General Motors has release the first teaser photos of the all-new 2011 Buick GL8, a full size luxury minivan developed exclusively for the China market. The new-generation of the GL8, which will replace the Buick Terraza / Chevy Uplander-based model in China, was previewed last year at the Shanghai Auto Show with the Buick Business hybrid concept model.
As you can see from the pictures we have after the break, the 2011 GL8's exterior styling appears to have remained quite true to the concept model. GM Shanghai did not release specifications, but the production version will most likely be similar in size to the 2009 study that measured 5,278mm (207-in.) in length riding on a 3.198mm (129-in.) wheelbase.
However, whereas the Business concept featured a next-generation Hybrid System, at launch, the new GL8 will be available in China with a choice of a 2.4-liter Ecotec engine or 3.0-liter V6 SIDI unit, as well as a six-speed automatic-manual transmission.
According to GM Shanghai, the GL8 will officially be launched on November 28.
Who wouldn't be annoyed to find, upon returning from the shops, that their car has been ticketed, clamped...or even worse...towed. As this hilarious clip proves, Hell hath no fury like a female SUV driver towed. Full video after the jump.
Here's the scoop for those who haven't seen it: a Shanghai woman is having her Chevy Captiva SUV towed, and she isn't happy about it. So she does what any (insane) person would do: gets in her car, starts the engine and drives off...with the tow truck still attached.
In a word, this video is epic. We've seen some ballsy things here at Carscoop, but this has to be one of the ballsiest. It's like Gone in 60 Seconds with a Chevy AWD or Jackass with a little Asian woman. Above all else, it's a defiantly erect middle finger directed at the money grubbing instigators of authoritarian traffic control.
I guess the tow truck driver should be thankful this was the only thing the Captiva driver did. I'd hate to see her behind the wheel of a tank, that's for sure. Watch the video and give us your verdict in the comments.
Citroën's CEO of Asian operations, Gregoire Olivier, has revealed that the company is planning a production version of the beautifully styled Metropolis concept car to compete against German luxury brands, primarily in China.
The sporty looking limousine, which will most likely be called the DS9, will be built by PSA/Peugeot-Citroën's joint venture with Changan Automobile Group in China.
"The Metropolis will happen -- it will become a real car," Olivier told Autonews China on the sidelines of an industry conference in Shanghai. "The same styling elements will be used for a high-level Citroen car to be developed in China. We want to build up the premier line in China -- the Metropolis is emblematic of our approach."
Olivier did not reveal production volume estimates or a market launch date for the production version of the Metropolis. Also, no word on when and which other markets (aside from China) the DS9 will be offered. However, PSA executives have noted that they are not sure if they'll sell a hybrid version of the car in China, which leads us to assume the DS9 could be offered in other markets including Europe as the firm's flagship model.
The Metropolis concept car is the creation of Citroën's international design team that is based in Shanghai since 2008. Even though it is built on the same platform as the Citroen C6 and Peugeot 508, the imposing limousine measures an impressive 5.3m in length, 2.0m in width and 1.4m in height, meaning its larger than the long wheel-base version of the new Audi A8.
In concept form, the Metropolis features a hybrid powertrain comprising of a 2.0-liter V6 engine connected to a 7-speed, dual-clutch electronic gearbox, and an electric motor.
At low speeds, the concept can run in pure electric mode with the battery-powered motor delivering a continuous 55bhp (40kW) and a peak output of 95bhp. According to Citroen, at steady speeds on main roads and motorways, the V6 engine provides 272bhp (200kW) and 375Nm of torque, but when additional performance is required, the car uses both the powerplants to deliver a maximum output of 460bhp (345kW) and 430Nm of torque. It also features a four-wheel drive mode for when extra grip is needed.
As you can see from the pictures we have after the break, the 2011 GL8's exterior styling appears to have remained quite true to the concept model. GM Shanghai did not release specifications, but the production version will most likely be similar in size to the 2009 study that measured 5,278mm (207-in.) in length riding on a 3.198mm (129-in.) wheelbase.
