Skip advert
Advertisement
Features

2015 Shanghai motor show roundup

Among the facsimiles of European SUVs, the Shanghai motor show provides some interest for evo readers, too

The Shanghai motor show doesn't yet have the cachet of Geneva, or the excitement of Detroit. But as China's presence in the automotive industry grows, the products launched in the world's most populated city are more relevant than ever.

Well, those that aren't extended-wheelbase versions of executive cars or shameless copies of European products, at least. Visitors to the Shanghai show in 2015 have to look a little harder for sports cars, supercars and high-technology...

Audi Prologue Allroad

When evo spoke to Audi design director Marc Lichte at the Geneva motor show, he hinted that future Audi vehicles would be much easier to tell apart. Among the techniques to achieve this is to furnish all quattro models with distinctly blistered wheel arches inspired by the original ur-quattro.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Prologue Allroad concept is evidence of this styling detail in action. While typical Allroad details are also there – such as contrasting wheel arches and roof rails – the squared-off front and rear wings are the most notable details. The 724bhp, twin-turbocharged V8 plug-in hybrid drive system is less likely to reach production vehicles.

Chevrolet FNR Concept

Concept cars have become less conceptual in recent years. Typically, they’re lightly-disguised production vehicles with a few non-production details to generate a buzz for an upcoming model. It’s safe to say Chevrolet’s FNR Concept in Shanghai is not one of those vehicles.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Advertisement - Article continues below

Designed at GM’s Pan Asia Technical Automotive Centre, it’s interesting more for its striking design than its dynamic attributes. There’s little wrong with an all-electric powertrain, as the Tesla Model S P85D proves, but the car’s autonomous driving abilities don’t quite tally with the Thrill of Driving.

McLaren 540C

If you thought the McLaren 570S represented affordable McLaren ownership, then the 540C is another step towards accessibility. £126,000 isn’t cheap of course, but it does bring the badge to a whole new range of owners.

Despite McLaren’s move towards affordability, the 540C retains a mid-mounted 3.8-litre twin turbocharged V8. Here, it produces 533bhp and 398lb ft of torque, enough for a 3.5-second 0-62mph dash and 199mph top speed. With a carbon fibre MonoCell II chassis and McLaren’s Brake Steer system, it’s not your typical base model.

Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe

Mercedes continues its new naming scheme with the GLC Coupe. GL marks the car out as one of the brand’s SUVs, while the ‘C’ refers to the car’s class in the range. While still a concept, it doesn’t take much to imagine a production version clogging up your local Waitrose carpark.

The concept’s powertrain comprises a 2996cc, twin-turbocharged petrol V6. Peak power is 362bhp at 5500rpm, and there’s 383lb ft of torque between 1400-4000rpm. Mercedes’ latest 9-speed automatic sends power to all four 21-inch wheels. The styling, says Mercedes, brings the ‘contrary design worlds’ of coupes and SUVs ‘into harmony’.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ferrari 296 Challenge 2025 review – Maranello's hybrid supercar goes V6-only
Ferrari 296 Challenge
Reviews

Ferrari 296 Challenge 2025 review – Maranello's hybrid supercar goes V6-only

Stripped of the road car’s heavy and complex hybrid technology, Ferrari’s entry-level competition car provides a glimpse of an alternative universe
15 Mar 2025
Porsche's EV U-turn means more new petrol cars and hybrids are coming
2025 Porsche 911 GT3
News

Porsche's EV U-turn means more new petrol cars and hybrids are coming

The 911 will get even more exclusive and desirable variants with increased customisability going forward
12 Mar 2025
The Renault 5 Turbo 3E looks like a concept, but you can actually buy one
Renault 5 Turbo 3E – front
News

The Renault 5 Turbo 3E looks like a concept, but you can actually buy one

The Renault 5 Turbo 3E is a 533bhp, rear-drive revival of one of the world’s most iconic hot hatches, limited to 1980 units
17 Mar 2025