Gallery: It's China in Charge at the Beijing Auto Show
Jackson Lowen01lamborghini-urus-via-lambo
As China's automotive market continues to expand, carmakers the world over are hoping to cash in. Nowhere is that more apparent than at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show, which features everything from first cars for urban dwellers to ostentatious rides for the showiest tycoons – plus a smattering of hybrids and EVs. It's a testament to China's influence in the global automotive market that this year's Beijing Auto Show also features several global debuts in addition to vehicles intended solely for domestic consumption. The much anticipated [Lamborghini Urus](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/autopia/2012/04/lamborghini-urus/) (above), for example, didn't bow at Geneva or Frankfurt, but in Beijing. It's also telling that Bentley and Jaguar both introduced special editions of their range-topping sedans tailored specifically for the Chinese market. Such attention would've been unimaginable a mere 10 years ago, when automotive status symbols in China were warmed-over Buicks and aging Audis. Today, there are eight times as many vehicles on the road, and that number only continues to grow. Here are 10 debuts from the Beijing Auto Show that represent China's automotive future – and, by extension, the world's automotive future as well. *Photo: Lamborghini*
02audi-a6-e-tron-via-audi
Audi A6 e-tron -------------- Audi has a relatively long history in China for a foreign automaker, dating back to First Automobile Works' local production of Audi 100 sedans throughout the 1990s. The A6 e-tron is a concept developed specifically with China in mind, from the parallel hybrid drivetrain to the navigation system whose touchpad recognizes Chinese characters. Under the hood is a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine that puts out 211 horsepower, plus a 95 horsepower electric motor. In the back is a lithium-ion battery good for 50 miles of all-electric driving at around 37 mph. Like the R8 e-tron, the concept features gorgeous 21-inch wheels that sure look good even though they can't possibly improve fuel economy. *Photo: Audi*
03bentley-mulsanne-via-bentley
Bentley Mulsanne Diamond Jubilee Edition ---------------------------------------- If the Bentley Mulsanne Diamond Jubilee Edition is any indication, China loves two things about England: the Royal Family, and astonishingly luxurious cars. "The respect and genuine interest shown towards so many aspects of British life, and most especially the Royal Family, has made China a unique experience for our marque as well as many other UK businesses," said Richard Charlesworth, whose title – Director of Royal and VIP Relations – could only exist at Bentley. "This series of special cars, hand-built by our Mulliner Division, is our way of reciprocating the appreciation for British institutions, creativity and services we have been shown in China," he said. Oh, and the fact that China provided a rare bright spot of luxury car sales during a worldwide economic downturn doesn't hurt, either. The country is now Bentley's largest market, accounting for more than twice the number of cars sold in the UK in the first quarter of 2012. Built in a limited run of 60 vehicles to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's 60-year reign, the car features hand finishing from Mulliner, including gold-stitched headrests, rear picnic tables decorated with gold overlays of a royal carriage and a matching motif on the rear cushions. The Mulsanne's impeccable drivetrain has, thankfully, remained unaltered. Aside from the name, which sounds like it should be plastered on the side of a Crown Vic's vinyl roof, the only disappointing thing about this car is that it's designed to chauffeur around its wealthy owner. If we were wealthy Chinese captains of industry, we'd insist on driving. *Photo: Bentley*
04honda-concept-s
Honda Concept S --------------- Honda says the "S" in "Concept S" stands for "stylish, smart and surprise," but we'll have to say it stands for "scarce" – as that's what the details are on this new hybrid concept. We do know that it's scheduled first for a release in China with global sales to follow. *Photo: Honda*
Alexander F. Yuan05bmw-i8-spyder
BMW i8 Concept Spyder --------------------- We were hoping to catch a glimpse of the BMW i8 Concept Spyder at the New York Auto Show, but it looks like the first folks to see the drop-top plug-in hybrid were in Beijing. Like the hardtop i8, the concept is expected to do 0-60 in under 5 seconds with all the off-the-line torque expected from an electric motor. Oh, and we hear the gas mileage is pretty good, too. Also debuting: The "eDrive" name, which BMW plans to use on all their wares that have batteries included. *Photo: Alexander F. Yuan/AP*
Alexander F. Yuan06byd-qin
BYD Chin -------- Spelled with a "Ch" and not a "Q," the BYD Chin is a plug-in hybrid that promises 117 miles per gallon. More importantly, BYD also debuted the new F3, an update of China's best-selling sedan. The new car features a unique feature known as Remote Control Driving, which allows the driver to position the car using just the key. The automaker says this will allow drivers to remotely move the car forward and back, turn and drive at a "restricted speed." This should come in handy, BYD says, when the car is parked too tightly to open the doors or if it's raining and the driver wants to pull the car around. *Photo: Alexander F. Yuan/AP*
07eterniti-artemis-via-eterniti
Eterniti Artemis ---------------- If you don't want to wait for a Bentley EXP 9F or a Lamborghini Urus, boutique British automaker Eterniti promises their Artemis "super SUV" will be hitting the market first. Based on the Porsche Cayenne, we first saw the Artemis at Frankfurt last year when it was known as the Hemera. Now, after some work from Jaguar XJ220 engineer Alastair Macqueen, the Eterniti is expected to go on sale this fall. The Eterniti combines a hand finished luxury interior, a 600 horsepower V8 and a ground clearance that makes it possible to travel in comfort over the roughest of roads – a must for emerging markets like China. Strangest of all, the SUV will feature a two year, 100,000 mile warranty. *Photo: Eterniti*
08fiat-viaggio-via-fiat
Fiat Viaggio ------------ If the Viaggio looks familiar, it's because it's based on the Dodge Dart that's hitting US dealers soon. The Viaggio is the first Fiat to be produced entirely in China for the Chinese market, though its styling comes straight from Fiat's design center in Turin. *Photo: Fiat*
Vincent Thian09ford-eco-sport
Ford EcoSport ------------- Ford is betting big on crossovers worldwide. For emerging markets like China and India, the three-cylinder turbocharged EcoSport is a Fiesta-based mini-SUV aimed at young, urban drivers. Options include rear parking sensors, keyless entry and SYNC. *Photo: Vincent Thian/AP*
10jaguar-ultimate-xj-via-jaguar
Jaguar XJ Ultimate ------------------ Like so many luxury automakers, Jaguar brought to Beijing a high-end sedan that's meant to be driven by someone else. The backseat of the Jaguar XJ Ultimate features dual rear screens with wireless headphones, a desk that rises from the center console to reveal two iPads and wireless keyboards, and a champagne chiller complete with specially designed flutes. The rear suspension has been upgraded, and the car will sell with either Jaguar's supercharged V8, diesel V6 or supercharged gasoline V6. *Photo: Jaguar*
11renault-talisman
Renault Talisman ---------------- Cue the band playing *It's A Small World*: The Renault Talisman is a re-badged Renault-Samsung SM7. Built in Korea, the Talisman will feature a French nameplate when it goes on sale in China this summer. *Photo: Renault*
