Power and passion
1. Audi Cross Coupe Quattro
The Audi Cross Coupe Quattro is to make its global debut at Auto Shanghai 2007. The concept model combines the design and dynamism of a compact premium sports car with the spaciousness and versatility of a four-seat sport utility vehicle. It is equipped with a transverse-mounted, four-cylinder, 2.0-liter TDI diesel engine and a S-Tronic 6-speed gearbox. The vehicle has a peak power output of 150 KW and offers a top torque of 400Nm/2,000-3,000 rpm. It needs only 5.9 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers. Its diesel particulate filter and Bluetec system reduce soot and nitric oxide emissions effectively. The model is 4,380 millimeters long, 1,820 millimeters wide and 1,600 millimeters high with a 2,600-millimeter wheelbase.
2. VW CrossPolo
The Volkswagen CrossPolo subcompact car will be produced at the German carmaker's joint venture with SAIC Motor Corp at the end of this year. The model comes with a four-cylinder, 1.6-liter engine, which produces maximum power of 77KW/5,600rpm. With a six-speed automatic gearbox offering a top torque of 153Nm/3,800rpm, the CrossPolo can accelerate from zero to 100 kilometers per hour within 12.4 seconds. It has a top speed of 182 kilometers per hour and its fuel consumption per 100 kilometers stands at 7.6 liters. The CrossPolo meets the European IV emission standard. The model is 3,925 millimeters long, 1,671 millimeters wide and 1,499 millimeters high. It has a 2,465-millimeter wheelbase.
3. Chevrolet Volt
The new-generation Chevrolet Volt concept sedan will make its global debut at Auto Shanghai 2007. The model comes with General Motors' latest industry-leading "E-Flex" all-wheel electrically driven system that uses a fuel cell and a "plug-in" charged storage battery. Its fuel cells produce peak power of 80KW and continuous power of 80KW with a hydrogen storage capacity of 4kg. It can accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in 8 to 8.5 seconds. The sedan has a highest speed of 192 kilometers per hour. The model has a body-frame-integral structure with composite exterior panels and roof. It is 4.318 meters long, 1.791 meters wide and 1.336 meters high.
4. Ford Mondeo
Ford's third-generation Mondeo, which made its global debut last month in Geneva, will be introduced into the company's China venture in the second half of this year. The model's exterior brings Ford's "Kinetic design" from language and philosophy to new levels, embodying all of its key elements. These create a sleek and dynamic profile that represents "energy in motion", and delivers a design presence that signals power and grace, setting it apart from run-of-the-mill cars. The new Mondeo is the first Ford production model to feature the company's award-winning Easyfuel system that guarantees against both petrol and diesel misfuelling at the filling pump as the fuel filler neck aperture has been specifically designed around the different sizes of fuel nozzles.
5. SAIC's fuel-cell sedan
The hydrogen-powered fuel-cell sedan under the Shanghai brand, from SAIC Motor Corp, produces maximum power of 60 kilowatts and has a highest speed of 150 kilometers per hour. The Shanghai sedan comes with fuel cell batteries developed by the group itself. It is the first time for the group to revive the Shanghai brand since it abandoned the marque 16 years ago. According to SAIC's plan, it will start demonstration operations of the Shanghai fuel-cell sedan before 2010. It plans to put the fuel-cell sedan into commercial production and make 1,000 units in 2010. the model is expected to be the first fuel-cell passenger model produced commercially in China.
6. Chrysler Sebring
The Chrysler Sebring mid-sized sedan will be introduced into DaimlerChrysler's joint venture with Beijing Automotive Industry Corp later this year. The model has three engine options 2.0, 2.4 and 2.7 liters. The 2.7-liter can produce maximum power of 142KW/6,400rpm and offer a top torque of 258Nm/4,000rpm. All of the three versions meet the European IV emission standard. The Sebring is 4,842 millimeters long, 1,808 millimeters wide and 1,498 millimeters high. It has a 2,765-millimeter wheelbase. DaimlerChrysler's joint venture is making Chrysler's 300C large-sized sedan and Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedans.
7. Acura MDX
The Acura MDX sport utility vehicle from Honda was launched on April 13 in China as an import from North America. The model is equipped with a 3.7-liter V6 SOHC VTEC engine and a five-speed sequential sport-shift automatic gearbox. It produces maximum power of 226KW/6,200rpm and offers a peak torque of 379Nm/5,000rpm. The Acura MDX is 4.850 meters long, 1.99 meters wide and 1.748 meters high. It has a 2.75-meter wheelbase.
(Shanghai Start 04/21/2007 page13)
