Like the affluent New York City boulevard of the same name, Buick's Park Avenue is trendy and luxurious. With its range of advanced technologies and high-grade amenities, not to mention a stylish design that conveys a sense of power and passion, it is representative of traditional American luxury sedans.
"The Park Avenue is the perfect blend of tranquility and power," said Shanghai GM President Ding Lei. "It shows Buick's ability to move with the times while continuing to leverage our global resources and local knowledge. Designed especially for business leaders and other elites, it is a component of our effort to maintain our leadership position in China by addressing the needs of all of our customers."
The Park Avenue is the first vehicle available in Asia that takes advantage of GM's new global rear-wheel-drive architecture. The precise and stable vehicle structure ensures a premium driving experience. At 5,175 mm in length, 1,899 mm in width and 1,480 mm in height, and with an impressive 3,009-mm wheelbase, the Park Avenue also offers a very spacious ride.
The Park Avenue's genuine leather seats, with eight-way power adjustment for the front seats, are designed to accommodate people of varying sizes. All seats incorporate a massage function. A high-quality entertainment system with LCD panels and an advanced heating, ventilation and air conditioning system offer the relaxation and comfort that one would expect of a luxury sedan. The Park Avenue's GPS navigation system contains road information for more than 300 cities in China. The Bluetooth mobile phone system is also available.
Like all Buick products, the Park Avenue offers a high level of safety and peace of mind. It is equipped with the GM Local Area Network (GM-LAN) high-speed communication system, which is based on the top-of-the-line 32-bit 500 kb/second engine control system. With a signal transmission speed approaching real time, information flow from various sensors is instantaneous, enhancing efficiency and safety. Further enhancing safety are six intelligent air bags for the driver and passengers.
The Park Avenue is powered by GM's smooth yet powerful AlloyTec V-6 engine, which accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds. The engine control unit features the latest Bosch E77 32-bit ECM processor. With the Remote Engine Start (RES) function, the driver can start the engine up to 20 minutes in advance and within 60 meters of the vehicle. The RES function also can adjust the temperature inside the car.
Customers have a choice of two engine displacements. The Park Avenue's 3.6-liter engine generates maximum output of 187 kW (250 hp) @ 6,500 rpm and maximum torque of 340 Nm @ 3,200 rpm. Its 2.8-liter engine offers maximum output of 150 kW (201 hp) @ 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 265 Nm @ 3,000 rpm.
Shanghai GM is offering five Park Avenue variants: the 3.6-liter Flagship, which is priced at RMB 498,800; the 3.6-liter Elite, which is priced at RMB 388,800; the 2.8-liter Luxury, which is priced at RMB 458,800; the 2.8-liter Elite, which is priced at RMB 368,800; and the 2.8-liter Comfort, which is priced at RMB 328,800.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Park Avenue Comes to Auto Shanghai 2007
JE Design Altea XL
We love the Volkswagen Rabbit and the Audi TT as much as anyone. But the VW global brand portfolio has a few other gems that we don't get to see in North America: potential pocket rockets that provide great grist for European tuning houses such as JE Design.
The Seat Altea XL is merely the latest example of a hot sport compact that is sadly not available on this side of the Atlantic. Sourced from VW's Spanish subsidiary, the Altea undergoes a substantial transformation by JE Design, which revamps the engine and suspension and adds an aero body kit.
The firm starts with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder TDI engine, tweaking it to produce 176 horsepower and 299 pound-feet of torque. JE Design shaves a full second off the 0-to-60-mph acceleration time, which drops to just under 8.9 seconds. Velocity tops out at 130 miles per hour.
JE Design installs performance brakes and an adjustable coil-over suspension that lowers the ride height by 1.4 inches. A stainless-steel exhaust system and a choice of 18- and 19-inch rims enhance the package.
The Altea's exterior is transformed with a new grille, available in matte black or body color, plus headlamp "eyebrows," a front spoiler, side skirts and a rear apron. Customers can also order chrome door handles.
15 New Models From Audi by 2010
Audi of America will introduce 15 new models over the next three years, including four or five in segments that the brand does not currently occupy.
Among the new models will be a hybrid edition of the Q7 crossover in 2008, Audi executives said in an interview in the trade publication Ward's. The brand is also planning to launch a new Q5 as it looks to expand its presence in the crossover market.
Audi expects to switch over completely to direct-injection gasoline and diesel engines by 2010 and will introduce new technologies such as a lane-departure warning system. It also plans to make Bang
source: insideline
From Cowry to Coolbear, Great Wall Puts on a Show
Great Wall, a major pickup truck and SUV producer in China, is about to launch its second plant to produce passenger cars and minivans. That explains the company's special emphasis on those categories in its display at Auto Shanghai. Altogether, there will be 10 new models and a self-developed engine.
IL previewed the Cowry and the i7 earlier this month. The i7 will be the first model to roll out of Great Wall's new 200,000-unit-a-year production facility, which will come on stream later this year.
Other new models will include the Toyota-like Florid and Coolbear, plus the Peri. All were shown at Auto Beijing last year. The Peri got Fiat's attention for its striking similarity to the Italian automaker's Panda. A pending lawsuit couldn't stop Great Wall from creating a four-wheel-drive version of the minicar the company calls its "first mini-SUV."
In addition to the new cars, a new self-developed gasoline engine will be highlighted. Code-named "GW4G15," it is a four-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC unit with variable valve timing and a Bosch engine management system. This powertrain complies with Euro 4 regulations.
