Jalopnik Snap Judgment: There are some concerning aspects of the short-on-details report from China Car Times, but the statistics seem to show more of a maturation in the Chinese car-buying public than a contraction of the vehicle market. In other words, the people are developing an automotive revolutionary consciousness. Although overall sales are down and some manufacturers reported sales declines of 50% or more, the big winners showed sales increases of 50% or more. Combined with the massive distraction of the then-pending Summer Olympics and government restrictions surrounding the games, we're going to have to see a longer-term steep decline before we start predicting doom in the Far East. [China Car Times]

10.) Brilliance FRV

9.) CH Design Scorpio

8.) Lifan Mini Cooper Knock-Off

7.) Brilliance BC3

6.) MG TF Police Convertible

5.) BYD F6 Hybrid

4.) BAW B60 Jeep

3. Volkswagen Santana

2. Geely GT

1. Gullwing Amphibous Santana

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Read more coverage of the 2008 Olympic Games.

Shenzhen police have confiscated and destroyed 14,277 supposedly illegal motorcycles in China's southern Guangdong province. According to ChinaCarTimes, new motorcycle registrations in the city of 12,000,000 have been outlawed due to roaming motorcycle gangs, bent on petty theft and a lust for purse snatching. Although the policy has been in place and mass motorcycle executions have taken place in the past, this orgy of destruction is by far the largest. Seems China's on a slippery slope here, because as everyone knows, when motorcycles are outlawed, only outlaws will have motorcycles. [ChinaCarTimes]

What It's Selling: SG Pickups

Where It's At: China

What This Ad Intends To Say: We can hold lots of classified advertisements.

What This Ad Suggests: There's sooooo much space in what looks like the back of a Colorado.

Jalopnik Snap Judgment: We're big fans of the kind of advertisements that utilize the conventions of traditional print media, in this case taking advantage of the fact that most Chinese papers have the classifieds along the center fold. CP+B did a version of this with their Mini advertising in The New Yorker that we thought was quite successful.

[Ads Of The World]

Those grumpy old Chinese guys who gripe about how the current generation of young people in China is a bunch of spoiled slackers who'd have been totally useless during the Great Leap Forward- well, here's the proof that they're wrong. The good ol' improvisational spirit hasn't been forgotten in the Middle Kingdom! This guy had some wood, a leaf-blower engine, some pulleys, and that's all he needed to build himself a car... why, he even made his own front wheels! It's not quite clear how this fine economy automobile steers or stops, but you can see the throttle rope in the driver's right hand. Thanks to Bananadoc for the tip! [loqu.com]

If you're worried you'd never be able to own a car this stylish and functional, one of the blogs pointed out that this car is likely based on the Volkswagen Santana, which is just the Chinese version of the B2 Passat. Project car anyone? [Blog.Sina.com via The Tycho]

Industry experts are skeptical of the deal's probability due to several factors, foremost of which is that Chery's total asset value is less than the $4.4 billion it needs to raise. Additionally, there's strong concern that being bought out by a Chinese company would immediately and drastically devalue Volvo, making it a money-losing prospect for Chery. After all, American suburbanites didn't spend $40k to drive a...well, a Chery.

Add to that the fact that Volvo is in pretty bad shape itself, losing $151 million in the first quarter of 2008. The loss was chiefly due to its reliance on the tanked U.S. market for sales, combined with its lack of production facilities here. In other words, as the U.S. dollar drops, it gets more expensive for Volvo to import cars to its key market. Kirk Kerkorian, a major Ford shareholder, has publicly called for Ford to sell off Volvo, and it's rumored that CEO Alan Mulally feels the same way.

