same taller.”

“The MPV5 uses the Volt’s Voltec propulsion system, combining a lithium-ion battery pack, an electric motor and a 1.4-liter gas engine (acting as a generator). As a concept, the MPV5 is clearly meant (as was the Cadillac Converj concept) to prove that the platform can be used for a family of cars. “The Volt MPV5 concept demonstrates the flexibility of the Voltec propulsion system, which can produce enough electric power to propel a range of vehicles,” said Doug Parks, global vehicle chief engineer for electric vehicles at G.M.”- NYT

Categories: Articles
Tags: Beijing Auto Show, BMW Gran Concept, Chevrolet Volt MPV5, Ford Start Concept