Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Qoros brand debuting in Geneva with 3 Sedan, two concepts


 

There will be plenty of debuts at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, but one of the more unique reveals will be for an entire car company. Chinese automaker Qoros will use the prominent auto show to introduce itself to the world by launching a new production-intent sedan as well as two "concepts" that appear to be production ready. Qoros was founded as a part of a joint venture between Chery Automobile and global holding company, Israel Corporation.

Unlike most Chinese-designed cars we've seen recently, this car is neither unsightly nor a blatant rip off of another automaker. There are some hints of maybe BMW and even a little Kia on the outside and some Volkswagen and Audi on the inside, but the overall design language is clean and unique. This includes the highly detailed exterior with the Qoros name inscribed into the headlights as well as the large eight-inch touch-screen infotainment and navigation display inside the car.

At 181 inches long and 72.4 inches wide, this sedan is just slightly longer and wider than a Ford Focus. Under the hood, there will be two engines available at launch with another two said to be coming later. The base engine will be a 1.6-liter four-cylinder producing 126 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque, and there's also a turbocharged version of the same engine putting out 156 hp and 154 lb-ft; two turbocharged and direct-injected engines (a 1.3-liter inline-three and a 1.6-liter inline-four) will come at a later date. Transmissions include a base six-speed manual or an optional six-speed dual clutch transmission; auto stop-start is also an option.

Looking down the road, the Qoros 3 Cross Hybrid Concept shows a potential crossover model for the brand using a Honda-like Integrated Starter Generator sandwiched between the engine and transmission, but there is also another motor offering power to the rear axle for use as all-wheel drive. Finally, there is the Qoros 3 Estate Concept showing off a likely station wagon model

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