Geely GLEagle GX5 concept debuts at the Beijing Auto Show

 And here we have yet another great concept car from Geely at the Beijing Auto Show. Eearlier on we saw the mad Geely SC7-RS, the madder Geely Englon SX6, the normal GEeagle McCar and the grilled Geely Emgrand EX6. This fine white Jeep-like SUV is the Geely GLEagle GX5 and it is interesting because it is new and not new, at the same time.

 This GLEagle GX5 is basically a 5-door version of the 3-door GLEagle GX5 thatdebuted two years ago (scroll down a bit) at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show. Except for the two extra doors not much has changed, let alone some minor details around the mirrors and cool new alloys. Geely calls this GX5 a ‘YUV’, which stands for ‘Young’s SUV’, or an SUV for young people. I would think those youngies would indeed like a vehicle like the GX5 very much, so what is Geely waiting for? I asked around and one booth-person said 2014. That seems on the late side, small flashy SUV’s are getting hot right now at the Chinese car market, so bring it on!

 Size: 4120/1755/1600, wheelbase is 2461 .Three-door GX5: length is 3813 and wheelbase is 2370. Power: a 1.5 mated to a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, or Geely’s hot 1.3 turbo mated to a 6-speed manual or 6-speed DCT. Same engines indeed as in the Geely Emgrand EX6 concept. Wheelbase is the same as well which very likely means both cars are on the same platform which could mean production is not that far away.

Read More

New Lifan 720 debuts at the Beijing Auto Show

 The new Lifan 720 sedan debuted earlier this week at the Beijing Auto Show. The 720 is Lifan’s new flagship and will hit the China car market later this year. It is not exactly a pretty car but it is big and it will be cheap, price is expected to start around 80.000 yuan.
The 720 stood very close to a wall on Lifan’s booth, making taking pictures of the back a bit difficult. Well and anyway, most people who see a 720 will likely only notice that giant chrome grill at the front, which loox rather good. Size: 4705/1773/1500, wheelbase is 2700. Power comes from a not too new 1.8 that poops out 170hp and 160nm. Only transmission available is a 5-speed manual, Lifan will not offer an automatic any time soon. This will seriously hurt sales, especially among women.

Read More

CH Auto Lithia debuts on the Beijing Auto Show

CH Auto is a Chinese design studio based in Beijing. Each show they bring some fine concept cars. Last time we saw the mad BMW-powered Aculeus, this time a sleek rear-wheel drive electric sport coupe called the Lithia.

 Design is very fine, especially up front. B-pillar a bit Audi R8. Electric motor has 201hp and 220nm, top speed is a surprisingly low 170km/h, 0-100 takes 12 seconds. Range is 150km. Size: 4502/2046/1265, wheelbase is 2700. The Lithia is a showcase, production is unlikely, but not impossible…

Read More