Additional complications to the deal include Ford Motor China's agreement to produce S40 sedans there and Chery's recent deal to begin manufacturing small Chryslers. [via Forbes]

If you remember the significantly less than five-star crash test of the Brilliance BS6, you may never want to so much as ride in a Brilliance, let alone drive one quickly. But the FRV, also known as the Brilliance BS2, will now be offered with a 1.8-liter turbocharged engine connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox. So, as if being terrified of crashing wasn't enough, now you'll be terrified while going much faster. Which, actually, sounds quite thrilling.
[ChinaCarTimes]

Given that the Chinese auto market has yet to cool, this is probably more a matter of the Mondeo not fairing well against the other sedans it is normally pitted against. At this price level it is competitive with the very similar 2009 Mazda6 and the Volkswagen Passat. Either way, Ford wants to take advantage of that thirsty market. [China Car Times]

Also notable is the rather nice and remarkably coherent interior (wonder if it has Sync?). We don't know if this is an indication of the direction the Europe market cars will be going, or if the Chinese market will be making the move to the styling leader, but if the latter is the case, it may just tell us a little bit about Ford's global product strategy. Lots of additional images over at ChinaCarTimes.

The real question would seem to be why he didn’t just fly? Poor air quality maybe? Have a further look at Supe’s commute in our gallery below and then share your thoughts with us, in comments.

If you’ve got an idea for Question of the Day, a funny photo for Caption It, or just want to share a news tip, let us know at windingroadtips@gmail.com

Though the Goog hasn't managed to lay out all the road maps there yet, we took some snaps of six of the most confounding or amazingly complex interchanges around the Forbidden City. As you can see, there is some very impressive spaghetti action over there. We found exactly zero traditional cloverleaf interchanges on major freeways and at least one traffic jam stretching almost 3 miles — without an accident, and this is just one snapshot by a passing satellite. We just hope all the drivers plopped into various cross-branded VW New Beetles have Olympic-level skills. [Source: Google Earth]

Clearly, the lady cops are guarding this vehicle until someone with an understanding of Chinese creative properties litigation arrives. According to The Tycho, this vehicle will come with all the amenities "from DVD-screens to electric chairs," so there will be a way to dispatch of anyone criticizing the vehicle for its heavy influences. [The Tycho]

But looking at this abomination, the DNA is obvious — like Lifan's engineering team took a Mini Cooper, cut it in half, slapped a few extra inches on the frame to give room for a second set of full-size doors, then welded the whole thing back together — into a four-door Mini Cooper. We're at a total loss for words here — after one look at this Mini Cooper clone we're wondering whether intellectual property even exists anymore. Then we remember that it's China and oh yeah, it actually doesn't. [The Tycho]

...here, the civilian version takes into consideration the fact they've no longer got an agreement with Chrysler — by dropping a different grille on the front and a somewhat more slab-sided approach to sheet metal — atop what's obviously a derivative of a Jeep Wrangler. It's like looking at the misbegotten offspring resulting from the sexual congress of an LJ Jeep and a midget-sized H1. Oh lord, the horror, the horror. [The Tycho]

Under the Invicta's porthole-punctuated hood is a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four making 250 HP. Presumably, that power would be delivered to the front wheels, but since the 2010 LaCrosse will be riding on GM's Epsilon II platform, that might not be the only possibility. We just recently saw the 2009 Opel Insignia revealed, which is the first Epsilon II car. The Opel is available with all-wheel-drive, so who knows, maybe the Buick will have an AWD option too. Another possibility would be a hybrid model, seeing as the current Chinese-market LaCrosse already has this option. So go ahead and make your jokes about Janet Reno's underwear, we think Buick might just be ready to shed its retiree vibe. Full press release below:

Buick Evolves Global Design Inspiration Into Invicta Show Car

BEIJING - The sleek Buick Invicta show car revealed here in conjunction with Auto China 2008 is Buick's strongest statement yet of its deliberately international plans. The four-door midsize sedan with a coupe-like roofline presents bold direction for Buick's new generation of vehicles in the world's two biggest automotive markets - the United States and China.

Invicta has evolved from Buick concepts such as the 2004 Velite convertible and 2007 Riviera coupe, both of which received accolades for their thoroughly modern adaptation of classic Buick themes. Invicta was designed collaboratively by GM centers of expertise in Warren, Mich. and Shanghai, China. The name, which is Latin for "invincible," returns to Buick after a 45-year hiatus in the United States.

