Sunday, April 21, 2013

Shanghai Auto Show 2013

Hi Readers,

I'm currently at the Shanghai Auto Show, witnessing how the recent influx of nouveau-riche has inspired luxury auto makers to place much of their focus on the Chinese car market.

That aside, the auto show has indeed placed an emphasis on luxury, style and youth appeal. With the economy picking up slowly, buyers have turned one eye away from the gas ratings of vehicles, and have turned their focus towards the "less unimportant" aspects of a vehicle.

Browsing the halls, I was particularly impressed by the influx of local Chinese brands, making an effort to cater towards executives and CEO's. One such example? The Luxgen MASTER CEO MPV-with a twist. Take the concept of a limo, and retain the privacy glass. Now take an Alphard-sized MPV, and strip it out of everything in the back, replacing it with two large massage-style chairs.


Furthermore, the revealing of the 2013/2014 E-Class, BMW X4 and Mercedes-Benz concept SUV sparked the excitement of media and press from all over the world. However, I was particularly interested in the plug-in concepts (i-series). BMW plans to have these relatively affordable and green vehicles out in the market within a span of 2-3 years. One of the vehicles had a glass rear, meaning that the interior was clearly visible. Upon taking further inspection, I can now say that 2-3 years is indeed a relatively manageable time period, for the concept's interior was somewhat that of a current 3-Series. As with the 3-Series GT, it also received much attention from spectators, due to the finesse of the vehicle, as well as the youth (and sex) appeal of the overall piece.

With the show running through the end of the week, it's not too late to get tickets. Watch out for the crowd though.

Pictures from:
-http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8262/8666740744_e4fa77defa_b.jpg
-http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.1308623.1365177647!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_635/bmw-x4-concept.jpg
-http://strumors.automobilemag.com/files/2013/04/2013-Buick-Riviera-Concept-front-three-quarter-6-623x389.jpg
-http://img.motorpix.com/p/2/20770.jpg
-http://image.17car.com.cn/image/20130221/20130221131013_96667.jpg












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Saturday, April 6, 2013

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 6.4 V8


Jeep has long been synonymous with the classic American exploration dream, gas guzzling methods, and large, U.S.-sized engines. The SRT8 does just that.
·             Design & Engineering:
Obviously based off a Grand Cherokee, the SRT8 spec SUV still brings out the same distinct fierceness seen in the Grand Cherokee. In fact, a sporty and aerodynamic body kit has been added on to the Jeep’s face, giving it a larger and more imposing stance. However, high-gloss black bits have been added onto both the front and rear end of the behemoth, making it stand out next to “ordinary” SUV’s, as the use of deep and bold colouring clearly accentuates the inner beast of the barge—the 6.4-liter V8 under the bonnet. From the side, 20-inch wheels fitted with Brembos clearly indicate that the American means business. The rear however, remains largely unchanged—providing that same, rustic American exploration feel.
·            Interior:
Once again, same as the Grand Cherokee. This means practicality, comfort, and simply, large everything. From the steering wheel to the well-bolstered seats, everything is big and very American, once more providing one with that same sense of the Jeep’s deep heritage in exploration. However, things have been upped in quality. For instance, the entire dash now comes swathed with stitched leather, and carbon fiber, “go faster” bits line the dash and center console. The steering wheel ditches the Grand Cherokee’s bits of wood, and takes on a classy stainless steel, SRT8 logo instead. Leather has been given some look as well, and has been changed to premium Nappa leather, providing supreme suppleness and comfort be it on the long roads, or over harsh bumps. Don’t be fooled by the shiny goodies, for at the core of things, the SRT8 still retains some off-roading gizmos, such as the adjustable settings for SNOW, and TOW. Note though, the new addition of TRACK. Indeed, unleash that V8!
·            Ride & Handlings
Being a sports variant (this goes with most variants of this nature), the SRT8 suffers from a lower ride and large, 20-inch wheels. Spelt out neatly, low ride + large rims + heavy 2.3 tonnes  = very uncomfortable ride. After getting out of that vehicle, a visit to your nearest chiropractor is highly recommended. Still, most SRT8 owners will look past the off-roading capacities of the SUV, and focus more on the available TRACK mode. Upon firing up the vehicle, a rumbly V8 burble erupts from the V8—though I must confess, it does not sound as pleasant or polished as an ML63 or X5M per say. Still, for the lower price tag, it’s not too bad. Mating the power plant to a 5-speed gearbox has proven to be a large mistake for the SRT8’s designers, for gearshifts are not as seamless or engaging as they should be. Furthermore, it feels as if the lack of one or two gears (if I may) impedes on the true capabilities of the engine. Still, what can go wrong with 470HP under the bonnet? Maneuvering the behemoth can never be as easy as handling a GranTurismo, or a Vantage. However, steering feels responsive enough, with the 2.3tonne vehicle handling things in a relatively well manner.

·            Verdict
Masculine looks, masculine engine. However, the suppleness of the interior may appeal to the ladies as well. Disappointing 5-speed autobox, harsh ride. Still, a rather good compromise considering the lower price tag you pay as compared to German competitors.

o    Pictures from:
http://www.autoweek.com/galleryimage/CW/20121002/CARREVIEWS/100209998/PH/1/4/2012-Jeep-Grand-Cherokee-SRT8-6.4-liter-hemi-engine.jpg
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