Shanghai GM Introduces Three New Models at 2008 Guangzhou International Auto Show
18 November 2008
Shanghai GM, GM’s flagship joint venture in China with SAIC, is introducing three new models at the 2008 Guangzhou International Auto Show: the Chevrolet Cruze, Buick Enclave and Cadillac CTS-V. The stand also features the automaker’s most fuel-efficient products such as the Buick LaCrosse Eco-Hybrid and 1.2-liter Chevrolet Aveo, both of which are being sold nationwide.
The Chevrolet Cruze is making its first appearance in Asia, following its global debut at October’s Paris Auto Show. The Cruze will be launched simultaneously in China and Europe early next year. The Cruze was engineered at GM facilities in Germany, the United States, Australia and Korea for the global market. Its 1.6-liter and 1.8-liter Ecotec engines with variable valve timing (VVT) on both inlet and exhaust sides offer more power as well as lower fuel consumption and emissions than similar powerplants. The Cruze also adopts GM’s all-new six-speed automatic transmission.
The Enclave, the first imported luxury SUV from Buick, features a 3.6-liter direct injection V-6 VVT engine (215 kW @ 6,300 rpm). The engine is mated to an electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission.
The CTS-V, to be available in limited quantity, uses a 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 engine.
Among the other vehicles that Shanghai GM is showing in Guangzhou is a limited edition of the Saab Turbo X. Shanghai GM will receive 10 of the 2,000 that will be manufactured. It is the first to feature Saab’s Cross-Wheel-Drive system, an active all-wheel-drive system that is designed to optimize vehicle handling and stability. The Turbo X features a 24-valve, 2.8-liter V-6 turbocharged engine that generates 400 Nm of torque between 2,150 rpm and 4,500 rpm, and maximum power of 280 horsepower (206 kW) at 5,500 rpm.
GM is still promoting the wrong vehicles. Large V-8 CTS and heavy Buick SUV are not the way to go.
Posted by: HarveyD | 18 November 2008 at 07:41 AM
An interesting story on Reuters today about the Chinese being interested in buying GM when it goes under, or pieces of it that are parted out. That's one way to get GM to stop making these idiotic vehicles.
Posted by: Derek | 18 November 2008 at 04:47 PM