"Buick's global appeal created an opportunity for GM Design Centers to elevate our collaboration to new levels. Using our virtual reality centers in Warren and Shanghai, designers fused the best ideas from both cultures during the development of the Invicta," said Edward T. Welburn, vice president, General Motors Global Design. "The result will set a new design standard for Buick, and it couldn't have been achieved by one studio working in isolation. The Invicta represents another significant design milestone in Buick's history."

Invicta is powered by Buick's first direct injection turbocharged engine, a four-cylinder powerplant that produces 250 horsepower (186 kW) and 220 lb-ft (298 Nm) of torque. The engine is matched with a six-speed automatic transmission for maximum fuel efficiency.

Modern, sleek exterior

Invicta's designers drew inspiration from the Riviera concept. Invicta features modern and sleek proportions with exterior lines that flow uninterrupted around the vehicle. For example, Invicta's cat-eye headlamps transition into the Buick heritage-inspired sweepspear design cue, which flows seamlessly along the body sides and merges into the taillamps. Similarly, one can trace the top of the headlamp casing to the roofline and the rear of the vehicle without interruptions.

As with Riviera, Invicta features short overhangs with wheels pushed out to the corners for a well-planted stance. The overall appearance is sleek, thanks in part to a sweeping, low roofline and a front windshield that has an aggressive rake.

Up front, the Buick tri-shield is prominently displayed inside the Velite-inspired chrome vertical waterfall grille. Polished aluminum surrounding the headlamps, portholes, around the D-pillar and along the lower side of the vehicle on the lower doors accentuates the overall exterior design. Reminiscent of a number of historic Buick models, Invicta's portholes - three per side - are located on the hood rather than on the front quarter panels.

Invicta's wheelbase and high belt line give the vehicle more substantial proportions while visually reinforcing its premium appearance. Invicta's 20-inch polished aluminum wheels feature a milled Buick tri-shield in the center cap.

To signal its premium attributes while enhancing the vehicle's sleek proportions, Invicta's exterior is draped in a sumptuous AluStone color. Its warm beige tone contains wafer-thin flakes of aluminum that reflect light to emit a liquid gold appearance.

Flowing, crafted interior

The focus and attention to seamless transitions carry over inside Invicta. The doors merge to become one with the instrument panel, which morphs into the center console.

The wrap-around design of the interior and fluid design provide a spacious cabin for all passengers, especially those seated in the back of the vehicle. At nearly 100 cubic feet of interior space, Invicta delivers large-car comfort in a mid-size sedan. The sense of roominess is further accentuated by a full glass roof, which allows all passengers to enjoy the sights, day or night.

Invicta also showcases a high level of interior craftsmanship while creating an environment that is soothing, quiet, comfortable and inviting for all passengers.

The blending of premium materials - such as wood trim and polished aluminum accents, soft aniline leather, supple suede-like material and soothing Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting technology - encase passengers in Buick luxury.

Beyond its sumptuous appearance, Buick created a show car for the senses. Authentic French seam stitching on the soft-touch instrument panel pad, door panels and steering wheel invites touch. Buttons, switches and door pulls are crafted to deliver a tactile quality experience. Soft and soothing Ice Blue ambient LED lighting on the instrument panel, around the central vehicle function controls, along the console and center storage, and in the front footwells provoke visual sophistication. Two discriminating "spotlights" also accent the center point of the front and rear seats.

Buick introduced the Invicta in North America as a production vehicle in 1959. The Invicta show car is the first time the nameplate has appeared on a Buick in China.

BUICK INVICTA SPECIFICATIONS

Vehicle type: four-door, five-passenger luxury show car sedan

Wheelbase (in / mm): 114.5 / 2908

Length (in / mm): 194.2 / 4932

Width (in / mm): 73.8 / 1874

Height (in / mm): 57.7 / 1466

Track (in / mm): 64.4 / 1635 front; 64.5 / 1637 rear

Engine: 2.0L DOHC, direct injection turbo

Horsepower (kW): 250 / 186

Torque (Nm): 220 / 298

Transmission: six-speed automatic

Suspension: MacPherson strut, front; independent, rear

Brakes: four-wheel anti-lock disc

Wheels: polished aluminum, 20 in. x 8.5 in. with milled Buick emblem

Tires: P245/40R20

The new Audi Q5: Sporty and versatile

* The performance SUV from Audi raises the bar
* Innovative technologies for dynamic driving excitement
* Spacious interior with a myriad of intelligent functions

The new Audi Q5 combines the dynamism of a sports sedan with highly variable interior and versatile options for leisure-time and family use. Strong and efficient engines, quattro permanent all-wheel drive and agile running gear have been brought together to create a superior technology package for both on- and off-road driving. Highlights such as the innovative seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and the Audi drive select control system are proof of Audi's Vorsprung durch Technik. The sportiest SUV in its class is dynamic, multifunctional and comfortable.

