This is Autoline Daily reporting on the global automotive industry.
The Shanghai auto show is underway and there’s a number of interesting reveals, so let’s jump into it.
TOYOTA TO SELL ELECTRIC C-HR
Toyota is gearing up to launch its first battery electric vehicle in China with the introduction of the electric version of the C-HR. The company didn’t reveal many other details about it other than it goes on sale next year in the country. Toyota also revealed a funky looking battery electric concept called the RHOMBUS. It was created by the company’s R&D center in China and says it aims to “suit the values and lifestyles of drivers born after 1990.” In other words it sounds like an autonomous ride-hailing concept.
HONDA ELECTRIFIES THE HR-V
Honda and its joint venture partner, Dongfeng, introduced a new EV they jointly developed called the X-NV. The model, which is obviously just an EV version of the the HR-V, will be exclusively sold in China starting in the second half of this year.
CHEVY REVIVES OLD NAMES IN CHINA
Chevrolet is reviving a couple of name plates from its past. An all-new Trailblazer and Tracker made their global debut. The Trailblazer is on the right, Tracker the left. As you can see, the utility vehicles picked up on similar styling first seen on the all-new Blazer. No word yet on what markets, outside of China, the Trailblazer and Tracker will be sold in.
BUICK SHOWS 1ST EV & HIGH-END VAN
Buick also had a number of new models to show off. The Velite 6 MAV is the automaker’s first all-electric vehicle. It provides up to 85 kW of power and 301-kilometers or about 187-miles of range. It’s also showing the all-new Encore and a long-wheelbase version, called the Encore GX. The vehicles are fitted with GM’s 8th-generation Ecotech engines and either a 9-speed auto trans or CVT. And lastly is the GL8 Avenir Concept. It’s a high-end van that was developed by GM’s Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center.
MERCEDES GLB LOOKS LIKE A RUGGED OFF ROADER
Mercedes took the wraps off the GLB concept. The SUV, which is built on the company’s compact car platform, has a bit of a rugged off-road look. It features a similar interior layout to the B-Class, with a wide infotainment screen sitting on top of three round air vents. The crossover has three rows of seats and can hold up to seven passengers. And it’s powered by a four-cylinder gasoline engine that’s mated to an 8-speed dual clutch transmission, all-wheel-drive is also available. Mercedes says this is just a concept but it doesn’t look like it would take much to get this rolling down the production line.
KIA UPDATES CHINA’S VERSION OF THE FORTE
Kia revealed an updated version of the K3, which is the Forte here in the states. The new model was designed and engineered specifically for the Chinese market. It’s powered by two gasoline engines, a 1.5L and a 1.4L turbo. A plug-in hybrid version will also be available. The new K3 goes on sale in the country in the second quarter of this year.
ASTON MARTIN EV FINALLY READY TO GO ON SALE
Aston Martin is finally here with the production version of its first electric vehicle, the Rapide E. We first talked about the car in 2016. It was going to be developed with Chinese startup LeEco for a 2018 release, but LeEco backed out of the deal. That pushed back its debut and now the car will be limited to 155 examples. It has about 600-horsepower, does 0 to 60 in under 4-seconds and a 65 kWh battery returns over 200-miles of range based on the WLTP test. The Rapide E is available to order now.
Ok enough of the Shanghai show, coming up next we’ll take a look at some of the vehicles debuting at the New York Auto Show.
MORE INFORMATION ON CADILLAC CTS REPLACEMENT
Cadillac has significantly redesigned the CTS and renamed it the CT5. Though it’s still built on the Alpha platform, it’s 5 inches shorter while the wheelbase was increased by 1-inch. The result is a lot more rear seat legroom. Power comes from a 2-liter turbo pumping out 237 horsepower and 350 newton meters. You hear that right, newton meters. GM is starting to use that instead of pound feet. One newton meter is 74% of one pound foot. There’s also a 3-liter turbo that cranks out 335 horses and 542 newton meters, and both engines get a 10-speed automatic with all wheel drive being optional. You can also get Super Cruise as an option. Cadillac put a lot of emphasis on improving the HMI or human-machine-interface. The CT5 gets a 10-inch screen with 1080p resolution. And don’t call it CUE. Cadillac is getting rid of that name, since it had earned itself a bit of a black eye. Now they call it the Cadillac User Experience, but like I said, don’t call it CUE.
