Beijing Wrap: China Shows Its Take on Performance

BEIJING — Chinese automakers are no longer solely relying on foreign partners for inspiration and technology as they develop increasingly more sophisticated performance and sport models for production.
Of course, some Chinese firms don't have foreign partners — and some Chinese designs aren't so sophisticated. But a clear step in that direction emerged at the latest Beijing auto show.

Dongfeng Motor (DFM, formerly Second Auto Works) has five different foreign affiliates but is only now beginning to develop some passenger cars under its own auspices. Its initial effort is a near clone of the previous-generation Hyundai Tiburon, painted a striking yellow and bearing the rather unglamorous designation EQ7240BP.

The DFM coupe is powered by an SOHC 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 134 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. DFM claims a top speed of 118 mph.

Perhaps its most distinguishing characteristic lies under the rear hatch: a strange bellows-like device that inflates when the hatch is lifted. Its technical purpose is not clear, but its aesthetic appeal is minimal. No production plans have been specified.

BYD, the neophyte automaker and offspring of the giant cell-phone-battery maker of the same name, turned out a retractable-hardtop model dubbed the F8 with a face that is a shameless rip-off of Mercedes-Benz.

The two-plus-two coupe/convertible features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 130 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque. Manual and automatic transmission versions are to be produced. BYD projects a top speed of 112 mph and 0-60-mph acceleration in less than 14 seconds.
BYD wants to begin selling the F8 next year, with prices starting at around $25,000.

Not to get BMW enthusiasts too excited, but the new M3 made its debut at the Beijing show — that is, the new Zhonghua M3 from Brilliance Auto, which just happens to be partnered with the German automaker in China but also builds cars under its own brand.

In fact, the production version of the M3 is likely to carry a Chinese name, much like its earlier counterparts, the M1 and M2 sedans, did when they reached production. The M3 reportedly boasts a 1.8-liter turbo under the hood and is said to have a top speed of 137 mph.
Brilliance hopes to put the M3 into dealerships by 2008. No price has been mentioned.

Chery wowed show-goers in Shanghai last year with its Pininfarina-designed coupe/convertible, the M14. This year in Beijing, the automaker followed up with a sleek coupe from Torino Design, the Fulwin II. Rumored for production in 2008-'09 in both hardtop and convertible variants, the Fulwin II has a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 107 hp and 106 lb-ft of torque.

One of the more appealing sports concepts at the show was the S1, a coupe crafted by the Shanghai office of FAW Haima, a joint venture between one of China's largest automakers and Mazda. FAW would not own up to using Mazda mechanicals under the skin, but the car looks virtually production-ready.


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