The dimensions alone indicate that this is a SUV of all-new proportions. Measuring 4.63 meters (15.19 feet) long and 1.88 meters (6.17 feet) wide, the Audi Q5 is just 1.65 meters (5.41 feet) high - making it sportier than any of its competitors. What's more, this SUV sets another benchmark in its class with a low drag coefficient of 0.33.

With its sporty elegance and artfully sculpted forms, the design of the Q5 is perfectly in tune with the character of Audi as a brand. The front end is dominated by expressive headlights on both sides of the large single-frame grille; on request, they can be outfitted with bi-xenon lamps and LED daytime running lights. Viewed from the side, the large wheels and rising edges are especially prominent features.

Crowned by a railing, the elegant slope of the roof underscores the slim, coupe-like styling. At the rear, the wraparound tailgate - made from aluminum just like the hood - clearly identifies this SUV as a relative of its older brother, the Audi Q7. The taillights are available in eye-catching LED technology as well.

Audi offers three different options for the external trim of the Q5 - black (standard), contrasting color or full paint finish in the color of the car. Two body packages are available as well. The S line exterior package imparts a decidedly sporty look to the performance SUV, while the alternative off-road style package with underbody protection in the front and back and 19-inch wheels gives this SUV a robust flair.

Long wheelbase, roomy interior

At 2.81 meters (9.22 feet), the wheelbase is the longest in its segment - creating a roomy interior on board the Audi Q5. The vehicle comfortably accommodates five persons in ergonomically designed seats that can be flexibly arranged. The backrests for the rear seats are angle-adjustable and especially easy to fold down by activating the remote release lever in the luggage compartment. This compartment, offering access to a second storage area under the floor, then expands from 540 to 1,560 liters (19.07 to 55.09 cubic feet) in volume. Optional extras include a rail mounting kit for luggage, a net partition and a luggage compartment liner.

The Audi Q5 is a multi-talent for sport, leisure-time and family activities. As an option, Audi offers the "rear bench seat plus", which slides 100 millimeters (3.94 inches) lengthwise to provide a load-through facility. The front passenger's seat can be outfitted with a folding backrest for transportation of long objects such as surfboards. Numerous practical storage compartments, drink holders, bottle holders and onboard power outlets are supplied ex works. On request, Audi even offers a climate-controlled drink holder to keep drinks hot or cold. The optional storage package features another clever detail as well - an attachment point in the passenger-side footwell to which various storage fixtures can be attached.

Top-of-the-line safety equipment is a matter of course for Audi cars. On the front seats, the belt force limiters and airbags work together in a new and especially intelligent manner. Much of the body of the Audi Q5 is made of high- and ultra-high-strength steel components assembled with maximum precision. They reduce weight while at the same time improving crash safety as well as rigidity and vibration patterns.

The Audi Q5 employs design elements typical of the brand in the interior, but adds its own unique variations - the driver-oriented cockpit is set higher, for example, in keeping with the upright sitting position. The ergonomics are exemplary, boasting the uncompromising craftsmanship one expects from Audi - a little treat for the senses in terms of look and feel. The clear-cut interior takes on even more charisma with fine materials such as aluminum, exclusive woods, chrome, leather and Alcantara as well as a large selection of optional design packages.

The Audi Q5 comes standard with an electromechanical parking brake, an intelligent chip key, a climate control system and a display screen in the instrument cluster depicting, among other things, the recommended ideal gear for efficient driving in the given situation. A large, central monitor is part of the standard equipment as well. When an onboard navigation system is added, many of the controls are shifted to the MMI panel on the center console. This is the next generation of the best operating system on the market - with even more intuitive graphics and control via the large rotary pushbutton.