VW TESTS THE SMALL PICKUP WATERS IN NY
Volkswagen is showing off its Tarok pickup concept at the New York Auto Show. Built on the company’s MQB architecture, it’s powered by a 1.4L four-cylinder turbo engine that’s mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and it comes with all-wheel-drive. For even more cargo room, the cab’s rear panel can be folded down, kind of like the Chevy Avalanche. While Volkswagen doesn’t plan on selling it in the U.S., the company is showing it off in New York to gauge consumer response. So, it’s possible we could see it here if the company gets the reaction its looking for. A production version of the Tarok goes on sale in Brazil in the near future.
And speaking of the New York Auto Show, John and Gary are in the Big Apple this week for Autoline After Hours. They’ll be talking about the latest reveals at the show, so tune in this Thursday afternoon to see what vehicle they think stole the show.
But that’s it for today, thanks for watching and please join us again tomorrow.
Share
Permalink
Comments (35)
April 16th, 2019 at 11:47 am
That Rapid EV has good lines, but the fake grille up front looks terrible. Also I expect the rear seat to be quite cramped, a sacrifice to styling, and be able to fit only two little women, or three little kids, or Sean’s dog.
April 16th, 2019 at 11:50 am
VW Tarok pickup – S I G N M E U P! look the beauty of the Avalanche was the mid gate. It is another genius way to a convertible SUV/Pick up truck.
April 16th, 2019 at 12:02 pm
So the CTS is now the CT5 (still looks like an “S”), doesn’t it. And the “C”adillac,”U”ser, “E”xperience isn’t CUE anymore, well; it sure looks like it still is.
And I’m a Caddy fan (they sure are trying my patience though).
April 16th, 2019 at 12:02 pm
I don’t understand why VW doesn’t bring there trucks here, pretty much anything truckish sells in N.A. As a owner of an Avalanche I wish someone would come out with a similar design. The midgate adds so much usability to the vehicle, I would skip the removable window feature though, I think I’ve used it once in the 2 Avalanches I’ve owned.
April 16th, 2019 at 12:22 pm
Maybe VW should try selling that pickup here, if it wouldn’t cost too much to federalize. I doubt if it would sell well, though, because it isn’t macho trucky enough for Americans who buy pickups. The Ridgeline is better than the competition, for what most people actually use pickup trucks for, but it doesn’t sell well.
April 16th, 2019 at 12:23 pm
2
Ya beat me to it, David. Agree completely. If I can’t have a RAM 700, sign me up for one of the Taroks!
April 16th, 2019 at 12:26 pm
5
I think the Tarok has a little more visual impact than the current Ridgeline.
I always thought the original Ridgeline was a sort of goofy homage to the Avalanche, but at least it made some kind of visual statement. I miss them, just a bit.
April 16th, 2019 at 12:27 pm
3 It kind of makes sense for Cadillac to try to quell the use lf the “CUE” moniker, because it generally has a bad reputation for user friendliness, but if they want do that, it would make sense to come up with a different name, with different initials.
As far as a name for the new car, how about Seville? That is a good name, that shouldn’t have too much “baggage.”
April 16th, 2019 at 12:35 pm
Yeah, the Tarok looks like a fun little toy. Or maybe it is a big obese toy but still looks like a fun little something all right.
Of course, a lot depends on what it offers for the (?) price.
April 16th, 2019 at 12:48 pm
8 PS I doubt I would be attracted to buy one for $30k, or even $20k.
You may say, but $20k? You can get nothing for $20k, a Nissan Versa or a Yaris at best! (if you add taxes and fees)
Right. But I can choose among a ton of fantastic, mint condition, supercars for less than $20k!
Look at that stylish 2011 Big Touring Coupe, the CL (S-class based coupe). It is 8″ shorter than the vast S-class, but still very heavy at 4,650 lbs. It has 430 HP from an about 5 lt v8. The one I posted here had only 75k miles! And the asking price was below $18k, so I expect I could easily get it for $17k.
