Published: April 27, 2016, 2:35 AM
Updated: November 21, 2021, 3:27 PM
Auto China – Beijing 2016
The Auto China exposition alternates each year between Shanghai and Beijing and this year it’s the capital’s turn to host the show.
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More than 200 automakers in China
Auto China is the largest auto show in Asia and there are more than 200 automakers in China, but only a fraction of them, like Ssangyong here, are able to display their new vehicles in the show’s eight giant halls.
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Audi unveiling
Most of the cars on display will be sold only in China, but there are some exceptions, like the new Audi TT RS that debuted here. That’s a long wheelbase A4 still under wraps on the stage behind it, which is just for the local market.
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Audi TT RS
The TT RS makes 400 hp and will be serious competition for Porsche’s 718 Boxsters and Caymans. It’s a good start for Stephan Winkelmann, the new head of Audi’s Sport division, who just moved over last month after nine years of being the Lamborghini boss.
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Porsche 718 Cayman
Porsche also debuted the new 718 Cayman, though it was no surprise. It’s mechanically identical to the 718 Boxster that’s already been revealed and driven by media.
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Lexus IS
Lexus was there to introduce its refreshed IS sedan, with a “daring new style direction” that’s sure to get attention. It has a larger grille and sharper lines for a more aggressive look.
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BMW M4 GTS
Not to be outdone in the horsepower wars, BMW unveiled its M4 GTS – a 493 hp, limited-edition version of the already powerful M4. It was a big hit at the show.
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Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB
Long-wheelbase versions of European and North American cars are very popular here, because many Chinese prefer to sit in the back seat and be driven through congested traffic. Mercedes debuted its stretched E-Class that will only be sold in China.
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Jaguar XF LWB
Jaguar also showed off a stretched XF that’s just for the local market.
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Volkswagen T-Prime Concept GTE
Here in China, sales of SUVs grew 52% last year. Volkswagen used the show to debut a plug-in hybrid concept that demonstrates the design of next year’s new Touareg.
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Infiniti QX Sport
Infiniti also introduced the QX Sport Inspiration that shows the future design for its premium crossovers.
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BMW X1 Li
SUVs are now seen as prestigious vehicles that are more practical for the country’s bumpy roads and chaotic traffic. This is the stretched version of BMW’s X1 that debuted here, made just for the Chinese market.
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Beijing traffic!
And don’t underestimate Chinese traffic. If there’s space to get through, drivers will try to get through. This was the road to the show on press day.
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Traffic buster!
Sometimes, it seems to make more sense to drive one of these in Chinese traffic, from the G.Patton motor company.
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Traffic buster too!
Or maybe one of these, from Dongfeng Motor Corporation.
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More traffic inside
Inside the show, it was hot and crowded and security guards worked to keep everything moving – though they often just seemed to add to the crowds.
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Booth babes
This year, the “booth babes” were back – hundreds of beautiful young contract models who were banned last year for being an archaic and sexist idea.
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Now they’re consultants
Every booth was staffed by attractive women, usually identically dressed, who were there as “consultants” to distribute information.
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Besturn B Concept limo
Some of the cars needed explaining, too, like this B Concept limo from Chinese maker Besturn.
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Ford F-150 Raptor
Not everything was bigger and better, though. Ford debuted a Chinese edition of its F-150 Raptor that’s powered by a 3.5L V-6 Ecoboost engine.
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Chery FV2030
One of the big hits of the show was Chery’s FV2030, a pure concept that’s supposed to demonstrate what a Future Vehicle might look like 14 years from now.
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Qiantu K50
Qiantu Motors’ K50 all-electric roadster was also a big draw. It’s not a concept – it’s a production car that will cost a little over $100,000 when it comes on sale next year. It will have a top speed of 200 km/h, but a range of 300 km. It was kept far from the crowds on a giant stage.
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ArcFox-7 electric supercar concept
Not so the ArcFox-7 electric supercar concept, a collaboration between Beijing Autos and Campos Racing of Spain, which was popular for photos and selfies.
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Faraday Future FFZERO1 Concept
California-based, Chinese-funded auto maker Faraday showed its all-electric, adaptable chassis supercar to a curious crowd. It was very hot and smoggy on press day, and the idea of an electric car was very appealing – even if this version is only a one-seater.
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Lingyun Technology concept
Perhaps wildest of all was the self-stabilizing, two-wheeled car from Lingyun Technology. This is very much still a concept.
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Best way to drive in China?
At the end of the day, the only real and ready solution to combining driving fun with Chinese pollution and traffic was found here. Now it’s pedal to the metal in China until next year’s show in Shanghai.
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