Strong and efficient - the engines

The Audi Q5 is rolling off the production line in three engine variants - one gasoline engine and two TDI units. All of the engines are direct-injection models with a turbocharger - characterized by outstanding performance, hefty propulsive power and cultivated running while at the same time offering impressive fuel efficiency.

The 2.0 TFSI has been entirely redesigned. The four-cylinder engine unites three high-tech features - turbocharging, gasoline direct-injection technology and the innovative Audi valvelift system for variable control of valve lift.

The high torque of 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) is available at 1,500 rpm and remains constant up to 4,200 rpm, with performance peaking at 155 kW (211 hp). The Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.2 seconds, reaching a top speed of 222 km/h (137.94 mph). On average, the vehicle consumes just 8.5 liters of fuel per 100 km (27.67 mpg).

Drawing on four cylinders and two liters of displacement as well, the 2.0 TDI is superbly refined thanks to a new common-rail fuel injection system; like the gasoline engine, it has two balancing shafts. With 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) (between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm), this diesel engine delivers strong propulsive power at an outstanding 125 kW (170 hp). Average consumption of just 6.7 liters per 100 km (35.11 mpg) is proof of Audi's successful efficiency strategy. The two-liter TDI catapults the Audi Q5 from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 9.5 seconds, peaking at a top speed of 204 km/h (126.76 mph).

The most powerful engine in the line-up is the 3.0 TDI. This V6 diesel engine delivers a gratifying 176 kW (240 hp), with 500 Nm (368.78 lb-ft) of torque available between 1,500 and 3,000 rpm. With outstanding power flow and cultivated sound, it takes the Audi Q5 from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 6.5 seconds, accelerating to a top speed of 225 km/h (139.81 mph). On average, the three-liter engine consumes 7.7 liters of fuel per 100 km (30.55 mpg).

Seven speeds - the new S tronic

The 2.0 TDI transfers its power to a six-speed manual transmission. Audi has built innovative technology into both the 3.0 TDI and 2.0 TFSI - the S tronic, a new twin-clutch transmission with seven speeds. This high-tech component can execute gearshifts in just a fraction of a second while offering exceptional comfort and high efficiency. Drivers can let the seven-speed S tronic shift automatically or select gears manually, when desired with rocker switches on the steering wheel.

Just like in the new Audi A4, pronounced the best midsized sedan by the trade press, the position of the component units in the drivetrain has been altered in the Audi Q5 - the differential is located in front of the clutch, directly behind the engine. This solution, which made it possible to move the front axle much further forward, creates a long wheelbase and optimum distribution of axle load. It is precisely these features from which the Audi Q5 derives its unique strengths - good directional stability, high comfort and impressive dynamics.

The pioneer of all-wheel drive, Audi builds the Audi Q5 standard with quattro permanent all-wheel drive - the only logical solution for a dynamic SUV. In normal running conditions, the transfer case distributes the power to the front and rear axle in a 40:60 ratio for a rear-focused style that enhances driving pleasure. When needed, the quattro driveline can deliver up to 65 percent of the power to the front axle and a maximum of 85 percent to the rear axle.

The running gear in the Audi Q5 further emphasizes its sporty nature. The five-link front axle and trapezoidal-link rear axle are made primarily from aluminum, the steering box below directs the steering impulse directly to the wheels. Large brakes ensure high retardation. The vehicle comes standard with 17-inch lightweight forged wheels in size 235/65. Audi offers even larger wheels of up to 20 inches in diameter on request.

The new performance SUV from Audi is sportily precise, spontaneous, safe and comfortable at the same time. Its electronic stabilization program (ESP) has been re-designed and enhanced with innovative functions not available from the competition. A sensor "tells" the ESP if a roof rack has been mounted, causing the Audi Q5's center of gravity to be shifted higher in keeping with the roof load of up to 100 kilograms (220.46 pounds). If a roof rack is present, the ESP engages earlier in the handling limit. Without a roof load, the driver is free to tap the full dynamic potential of the Audi Q5.

