2017 Shanghai Auto Show
The Chinese market for cars has been growing steadily since the mid-2000's, and now represents the largest share of the global auto market with the Asian giant taking up almost 28% of the share of global production capacity and nearly 20 million new vehicle registrations done in 2014 alone. With those kind of numbers, it's no wonder that the Shanghai Auto Show is important for established manufacturers to showcase their best tech and latest concepts, as well as for Chinese manufacturers to compete on the same floor with long running global brands. For the 2017 Shanghai Auto Show, everyone brought out their big guns.
Lynk&Co Concept 03
Lynk&Co is a sub-brand of Geely Auto, owners of Volvo. Few months ago they showcased a radical SUV concept, the 01, which promised to turn cars into smartphones via connectivity tech and an app-store. At Shanghai they showed off the 03 sedan with pretty much the same.
NextEV Nio EP9
As far as electric cars go, nothing screams proper intent like a hypercar with proper design. NextEV's Nio Ep9 is quite the looker, and apparently has the performance to match it. A pre-production model has been setting lap records everywhere.
Chery Tiggo Sport Coupe Concept
Chery's Tiggo is already a production model, but is nowhere as cool as this concept. If they can make it happen, the Tiggo will be a hot seller in today's SUV crazed world, especially in emerging markets. Lets hope they can pull it off.
Toyota Fengchao Way Concept
Toyota has been making cars specifically designed for China for about six years now, and the Fengchao Way is basically a CHR with two doors and a dragon face.
Audi e-Tron Sportback Concept
China is a hugely important market for Audi, and they reflected that by debuting their e-Tron Sportback at Shanghai. Think Audi TT with four doors and lifted track.
Chevrolet FNR-X Concept
If you haven't noticed a pattern already, China is the next global battleground for SUVs. FNR-X has what looks like a production ready body, minus the suicide doors.
Skoda Vision-E Concept
Skoda can do cool? Who knew. Volkswagen Group's often unloved Czech brand is expected to play a more active role in VAG's conquest of China, which is good news for Skoda.
Volkswagen ID-Crozz Concept
The third Volkswagen Group SUV concept displayed at Shanghai, the ID-Crozz is a way to hit home Volkswagen's message that they're in charge of SUVs in China.
Jeep Yuntu Concept
This is not a new Jeep Wagoneer. For one, its not going to be designed for off-road. Instead, it's a means of maximising people and luggage transport in dense urban centres.
MG E-motion Concept
MG, everyone's favourite British grandpa, refuses to die. Now in Chinese hands for well over ten years, the E-motion is the latest attempt at reviving the brand. Sleek.
Renault RS 2027 Vision Concept
Yet another Vision concept, Renault tried reimagining what a hardcore track car of the future could look like with the RS 2027. The canopy over the driver's head is cool stuff.
Mercedes Benz A Concept
Benz chose to showcase what could be their new line of urban friendly, entry level luxury cars. They'll still be fiendishly expensive, so it's a good thing the Chinese are loaded.
Citroen C5 Aircross
Citroen, masters of French quirkiness, launched what might be the coolest SUV of modern times (after the Volvo XC90, of course). The Aircross has marvelous proportions.
Mercedes Benz S-class Maybach
If you're a luxury marque looking to make money in China, you HAVE to have a long-wheel base special model for it. The all new Maybach line is thus crucial for Benz in China.
BMW M4 CS
BMW's M4 CS is super light thanks to CFRP construction, has 10 HP and 37 lb-ft more power and torque and laps the Nurburgring in 7 min 38 sec.