Seriously? Instead of this, I’d buy a… Tarok?
When hell freezes over.
April 16th, 2019 at 12:50 pm
8, The Tarok concept is smaller than I expected, 193.5 long and 72 inches wide. That makes it almost two feet shorter than the Ridgeline or “crew cab” Colorado, and narrower than both. The wheelbase is bout 118 inches, 7 shorter than the Ridgeline.
April 16th, 2019 at 12:51 pm
7, yea a ridgeline isn’t the best looking vehicle out there, kind of weird and that no doubt hurts it’s sales. If Nissan can sell a ton of outdated Frontiers surely VW could sell enough Taroks to make it worth their time.
April 16th, 2019 at 12:51 pm
8, 9 and as I expect the Tarok to be at least $30k actual transaction price, I’ll pull out my $30k, buy the CL masterpiece for $17k, spend another $8k to get a ton of flying lessons and a pilot’s license, and still have $5k left for some fun.
Decisions, decisions. I’d make up my mind faster than the speed of light.
April 16th, 2019 at 12:52 pm
Love the pup, Sean!
The CT5 is DOA for me. I know they are different platforms but I just see too much Buick Regal in the profile.
And why NMs? Is this more conformity to the Chinese market?
April 16th, 2019 at 12:53 pm
10 Most of the diff is the shorter cab. But using your numbers, the Tarok has a huge wheelbase relatively to its length, compared to the Ridge. Which is always a good thing in my book (which book focuses on cars and not trucks, though)
April 16th, 2019 at 12:53 pm
So no one at Buick is paying attention to the current market and realizing that Chryslers attempt to take the best selling minivan and upscale it by replacing it with the Pacifica has utterly failed. So they think there is a market for a high end minivan?
Another huge waste of money has to be Astons attempt to offer and EV. With only building 155 units they either plan to lose money on each one or they are going to be crazy expensive.
The Tarok seems like a very versatile truck and if provided the proper powertrain could outsell the Ridgeline. So where did they place their spare tire? Hopefully not accessed thru the bed.
April 16th, 2019 at 1:07 pm
#13 – While I won’t accuse Cadillac of marketing speak, could they be using NM’s so they can publish a larger number than Lb-ft?
April 16th, 2019 at 1:10 pm
Poor Cadillac! Still “lost” in the alphabet soup naming game…and the newton -Meter (nm) stat for torque?? Is anyone at GM working to sell their cars or are they looking for the next “press release splash? Cadillac in the past represented an ownership that made a statement for the owner/driver. Now…who even understands their model musical chairs!
April 16th, 2019 at 1:18 pm
16 Yes, on the larger numbers, at least I read that somewhere, maybe TTAC.
9 Speaking of pickup trucks and Benzes, some people buy pickup trucks mainly, or only because they are rated to tow. For some reason, though Benz cars have a tow rating of zero in the US., but in the rest of the world, they have substantial tow ratings. An ’09 E320d, in the UK, has a tow rating of 1800 kg, and almost any S-Class has a tow rating of 2100 kg or higher. Why the difference between the US and the rest of the world? I see the same thing with other cars, like VW Golf and Jetta.
April 16th, 2019 at 1:24 pm
18 GM plans to add a rounded (upwards, of course, and in Ntm instead of Lbft) torque number on the model’s name. So my 320 Bluetec with its 400 or so lbft would be the Bluetec 550.
As for towing, in Europe even the tiniest, small engined, anemic torqued econoboxes have tow ratings. There are small plastic boats that don’t weigh much you see them towing all the time.
April 16th, 2019 at 1:28 pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yq9IvgfLFgk
I just finished watching this. While a new S class starts at $92k, the 600 Maybach version is $200k. More than twice, but it has a huge and impressive array of luxuries, and tech gadgets, the interior compares well with a Rolls or a Bentley.
The only problem is, you buy this if you want to be driven and live in the rear seat. So maybe when we turn 85 or older.
April 16th, 2019 at 1:34 pm
19 You also see small hatches in Europe towing small, light weight caravans (camping trailers), but usually not going very fast.
