Lexus Refreshes Popular CT 200h

DEMONSTRATING the importance of China’s Guangzhou motor show, Japanese luxury car maker Lexus chose this venue and not its home market show to unveil its refreshed CT 200h. Just as the Guangzhou show is a big deal, the CT model range has become an increasingly important part of the car maker’s business. For example, in the UK it’s the dominant Lexus model.

Infiniti planning to take on Porsche Panamera

Infiniti planning to make the Essence Concept (pictured) in to a Panamer-like Coupe Back in 2009 – ahead of Infiniti launching in Europe – the Infiniti Essence arrived at the Geneva Motor Show as an illustration of what we could expect to see from Infiniti in the future. That was four years ago, but now it looks like the Essence may be on its way to production – after a slight stretch and the acquisition of a couple of extra doors – after Andy Palmer, Nissan’s VP for Future Products, told Automotive News Infiniti is planning a range-topping flagship to take on the Porsche Panamera. The Essence seems a good starting point for that mission; it’s already a big (over 15′ long) swoopy-coupe with a hybrid powerplant consisting of a 3.7 litre turbo V6 and electric motor combination good for 590bhp.

SAIC merges with Nanjing

By Keith Adams Motor Industry 28 December 2007 15:27 Is the Chinese car industry learning to rationalise?  Absolutely. In order to attack world markets, China’s government and its largest automotive players have been getting cute. There’s a rush to merge or combine in order to compete in international markets.