Restyled (?) Volkswagen Tiguan SUV Premieres at Auto Guangzhou 2009

At the 7th China (Guangzhou) International Automobile Show, which opened on Monday, Volkswagen and its Chinese partner Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp (SAIC) revealed the 2010MY domestic market version of the Tiguan SUV. In comparison to the current Tiguan sold in Europe, North America and other international markets, the Chinese models features a new grille that extends to the headlights and a re-profiled front bumper.

Inside, from what we can tell by looking at these first official photos, changes are limited to a new three-spoke steering wheel and the redesigned instrument panel that features two central gauges incorporating two smaller dials.

VW Shanghai's press release does not clarify if these styling changes are exclusive for the Chinese-spec model or if they will pass on to the Tiguan sold in other markets as well.

Via: Worldcarfans , Source: VW Shanghai

New Buick Excelle for China: Rebadged Opel Astra Debuts at Auto Guangzhou 2009

The 'Opel-azation' of Buick continues in China with the introduction of the all-new Excelle that made its premiere at the Auto Guangzhou 2009 motorshow. In the same way that the domestic market Buick Regal is based on the Insignia, the compact-sized Excelle is a rebadged 2010 Opel Astra with a different grille treatment.

At launch, the five-door model will be offered in China with a choice of three gasoline units, the naturally aspirated 1.6-liter and 1.8-liter D-VVTs and a 1.6-liter turbocharged four.

The hatchback version of the Excelle will most likely be joined later on by a four-door sedan model.

2010 Lexus GX460: Official Photos of U.S.-Spec Model Hit the Web

The first official shots of the U.S.-spec version of the all-new 2010 Lexus GX460 have surfaced online ahead of the luxury 4x4's world premiere at next week's 'Auto Guangzhou 2009' motorshow in China. If the GX470's replacement looks familiar that's because it is based on the 2010 Toyota Land Cruiser sold in Europe and other markets.

On the outside, cosmetic differences over the Toyota-badged model include the Lexus grille, reworked headlights and tail lamps, re-profiled bumpers and the chrome trimming on the side windows and lower door moldings.

In the same way, the interior has been upgraded with a more luxurious trim while the instrument panel and center console design are unique to the Lexus model.

The Japanese automaker has not disclosed any information on the new GX460, but as the nomenclature suggests, the 2010 GX will be most likely be powered by Toyota's new 4.6-liter V8 engine that makes 310-horsepower and 327 lb.-ft. of torque in the Tundra pickup. The current generation GX470 features a 4.7-liter V8 with 263HP and 323 lb.-ft. of torque.

The redesigned GX460 is due in U.S. showrooms in early 2010.

Via: es.autoblog.com

Toyota and Lexus to Display 45 Production and Concept Cars at Auto Guangzhou 2009

The 'Auto Guangzhou 2009' motor show in China that runs from November 23 to 30 will see Toyota and Lexus exhibiting 45 concept and production vehicles including the world premiere of the new Lexus GX460 SUV that we told you about during the weekend.

Also on display will be the Chinese market Lexus ES240 powered by a 165HP 4-cylinder engine, the new Toyota Crown, which will be produced domestically with sales staring in China in December this year, the third-generation Prius and the Camry Hybrid.

Furthermore, the Japanese automaker will display several concept vehicles that we've already seen in other shows such as the compact commuter FT-EV, the FT-HS hybrid sports car and urban plug-in hybrid vehicle Hi-CT.