KEY SHOW THEMES TOP 5 PRODUCTION CARS TOP 5 CONCEPT CARS INTERIOR INNOVATIONS EXTERIOR INNOVATIONS TRADE SHOW EXTRAS
Maserati Ghibli One of the most significant debutants in Shanghai - the Ghibli, will be priced from around $80,000 and thus will compete with the upperends of Mercedes, BMW and Audi E-segment ranges. The introduction of this smaller model along with the first Maserati diesel engine is part of a plan for Maserati to boost annual sales to above 50,000 units. The design, which features a similar theme to the larger Quattroporte, is arguably more successful than on the larger car it features the same concave section grille as Maserati s coupes, a long hood and truncated deck for a very backwards-cab proportion. Inside, the Chrysler-based uconnect touch screen system features along with high quality leather trims and chrome/carbon fiber detailing for a more premium, flamboyant quality than found in rival German brands. - Chrome wand/carbon fiber fillet door handle and trim - Curved-edge, full color center screen between gauges - Smaller lamps with shadow-gap running into the grille
Mercedes GLA Mercedes Crossover/SUV strategy has so far ignored the burgeoning C-sized segment but the GLA is a production model wearing some showcar details and will make production in 2014. It s set to enter the premium CUV segment, to compete with BMW X1 and Audi Q3. A very hatchback-oriented body style positions it as much more crossover, less SUV, and features a very on-trend vision for this segment. Design uses an A-class aesthetic - such as lamps which wrap slightly into the sport-style Mercedes grille and two distinct bone lines cut into the body side - but there is a conscious attempt in the detailing to establish a specific Mercedes Crossover/SUV design aesthetic. The interior concept is more innovative but the innovative translucent panels and back-lit air vents are likely to disappear for production. - Vents and dashboard visible architecture are backlit with LEDs - Body surface disappears into the rear lamps - Front lamps feature a blue-tinge strip and a tiny cooling fan detail
BMW X4 BMW follows up its larger, Coupe-SUV X6 (SAV in BMW terminology) with this smaller X4. It sits in the same ratio to the X3 as the larger X6 does to the X5. The model uses X3 (modified 3- Series) underpinnings but offers a slightly lower, more sporting, less practical body style than its SUV sister. The show car is a preview of the forthcoming production model, a process now well established by BMW. It uses a similar embellished detailing strategy to the 4-Series Coupe Concept shown in Detroit but ultimately the panel pressings are all production ready. Like Mercedes GLA, there has been clear effort by BMW to create a specific SUV-style set of details to differentiate from the core car line-up. The concept was shown without an interior, but it is expected the production car will use the X3 interior architecture with detail changes. - The lamps furthest deviation yet from traditional BMW twin circles - This shape is used as a detail motif throughout the car - Two large, down-turned bone lines in the body side are an X-car design motif
Audi A3 Sedan The A3 Sedan is a new model for Audi, sitting below the A4 Sedan at c.4550mm long it is the same length as the original A4 Sedan of 1998. Previewed in New York earlier in the month, A3 Sedan is a key car for the Chinese market. The design is based on the VW group s new MQB modular matrix platform which underpins the A3 hatch and VW Golf. Despite the front wheel drive platform, proportions disguise front-wheel drive origins with A-pillar diving at front wheel and front corners disguising overhang. A3 also features comparatively short rear deck. Exceptionally high quality detailing is apparent, such as concave, undercut wheel arch surfaces, intricate lamps and diamond-stitched quilted leather interiors. Interior carries over from A3 hatch with pop-up slim LED sat-nav screen and high quality material/detail application. - Quilted stitching on S3 seats has quickly become an S/RS signature - Intricate lamp detailing is one of core ways a sedan is differentiated from a hatch - Undercut wheel arch surrounds are another differentiator to the hatch
Haval H7 Great Wall, one of China s leading car companies has experienced significant success with its Haval line of SUVs, several of which regularly sit in the top 10 bestseller lists. At Shanghai, Great Wall showcased Haval, the new stand alone umbrella brand for its SUVs. H7 is completely distinct to Great Wall Haval H7 shown in Beijing last year. This model sits in the D-segment SUV market and will compete with BMW X3 and Audi Q5. Set to launch in 2014, the production preview H7 is likely to become a best-selling Chinese market model. It shows the progress of Chinese design and mixes core design concept elements of the market leading X3 and Q5 (proportion, size, format) and features details from newer, more fashionable crossovers (such as the split colorway roofline from Mini/Renault Captur). - Split color roofs (RR Evoque, Renault Captur) and a flick of extended chrome off DLO (Peugeot 208) are recent trends - The new Haval face learns from Audi - Rear lamps are Audi-like too, the extended chrome bar adds premium quality
China s car market is booming; unlike in Europe or the US, Chinese consumers are prioritizing cars as desirable consumer goods As an important precursor to the Shanghai show, we visited Seoul Motor Show where South Korean brands, like Hyundai, debuted models that were not seen later in Shanghai Taking place from March 28th to April 7th, Seoul Motor Show drew record crowds, pulling in 340,000 visitors on the opening weekend alone Auto Shanghai was held from April 21st-29th and also drew huge numbers of car enthusiasts, expecting a staggering 800,000 visitors Chinese car brands are becoming much more sophisticated: they are employing experienced European or American designers to elevate their products Chinese brands are also emphasizing luxury through heritage and quality Both domestic and international brands are appealing to the Chinese customer with unusual interior color combinations, advanced technologies and personalization Collaborations are key to add value to a brand, whether with fashion companies, industrial designers or even with Apple