Geely Concepts
Geely will unveil three new concept cars and the first Geely-made London taxi at Auto Shanghai 2007.
Geely says its aim is to move away from the image of being a producer of bread-and-butter models and highlight its R&D ability. The company also intends to take what it calls "active steps" to enter the North American and European markets. The trio of concepts being showcased at Shanghai point to that goal with their modern engines and greatly improved quality.
Pride of place goes to an updated version of the Meirenbao (Beauty Leopard) sport coupe. An observer can be forgiven for wondering what happened to the rest of the car.
Next comes the Vision II, an updated version of the Vision that started as the FC-1 midsize sedan from the 2005 Frankfurt show. Very little information is available on this car ahead of the unveiling.
The third model will be a second version of the King Kong; the original went on sale last year.
The Geely stand will be further enlivened by the appearance of a prototype China-built London taxi. Last year Geely and the British Manganese Bronze Holdings Plc, proprietor of London Taxis International signed a memorandum of understanding on Chinese production of the iconic London taxicab. After the show's unveiling, production models are scheduled to be built beginning in 2008. The company hopes to raise production to 20,000, destined for both local and export markets.
2007 Audi Cross Coupe Quattro Study
(from Audi Press Release) The compact performance SUV Audi Cross Coupe quattro 
At the Shanghai Motor Show (20 - 28 April 2007) Audi will present a study that defines a new segment in the field of crossover vehicles. The Audi Cross Coupe quattro combines the design and dynamism of a compact premium sports car with the spaciousness and versatility of a four-seat sport utility vehicle (SUV). Innovative technical solutions show new ways of achieving efficiency, driving pleasure and comfort in a manner that is typical of Audi. The Audi Cross Coupe quattro: a car whose visual appearance clearly tells you what it is capable of and whose engineering matches this standard – on all roads, under all conditions.
The silhouette is typical Audi; the design of the study, painted in Liquid Silver, is highly reminiscent of the sporty models produced by the Ingolstadt brand. The proportions and the large 20" wheels point clearly towards the offroad potential of the Cross Coupe quattro. A new element is the fabric folding roof, which, when it is open, gives optimum levels of headroom and fresh air. The hood is opened and closed electrically.
The transversely installed four-cylinder inline TDI engine with common-rail fuel injection and piezo injectors is a completely new development. With power output of 204 bhp and 400 Nm of torque, it gives the vehicle a sporty performance and a surprising degree of efficiency. On average the ultra-modern 2.0 TDI needs just 5.9 litres of diesel per 100 km. The diesel particulate filter and Bluetec system reduce soot and nitric oxide emissions effectively. Even today, the Audi Cross Coupe quattro satisfies the emissions standards of the future.
The quattro permanent four-wheel drive system is a matter of course on an Audi with offroad potential. A Haldex clutch ensures that traction is precisely distributed according to the situation. The sporty Audi S tronic dual-clutch gearbox executes gearshifts in a matter of milliseconds.
The running gear, featuring a McPherson-strut front axle and a four-link rear axle is perfect for sporty and agile handling that retains a high degree of stability and makes cornering distinctly fun. As an additional quality, the driving comfort of the running gear impresses on all types of road and in rough terrain, meeting even the standards expected of a vehicle in a higher class. Ceramic brake discs promise excellent, non-fading deceleration. 20" wheels give the Cross Coupe quattro the ground clearance required.
Numerous electronic systems support the driver. The Audi drive select system makes it possible to preselect three highly individual configurations for the engine, gearbox, steering and adaptive shock absorbers. The result: a car that can be enjoyed in three completely different ways.
Besides the standard "dynamic" drive select mode and the "sport" setting, the Audi Cross Coupe also has the "efficiency" driving program. Here, the engine map and the shift points are modified to support a particularly economical driving style. In addition, the system deactivates components that are particularly energy-hungry, for example the air-conditioning compressor.
Another innovation is the MMI control panel, which is operated by a touch pad. The monitor of the system employs, for the first time, dual-view technology. The system can produce different images for the driver and front-seat passenger. These images are only visible when viewed from a specific angle. This allows the driver to read data from the on-board computer while the front passenger watches a TV programme, listening to the sound through headphones.
The sound system with the prominent extending tweeters sets a new infotainment standard in the class. The ambient lighting with numerous light sources gives the interior a stylish ambience, even at night.
General Motors on Track To Build Chevrolet Volt
In this latest chapter of the saga of the Chevrolet Volt, the project is still alive and well. Speaking to the Society of Automotive Engineers earlier this week, GM engineering chief Jim Queen said the automaker is planning to build its Chevrolet Volt plug-in electric car in the future.
"We will get this into production," Queen said. "We are very, very serious about this."
However, Queen admitted that GM is still trying to figure out how to make the Volt provide "profit for the enterprise."
GM execs are making a considerable effort to reassure the public that the Volt is not being shelved. In a posting on the GM FastLane blog on March 24, GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz insisted that "we're not unplugging anything," in reaction to the drumbeat in the media that the Volt is little more than an expensive science project.
"We are 100 percent committed to making this happen," Lutz wrote, adding that the Volt is "the toughest and most exciting effort GM has undertaken."
GM took the wraps off its plug-in electric concept in January at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, but noted that it needed to have suppliers more fully develop battery technology in order to make the Volt a reality.
"We are very optimistic about what we hear from the battery guys," said Elizabeth Lowery, GM's vice president of environment and energy in a recent interview with Inside Line. "We're doing architecture, while they're doing the batteries."
