Shanghai show: LWB sedans uncovered
BY ROBBIE WALLIS AND TIM NICHOLSON | 20th Apr 2017
Long-wheelbase versions of existing cars are a given at Chinese motor shows, and the 2017 Shanghai show was no different with a number of manufacturers revealing LWB China-market versions of global cars.
BMW showed off a long-wheelbase version of its all-new 5 Series for the Chinese market, with a 133mm-longer wheelbase and added features for rear passengers such as electrically adjustable seats and panoramic glass sunroof.
Porsche revealed two long-wheelbase Chinese-market versions of its Panamera four-door sedan, with the first being the Panamera Executive – based on the base rear-wheel-drive Panamera that employs a 243kW/450Nm 3.0-litre turbo-petrol V6.
The other variant is an extended version of the range-topping Panamera Turbo S e-Hybrid, which makes a beastly 500kW/850Nm from its 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 hybrid set-up.
Honda’s luxury sister brand Acura showed off a prototype version of its TLX-L long-wheelbase sedan, which will go on sale exclusively later this year, and will be the second Acura model to be produced in China.
Aston Martin showed off its ultra-exclusive V8 Vantage S Great Britain Edition which includes blue tinted mirrors and rear diffuser, red, white and blue exterior wing badges and Aurora Blue leather trim with Zagato wave quilting.
Only five examples of the Great Britain Edition will be built, with an asking price of 2.088 million Yuan (A$402,985).
Renault gave punters a glimpse of its Formula One future with the reveal of the RS 2027 Vision Concept, an F1 car that feature a transparent cockpit and helmet, LED lighting on the wheels and aerodynamic aids, greater interaction between fans and drivers, and a greater push towards electrification.
And luxury marque Rolls-Royce showed off a trio of Dawn convertibles as part of its ‘Inspired by Fashion’ series, with the Andalucian White Dawn accessorised with three different soft-top roof colours – Mugello Red, Cobalto Blue and Mandarin.
Following its all-electric ID Crozz concept, Volkswagen uncovered a plug-in hybrid version of its China-market Phideon upper-large sedan at Shanghai.
The system, which is also found in the Audi A6 L E-tron, uses a 2.0-litre TFSI turbo-petrol engine paired with an electric motor for a combined output of 180kW/500Nm, ensuring a 50km electric range.
Italian design house Pininfarina, in collaboration with Hybrid Kenetic Group, ripped the covers off not one but three striking concepts at Shanghai – the K550 five-seat SUV, K750 seven-seat SUV and H600 luxury sedan.
Each concept combines an electric drive system with a micro-turbine generator range extender. The companies say the drivetrain offers an energy recovery rate more than 30 per cent, ensuring a range of more than 1000km.
Buick, which counts China as its biggest market, showed off its new Velite 5 range-extender hybrid, which is a rebadged version of the current Chevrolet Volt, as well as the new-gen Regal sedan that will also see life in Australia as the next-generation Holden Commodore.
Mainstream global brands also showed off their wares at Shanghai, with Toyota revealing its sleek Fengchao Fun concept, which previews a Chinese-market Camry.
Hyundai uncovered its China-only ix35 compact SUV, while Kia debuted the K2 Cross crossover and the Pegas compact sedan.
