Bartek Sikorski

1. Audi Cross Coupe Quattro
Stefan Sielaff, head of Audi Design, said the main idea behind the Audi Cross Coupe Quattro was "to combine the character of an SUV with the lifestyle of a coupe and create a sporty statement with an active feel." Sielaff's team lowered the head points of the vehicle by integrating the tailgate hinges into the roof rails, thus creating the sleek coupe-like lines. There is also a large fabric folding roof that extends from the A-pillar to near the tailgate to complete the package. Sielaff said the concept was the younger sibling to the Q5 and Q7. As Audi's first concept to début in China, the Cross Coupe Quattro features such interior touches as matte gold and polished aluminum detailing, Chinese character-like laser etching on the MMI knob and, an especially nice touch, a porcelain tea cup in the cup holder.
2. BMW Concept CS
Following Mercedes-Benz and Audi's lead, BMW presented their own version of a four-door coupe, the Concept CS. At 200.8 inches long, the Concept CS with its long hood, short overhang, low-slung muscular lines and wide rear haunches – better to show off the 21-inch wheels – belies a powerful new design language from the mind of BMW designer Chris Bangle. The Concept CS looks to compete with the Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG, the Aston Martin Rapide and the forthcoming Porsche Panamera. When asked why BMW chose the Shanghai show to début the concept, Thomas Plucinsky, Product & Technology Communications Manager said, "We see China as a growth market long term and the launch of the Concept CS helps us build a stronger presence here." With sales of 45,000 vehicles in 2006, an increase of 27% from 2005, BMW is onto something right.
3. Buick Riviera Concept
Take a drive down any street in Shanghai and you'll see numerous Buicks - which makes sense - China is Buick's largest market in the world. The Shanghai show presents a perfect place for Buick to showcase their new international design language with the Riviera concept. Developed in tandem with the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center in China, Ed Wellburn, vice president of GM Global Design said, "Developing and launching the Riviera in China underscores the diversity, strength and depth of the GM global design network." With its tautly wrapped carbon fiber skin, gullwing doors, large greenhouse, 21-inch wheels pushed to the corners and hybrid drivetrain, the Rivera takes a classic American – and now Chinese – nameplate into the future.
4. Chery Shooting Sport
Chery has a long 'are they or aren't they' history of coming to the states. As one of China's largest automotive manufacturers, Chery could soon be in a position to make that leap across the Pacific. The Shooting Sport concept, which takes its design cues from Audi's Shooting Brake concept from the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, looks like a winner to us, design homage aside. While the 1.6-liter, 87 horsepower engine lacks in power, this concept is a good start.
5. BYD F8
BYD – Build Your Dream – is another of China's up and coming nameplates. Their F8, which looks like a Mercedes-Benz CLK from the front and a Chrysler Sebring from the side and rear, presents an interesting quandary: we know it looks like a mash-up of two cars, but can we still like it? The answer is yes. As China's first convertible with a glass hardtop, retractable no less, the F8 has a winning underdog feel to it.
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