VW floods show with range of autos
The U.S. and Germany still strong for Volkswagen, but company is heavily courting the Chinese
BEIJING — On the eve of Auto China 2012, held this year in Beijing, Volkswagen Group, which includes Volkswagen, Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, Seat and Skoda, used the famed Water Cube to showcase its future wares — the very place Olympian Michael Phelps used to turn the swimming world on its ear. Why go to such extraordinary lengths? Potential.
While the United States and Germany remain strong markets for the VW Group, it is China that leads the way — of the Group’s almost 2.2 million vehicles delivered in the first quarter of 2012, 30 per cent went to China.
Here are some of the highlights from Auto China 2012:
Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse
The Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse is powered by a monster 7.9-litre W16 engine that delivers warp-like speed and has a thirst for fuel that’s second to none. With a maximum output of 1,200 horsepower and a mind-numbing 1,106 pound-feet of torque on tap, this open-top speedster runs to 100 kilometres an hour in 2.9 seconds and on to its top speed of 410 km/h!
Perhaps more remarkable is that the chassis and race-derived suspension give the Bugatti a claimed lateral acceleration of 1.4 g! Now, lest you think that speed and ultrahigh lateral g-forces would ruffle the occupants’ hair, fear not — with the windbreak in place, Bugatti says holding a normal conversation at 200 km/h is still entirely possible. I can hear it now. “Will you slow down or I’m getting out?” “Yes, dear.”
Geely Emgrand GE
Having shocked the world at the Geneva Motor Show with its take on a luxury SUV, Bentley was usurped as the purveyor of the ugliest vehicle on display in China by the Geely Emgrand GE. The bulbous nose and gigantic big mouth bass-like slatted grille are only eclipsed in the ugly department by the ungainly crest atop the hood.
Nissan Sylphy
China also played host to the world première of the Nissan Sylphy. Normally, it might slide by as being another of the numerous models that will not be sold in Canada. Well, the Sylphy will become the next-generation Sentra.
As with the recently released Altima, the Sylphy/sentra has been kicked up a notch or two both in terms of its style and content — it is much less entry-level this time around.
Up front, a new grille and headlights that are underscored by LEDS accentuate the car’s wider stance, and the side profile of the car shows far more character than the outgoing vehicle. At the back end there are more LEDS in the tail lights. The interior also takes a big step forward, with much less hard plastic and more content, including pushbutton start and a smart key.
Nissan says the combination will deliver better performance and fuel economy.
Porsche Cayenne GTS
The Cayenne GTS — sitting between the S and Turbo models — arrives with a meaner look and a 24-millimetre lower ride height.
This, along with its beefed-up look comes a 4.8-litre V8 engine that pushes 420 hp and 380 poundfeet of torque through an eightspeed manumatic and all four wheels.
The net result is a monster truck that runs from rest to 100 kilometres per hour in 5.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 260 km/h.
Remarkably, the penalty for the extra performance is pegged at just 0.2 litres per 100 kilometres more than the base Cayenne S.
VW E-bugster
Following on the heels of the debut of the tin-top electric Bug comes the E-bugster, a sassy-looking convertible that’s powered by an 85-kilowatt electric motor.
It gets its power from a 28.3-kwh lithium ion battery pack that weighs just 80 kilograms.
According to VW, this is enough for a 180-km driving range and a run from rest to 100 km/h in 10.8 seconds.
The pie-in-the-sky aspect is the claim that the E-bugster can be “refuelled” in 35 minutes at a charging station equipped with the right charger. Good luck finding that when you need it.
Volvo V40
The all-new V40 is an upscale hatchback that features an oversized sunroof. The interior is certainly a cut above what one expects, with soft-touch materials, watch like gauges that present information in three distinct formats, along with two of the most comfortable front seats in the business. There is also decent rear seat legroom and 11.8 cubic feet of cargo space.
In keeping with Volvo’s safety philosophy, it will come with everything from lane keep assist and blind spot monitoring to Volvo’s advanced pedestrian detection system. There’s no word on when or if it will come to Canada.