Shanghai may not be the capital of China but its the most populous province and without a doubt, the crown jewel in China's tiara. In fact, Shanghai is the largest city by population in the People's Republic of China (PRC)and the largest city proper by population in the world. It is one of the four province-level municipalities of the PRC, with a total population of over 23 million as of 2010.
The world's biggest car market is now China. So its no surprise that automobile manufacturers are willing to turn up in full force and spend big bucks in what is also the fastest growing market for new cars. Big name luxury brands like Lamborghini chose the bi-annual Shanghai Motor Show to debut its 50th anniversary Aventador and Audi's new A3/S3 sedan made its world debut last weekend too.
Here are some highlights of the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show:
Hongqi L9
Founded in 1958, Hongqi means 'red flag', which is a pretty cool name for an automaker. Hongqi cars were the first domestically produced Chinese passenger vehicles.
The original Hongqi models were only for high-ranking party elite and remained in production until 1981. Things, however, have changed. Today, party officials commonly prefer Audis.
Now that China has become the world's largest luxury vehicle market, the once extremely exclusive brand is looking to make its public debut with the L9 - a six-metre long monster that was the toast of Communist Ministers until corruption became prevalent and prudence prevailed.
Maserati Ghibli
The Maserati Ghibli is the marque's first saloon in this segment and reflects the company's belief that a growing number of premium executive car buyers are looking to make an individual statement through a car that is distinctive, elegant and luxurious.
With the Ghibli and Quattroporte at the Shanghai Motor Show, it marks the first time in Maserati history to have two sumptous four-door sedans on sale at the same time.
More relevantly, the Ghibli is the first Maserati to be offered with a diesel engine when in goes on sale in third quarter of this year. It will be powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 diesel that develops 275bhp and a high 600Nm of torque to deliver a century dash timing of just 6.3 seconds. Its fuel economy figure is less than 6.0L/100km while emitting less than 160g/km of CO2.
Maserati Quattroporte
The new Maserati Quattroporte is a high performance sports luxury saloon that reinterprets the design features of classic Maseratis in a contemporary design language. Some of the elements characterising the previous model have been purposely maintained: the front grille, the three side vents and the triangular C pillar.
At the same time new style and functional features have been introduced: the strong belt line that runs through the entire side of the car giving the new Quattroporte a look and feel that is at once muscular and elegant, with frameless doors and three side windows.
Inside, the design of the Quattroporte aims at essentiality, stressing the simplicity of lines and the full functionality of the on-board instrumentation. Functional elements are blended with soft quality surfaces made of prestigious woods and refined leathers. With a 3.0-litre twin turbo V6 that was 'designed' for the China market, this 326bhp Italian sedan should seat well with Singaporeans' concerns about road tax too.
Audi A3/S3
The design of the new A3 Saloon is a cross between the classic three-box concept and the coupe philosophy. Its overhangs are short, and its 'tornado line' design element forms a distinct light-refracting edge that runs along the entire side.
At the front, the bonnet contours, bumper and air intake design and the single frame grille have been redefined for the newcomer. In short, the sedan version of Audi A3 hatch looks proportionate and in the S guise, downright purposeful.
The boot's carrying capacity amounts to 425 litres with the seats up - 45 litres more than the A3 Sportback. This capacity can be increased by folding down the split rear seat backs.
LaFerrari
Just like in Geneva, the LaFerrari was the star attraction of the motor show, attracting the most attention from the press and public.
More than the car, at the event, Amedeo Felisa, Managing Director of Ferrari, also placed equal emphasis on the extensive work carried out by Ferrari to reduce consumption and emissions of its range of cars - by 40 percent in the past five years despite the increase in power of around 100bhp.
Unlike most Ferrari models, the recently introduced LaFerrari was penned in-house. As such, it does without the tiny signature that reads 'Pininfarina'. Stupid name aside, all 499 units of this limited edition Ferrari has all been spoken for, with three of these 789bhp beauties slated for our shores.
