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Beijing motor show: China means (auto) business

By Guy Bird Motor Shows 22 April 2008 05:34 Only a fool wandering around this week's Beijing motor show would still dismiss China as some also-ran automotive market full of rip-off designs and outdated ‘new’ cars based on old Western designs. While all of those clichés were still in evidence at the Chinese auto show, the copycat mentality is much less obvious than even a year ago at last year's Shanghai show. And every western car exec CAR spoke to was in awe of the upward sales trajectory that means China is still the place to do business in 2008.Yes, there are still some odd automotive fish, usually small ‘three-box’ saloon in shape such as the Chinese market only Citroen C-Elysee and the VW Lavida (a Jetta/Bora Plus car with less style).

Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept revealed

The Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept will be at the Tokyo Motor Show The Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept has the usual flights of fancy, like double-length gullwing doors and a motorised dash that moves up and down to give thr driver the best view ahead. But if you ignore the obvious concept bits, the Tourer looks very close to a new Subaru model. Powered by a 2.0 litre turbo-charged Boxer engine, the Hybrid Tourer also gets a pair of electric motors and a CVT ‘box (shame on the CVT.

McLaren to introduce 12C GT Sprint at Goodwood

McLaren is producing a 12C model that will slot in between the “basic” 12C and the all-out racing GT3 version called the 12C GT Sprint. It will be a track-focused supercar with enhanced suspension, cooling and aerodynamics. The GT Sprint starts with the basic McLaren 12C.