Mercedes SL + Megane CC = BYD S8

Wed, 10/28/2009 - 20:55 — Michał Hadyś

Three years after the official premiere, BYD Auto company has introduced its controversial S8 model, which is the first Chinese mass-produced convertable car with hard electric top, popularly called CC (cabrio-coupe). Similarly as the most of BYD Auto’s models, S8 isn’t the own construction of the producer also.

While the similar design of Mercedes SL can be debated, however the technique covered under body of cars without a doubt belongs to Renault Megane CC, which hasn’t been offered in China so far. The most interesting element of car is obviously an electric-hydraulic hard top, which can hide in a body after 25 seconds. Comparing both cars it is easy to observe almost an identical structure of these solutions. The same shape of the roof is not everything - boots in these models have identical capacity 190 and 490 litres for a closed body. Besides, each BYD S8 has a panoramic sunroof, which was also applied in Megane CC as the first.

Exterior dimensions are slightly different, but compared models have the same 2,520 mm wheelbase. Despite modified shape of interior, several details are proof of Renault’s patents - electrical switches of windows and mirrors, gearbox, handbrake, glovebox in door, interior lighting or characteristic pilot which looks like credit card are the same as in the original.

BYD S8 is equipped with 2-litres, 140 hp (186 Nm) gasoline engine, combined with 5-speed manual gearbox or 6-speed CVT transmission and allows to reach 180 km/h. Each version of car includes: ABS, parking sensors, DVD, GPS, electric windows and rear mirrors, alloy wheels, manual air conditioning and leather seats. The richest variant has automatic air conditioning, DVD with TV function and two site airbags for the first row of seats.

Groundbreaking vehicle for the Chinese automotive sector, is also one of the most expensive models "created" in China. Basic version’s price is 165,800 yuan ($24,300) and the richest 206,800 yuan ($30,300). The producer gives warranty for 2 years or 60,000 kilometres.

Source: BYD Auto

Latest news about BYD Auto:

BYD Auto

Haval H6 won "CCTV Annual Auto Model Award"

Sat, 02/04/2012 - 13:33 — Michał Hadyś

"CCTV Annual Auto Model Award" is jointly held by many authoritative organizations, such as CCTV Economic Channel and China Automotive Technology and Research Center. The judge panel of this contest consists of one hundred judges, including 30 authoritative automotive experts in China, 50 automotive journalists and 20 representatives from the circulation cycle. Each auto model winner is decided by judges through testing and voting. This contest is one of the most authoritative and popular auto awards in China. The contest is held annually and has become an important reference for Chinese consumers to purchase cars.

Geely bought Volvo designer

Wed, 11/02/2011 - 19:58 — Michał Hadyś

Volvo Car Corp. styling chief Peter Horbury is moving to the Swedish automaker's sister brand, Geely Group, as senior vice president of design - we can read in service autonewschina.com. He began his career with the Swedish automaker in 1991 as head of design, helping to create new models such as the XC90 crossover before he moved in 2002 to Ford's Premier Automotive Group. There, he oversaw design at Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo - autonewschina.com said.

China
Geely

If you want the subsidy, you should buy a lighter car

Sat, 10/22/2011 - 17:33 — Michał Hadyś

Many car dealers in China are stressed these days, because most of their products failed to reach the new limit to get 3000 RMB (€340) subsidy for fuel-saving cars again - according to China Car Times. The subsidy policy for fuel-saving cars started from June 1, 2010, which has involved more than 400 models and 2 million cars. The so-called fuel-saving car is a passenger vehicle powered by a petrol or diesel engine, including non-plug-in hybrid or bi-fuel power, and the displacement is less than 1.6 liter.

BMW inspired and not only

Thu, 10/20/2011 - 17:50 — Michał Hadyś

Brilliance are one of the better Chinese car companies in terms of their design styling and range, however they have failed to gain mass volume sales in the red hot Chinese market, their line up is quite compact with three sedans (now 4) 1 hatchback, a coupe and a wagon, they also have an SUV in the works which should be shown at the Beijing Auto Show in 2012.

China's July Car Sales Edge up

Wed, 08/10/2011 - 18:19 — Michał Hadyś

In July, the nation's auto sales and output saw its first increase after two consecutive months of decline. Auto sales in China climbed 2.18 percent year-on-year to reach 1.28million units in July, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) said Wednesday. The country produced 1.31 million cars in July, up 1.26 percent from one year earlier, the CAAM said.

China

Categories

Importers map