With its ~4000 pound tow rating in Europe, your E320 bluetec. would be able to tow a majority of boats I see being towed, but for whatever reason, MBUSA says to tow nothing.
April 16th, 2019 at 1:47 pm
21 Yes, I have a cousin who used to take their annual vacation with her ex-husband and son in their small caravan. He had an interesting collection of cars incl a boxy small Alfa Giulia Super from the 60s, and a Norton Commando bike.
Technically the cars are not much different here and there but it may be a legal thing.
April 16th, 2019 at 2:15 pm
Other than the emblems there isn’t much on that CT5 design that says Cadillac. From the side it looks like every other mid size GM sedan.
April 16th, 2019 at 2:16 pm
I like the looks of the Rapide I know the grille serves no function on a EV ,but without it it’s not a Aston
April 16th, 2019 at 2:19 pm
The Tarok is a step in the right direction ,but I still long for a mini pick up with a reg. cab and 6 1/2 foot bed option. get them back to the size of the 70s mini trucks and they’d have my attention.
April 16th, 2019 at 2:58 pm
It’s pretty obvious that Beijing is building for the future while NY is looking back to cater to a clientèle which hasn’t yet evolved to this century.
The Chinese electrics are going to absolutely steamroll the world market beginning in 2020.
April 16th, 2019 at 4:09 pm
25 You can barely get a regular cab pickup of any kind. Big Chevy and Ford are the only ones available at all. Ram no longer sells them, at least the new version, and none of the “mid-size” trucks offer a regular cab.
As everyone here knows, I’m not a “truck guy,” but I kind of like the looks of a regular cab pickup, especially short bed. Maybe it’s because they are so rare, with those 20 foot long “crew cab” things now making up about 90% of the pickup market.
April 16th, 2019 at 6:56 pm
Why would anyone in their right mind care about China auto sales? After all… everything they know they pilfer.
The Tarok is something that should be made for the U.S. It’s perfect for women truckers and serves most everyone’s needs. I bet it could haul 50 bags of mulch, a riding mower or a bunch of camp gear. My old Ford Ranger was a swell small truck. Now its labeled mid-sized Hell..it’s as big as the trucks from the 50-60″s ! The next gen. F150 will prolly be so big it will need a wide load sign to drive it on the road!
April 16th, 2019 at 8:11 pm
People in the industry care about Chinese auto sales, because China is the biggest auto market in the world, by a substantial margin.
April 16th, 2019 at 8:22 pm
28 US sales are barely 17 mill a year. China sales were recently over 30 mill a year. And they are no cheap econoboxes either. Don’t care about them at your own risk.
April 16th, 2019 at 10:31 pm
Trailblazer was originally a Chrysler Trademark (Plymouth Trailblazer / Dodge Ramcharger)
April 17th, 2019 at 8:10 am
Was going thru the latest issue of Pop Mechanics, they had some car awards, the EV they liked was the Kia Niro EV. For $30k, its quite affordable and looks much better than the tall and short and bloated Bolt, or even the weird Leaf. It is a small wagon, looks normal from the back, did not have a pic of the grille. I doubt if it is half as satisfying to drive as the only $5k more expensive, much bigger, much more powerful Model 3. Also its cargo capacity may not be huge due to its stylishly low roofline.
April 17th, 2019 at 9:48 am
27 The problem with buying a regular cab is it would be even more difficult to sell 2nd hand than a 2WD truck. Similarly buying a 4 or 6 cyl Mustang or Camaro might fit your needs better but unloading it 3 or 4 years later can be difficult. Even if you can find a buyer the value wont be there, so bigger loss on what seems like a good deal when new.
April 17th, 2019 at 10:09 pm
LarryD,
Curious where you live.? I’ve looked for a MB 2011 CL Coupe for less than $20K and haven’t been able to find one.
The last one I did find had 180K mi and they wanted $22K.
I won’t pay that much for that year with that many miles. Maybe I can look in your neighborhood for a car with under 100K miles for $17 -18k Dollars.
Please Email me with info. I’m in the market.
Thanks, Rick