The Chinese auto industry is reaching new peaks. That was probably the reason South Korean auto manufacturer Kia choose to name their new Rio sedan K2 for the Chinese market.

As many of you should know, K2 is one of the tallest mountains in the world, and this Chinese built Kia will hopefully take its makers sales figures sky high.

This miniature version of the Optima sedan will be available in China in six trim levels. Buyers will get to choose between a 1.4-liter or 1.6-liter engine. Both motors are four-cylinder units and power is sent to the front wheels via either manual or automatic gearbox.

Kia has just unveil the North American version of the Rio at the 2011 New York International Auto Show.

The K2 is now on display at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show in China.

[Source: Carscoop]

There’s such a high-demand for limousine-like versions of cars in China that BMW builds a special extended wheelbase version of its 5 Series just for the world’s largest auto market. The Shanghai Auto Show is, therefore, the perfect venue for Rolls-Royce to roll out an extended wheelbase model of its newest model, the Ghost.

The Ghost Extended Wheelbase (EWB) stretches a total of 6.7 inches, to deliver maximum rear-seat comfort and serious luxury. Plus, it’ll make your chauffeurs job a real PITA.

In addition to the added space between the wheels there’s a new panoramic sunroof so you can admire the universe you likely own a serious portion of.

Pricing hasn’t been released, but judging by the $70,000 premium you’ll pay for a Phantom EWB over a “regular” Phantom look for the Ghost EWB to climb from $245,000 to around the $300,000 mark.

Look for live photos of the car tomorrow, with an expected debut at the New York Auto Show and see AutoGuide’s show coverage here.

GALLERY: Rolls-Royce Ghost EWB

A day ahead of the planned debut of the 2012 Versa at the New York Auto Show, Nissan has unveiled the car’s Asian-market twin, the Tiida at the Shanghai Auto Show.

Official U.S. specs won’t be available until tomorrow, but the Tiida is powered by a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine. Of note, Nissan has said a turbo mode is in the works. What isn’t clear is if its a turbocharged 3-cylinder aimed at fuel economy or if it’s a new hot hatch boasting the Juke’s turbocharged direct-injection 1.8-liter, that makes 188-hp in that car. (We can only hope).

Look for complete details Wednesday, April 20th with AutoGuide’s 2011 New York Auto Show coverage here.

GALLERY: 2012 Nissan Tiida/Versa

While we’re gearing up for the New York Auto Show, another one is happening a world away. At Shanghai, Subaru unveiled the XV concept, a new 5-door crossover.

The XV is a crossover (likely based on the 2012 Impreza set to be revealed at the New York Auto Show this week) that’s smaller than the current Outback, and carries design cues from the Impreza concept from last year’s Los Angeles show. In Subaru tradition it’s powered by a 2.0-liter flat-four engine, but it also features a Lineartronic CVT that should return decent mileage. At a contrast to the eye-searing neon green exterior are white leather seats with mesh inserts.

And according to Subaru, it features a “Protean” design concept, which isn’t a Greek deity you forgot about in freshman philosophy but actually stands for “Professional tool” and “Trendy design.”

After much buildup Chevy has finally revealed the new 2012 Malibu ahead of its debuts this week at the Shanghai and New York Auto Shows. Nearly three-inches wider and with a big new grille, the Malibu cuts an imposing look more along the likes of what we’re using to seeing from the full-size sedan segment. Boxy flared rear fenders show a design influence from the Camaro, as do square taillights.

The Camaro theme also continues inside with gauges inspired by the iconic sports car. But this is no retro machine with a high-tech color flip-screen built into the dash that is used for the new Chevy MyLink telematics system used to operate many of the car’s high-tech features.

The car’s added width results in improved room inside the vehicle says Chevy, plus there’s more rear legroom too. The added width also translates to improved handling. With a MacPherson strut front end and multi-link rear GM claims, “It has been engineered to be best-in-class and on par with more expensive sports sedans.”

Powering the car is a new 2.5-liter direct-injection 4-cylinder making 190-hp and 180 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. During the car’s reveal, it was announced that a version of the Malibu will get more than 35-mpg.

GM has indicated that the Malibu will only be available as a 4-cylinder mode, but look for a more potent turbocharged 4-cylinder within the next year.

And because the Malibu is a family car it will come with plenty of safety equipment including 10 airbags and OnStar, plus an optional rearview camera and lane departure warning system with forward collision alert.

Look for live photos Wednesday, March 20th from the car’s debut at the New York Auto Show and see AutoGuide’s complete preview and coverage of the show here.

