Last Wednesday, the 16th International Automobile & Manufacturing Technology Exhibition (or Auto Shanghai) opened its doors. Several global automakers unveiled new, futuristic vehicles at the exhibition which has made its mark among top international auto shows.
This impressive gathering of major automotive companies takes place once every two years, and this year’s new cars and concepts definitely had a global-friendly theme. Major brands such as Audi, Honda, Volkswagen and Chevrolet revealed hybrid or all-electric models, furthering the growing trend of decreased fuel emissions with designs that are sleek and cutting-edge.
Let’s take a look at some of the models that caught the most attention since the start of the exhibition in Shanghai.
Audi A6 L E-Tron Hybrid
Expanding its family of hybrid models, Audi debuted the A6 L E-Tron at the show. The new model is designated specifically for the Chinese market and is a hybrid offshoot of the longer A6 L already produced there.
The new E-Tron model has a four cylinder 2.0 liter turbo engine that puts out 211hp, paired with an electric motor that puts out 122hp. The total system has a net output of 245hp, getting the hybrid from 0-60 in about eight seconds with a top speed of 130mph. It can travel over 30 miles on battery power alone with a maximum speed of 84mph.
If you’re considering enrolling in a mechanic college, you may be excited to hear that this isn’t the only hybrid Audi showcased this year in Shanghai, it was one of 3 along with the Q7 E-Tron and the Prologue Allroad concept.
Take a look at the new Audi here:
Peugeot 308 R Hybrid
Some new models are proving that as consumers, we no longer have to choose between performance and hybrid propulsion. The new Peugeot has the best of both worlds—it’s based on the brand’s mainstream sedan but comes with a powerful hybrid powertrain.
Automotive service advisors may have a lot on their hands, as this new model has a 1.6 liter turbo four-cylinder engine with not one, but two electric motors. One motor is placed at the rear axle, and one’s at the front, connected to the 6-speed transmission. The result? A combined 500hp which nets 0-60 in 4 seconds flat!
Take a sneak peek at the new Peugeot here:
Chevrolet FNR Concept
Shanghai’s auto show isn’t just about unveiling upcoming models for automakers, as Chevrolet demonstrated with the FNR concept; it’s about truly giving us a glimpse into the future. This autonomous electronic vehicle looks like something straight out of Tron.
This model is designed to switch to self-driving mode via a rooftop radar system and even allows the driver seat to swivel a full 180 degrees to face the rear passengers while it’s taking you to your destination. The car’s ignition works with a retinal scan (eye recognition) system and also features crystal-laser headlights and dual-swing “dragonfly doors” – a few things even students in auto mechanic courses might have never seen!
Chevrolet didn’t mention whether most of these features actually worked, or when we can see the FNR go into production, but if these technologies are the way of the future, we’re in for some pretty interesting times!
Take a look at the concept vehicle in action here (using CGI, of course):