The Audi Q5 is suitable for all purposes and driving surfaces. Capable of towing up to 2.0 tons, this powerful vehicle delivers excellent performance in rough terrain as well. The standard hill descent control system makes it safe to navigate down steep inclines by regulating the preselected speed when driving at under 30 km/h (18.64 mph). The ESP and its sub-function, the ABS, have special ranges for off-road driving. The ESP focuses on achieving maximum traction in off-road driving; the ABS automatically recognizes the consistency of the driving surface and selects the ideal strategy for sand, gravel or loose rocks.

The numbers speak for themselves: The Audi Q5's climbing capability of 31 degrees of incline is exceptional. The overhang angle is 25 degrees thanks to the short front overhang. The ramp breakover angle, determined by the wheelbase, is 17.5 degrees. Ground clearance is an impressive 20 centimeters (7.87 inches), with a fording depth of up to 50 centimeters (19.69 inches) when driving through water.

Audi drive select - for more driving pleasure

A large package of high-end technologies makes the Audi Q5 driving experience even more fascinating. The optional control system Audi drive select guides the operation of various technology components and is available in several upgrade variants. At the touch of a button, the driver determines whether the system should work in a comfortable, an especially well balanced or a sporty mode. The MMI operating system offers a fourth mode, which can be individually programmed.

Audi drive select is available with two innovative components. One is an electronic controller for the shock absorbers, the other is Audi dynamic steering. Outfitted with a superposition gear, it continuously varies the steering ratio and the power steering assistance depending on the speed driven - which means less steering effort is required when parking, and firm steering with low sensitivity at higher speeds. At the handling limits, the dynamic steering stabilizes the Audi Q5 in conjunction with the ESP by means of instantaneous steering interventions.

The new performance SUV from Audi is rolling off the production line with a generous range of standard equipment including an audio system with eight speakers. A highly contemporary modular system of components is available for multimedia options - the highest upgrade level features a Bluetooth telephone, a DVD drive, a TV tuner, an intelligent speech control system, an iPod interface and a top-of-the-line sound system from the Danish specialists Bang & Olufsen. The excellent navigation system boasts a high-resolution monitor for new, three-dimensional representation of maps. The hard disk from which the system reads can also save music files in MP3 format.

The assistance systems: Straight from the luxury class

On request, the Audi Q5 comes with a spectrum of high-tech, onboard systems taken directly from the premium class to make driving an even more superlative and relaxed experience. These include the Audi parking system advanced with rearview camera, Audi lane assist (the lane departure warning system) and Audi side assist, which warns of hazards when changing lanes. Adaptive cruise control maintains a constant distance between the performance SUV and the vehicle in front.

Additional high-tech extras for the Audi Q5 include the advanced key for keyless access to the vehicle, a tire pressure monitoring system, the large panoramic glass sunroof with additional tilting function, the triple-zone climate control system, sun blinds for the rear side windows, the dynamic cornering light system known as Audi adaptive light, an electric tailgate and a swiveling trailer hitch. The high-beam assistant automatically switches between the high and low beams. On request, the front seats can be electrically adjusted, heated and ventilated - Audi offers the extras from the luxury class in its new performance SUV here as well.

[via China Car Times]

Creatively referred to as the 850, this sedan is taking aim at the Roewe 550 sedan. So many numbers, so many derivatives. [Auto.Sina] via GMInsideNews]

Of course, there's also the King Kong hatchback, which sadly isn't as amazing as its name, being in reality, a bum basic economy car with derivative styling. Geely is also expected to unveil a whole mess o' hybrid, fuell cell and other alternative energy vehicles. Whereas a few years ago you couldn't have found a less apathetic group of car bloggers, Geely's latest vehicles, like the GT, have us genuinely excited. [via Motor Authority]

The car will be produced as part of a partnership between Volkswagen and Shanghai Auto (SAIC). How much does a premium, stretched Jetta go for? Rumors say about $14,300 USD to start with. Not a bad deal. [AutoHome via The Tycho]

This could mean that we're in for a rather impressive showing by Geely at the upcoming Beijing Motor Show accompanied by all sorts of rumors of US exports. We can't wait. [China Car Times]