GALLERY: 2013 Chevy Malibu

Volkswagen has just revealed the all-new 2012 Beetle, returning the ‘Bug’ to its retro-styled ways. You’ll have to pardon the poor photos though. Officially that isn’t supposed to have debuted yet, but Motor Trend busted the embargo so we’re using their grainy pics.

The replacement for the ‘New Beetle’ the car is set to debut first at the Shanghai Auto Show and then at the 2011 New York Auto Show on Wednesday. Sitting 0.5-inches lower than the previous car, it’s also 3.3-inches wider. With a significantly improved interior, it’s near-luxury inside and that theme flows throughout with items like bi-xenon headlights and 19-inch wheels.

Continuing to be a front-driver, engine choices are no surprise with the usual selection of gasoline and diesel powered VW mills, including a 200-hp 2.0 TFSI, a standard 170-hp 2.5-liter 5-cylinder and a 140-hp TDI engine with 236 lb-ft of torque and a 29/40-mpg rating. The 2.5-liter engine comes with the choice of a 5-speed stick shift or 6-speed manual, while the turbo gas engine gets either a six-speed stick or six-speed dual-clutch unit and the brand’s XDS electronic differential, which first debuted on the 2010 GTI.

Look for live photos on Wednesday, April 20th with out New York Auto Show here.

GALLERY: 2012 Volkswagen Beetle

***UPDATE: Official images now included***

With a new compact crossover tipped to be in the production schedule for Buick, look for it to take inspiration from the new Envision SUV concept, revealed today at the Shanghai Auto Show.

Continuing to take Buick’s styling in a more progressive direction, this latest concept still retains trademark Buick cues, like the waterfall grille.

Power comes from a plug-in hybrid drive with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine mated to two electric motors and an 8-speed transmission that can be operated in either automatic or manual modes (dual clutch?). A lithium-ion battery pack stores the power, and a solar panel on the roof helps deliver added electricity to minimize the work required of the powertrain.

Differing from the Voltec powertrain, the gasoline engine will power the wheels, but only when significant power is required, such as when driving up a hill or under sudden acceleration. Under low speeds and steady cruising, electricity powers the wheels and when the battery runs out of juice, the gasoline engine will help recharge it.

The vehicle itself sits on a chassis made up of magnesium, aluminum and even carbon fiber components and uses GM’s electromagnetic suspension to deliver one of the fastest reacting suspensions in the world. Plus, the AWD system lets power be distributed to each 22-inch wheel independently.

Inside the Envision gets a stunning cockpit with a ‘yin and yang’ themed interior, using galaxy-blue and sand-beach white leather, with a large center armrest that runs the length of the car. Technology doesn’t stop at what’s under the hood either with an onboard router that enables web access through your smartphone, while a new touch screen interface also displays info on the windscreen. That heads-up display also works for the back-up camera, with the objects behind the car being shown on the windshield in 3-D.

It’s not clear how many of these technologies will make it into the production vehicle, but it’s clear Buick is moving forward with plans to bring a small SUV to market soon.

GALLERY: Buick Envision SUV Concept

Once again, Chevy has released a single image of its new 2013 Malibu ahead of the car’s planned debut Monday at the Shanghai Auto Show.

Looking slightly more dramatic from this angle, compared to the last image released, Chevy is hoping to build off the success of this model’s predecessor and has said this new global platform will only be available with 4-cylinder engines. That being said, expect to see a direct-injection 2.4-liter 4-cylinder with around 184-hp, as well as a turbocharged 2.0-liter making over 220-hp.

With the official reveal taking place at the Shanghai show and the Malibu Facebook page here, we’ll bring you live coverage of the car on the 20th from the New York Auto Shows.

Plus, see the gallery below to check out another teaser image of the car’s new center stack and telematics display screen.

GALLERY: 2013 Chevy Malibu

[Souce: eGMCarTech]

Volvo is teasing a new concept for us—but they won’t tell us what car it is, or what show it’s going to debut at. Volvo, why must you torture us so?

The “Concept Universe,” as they have dubbed it, so far consists of a short video that reveals some sketches and a fastback, four-door-coupe shape underneath a car cover. But some reports have speculated that it could represent a range-topping S90 model—a step above the current S80. Volvo’s corporate overlords Geely have expressed interest in going against the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7-Series, and Audi A8, so this could be the opportune moment for Volvo to capture the large car market, both in China and worldwide.

The Volvo Concept Universe will either debut at the New York Auto Show on April 20th, or in Shanghai on April 19th. We will have more details as Volvo teases us some more.

Watch the video after the jump:

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This is your first look at the 2013 Chevy Malibu which was ‘leaked’ late last night on the automaker’s Facebook page – although the image has since been removed.

Looking less dramatically-new than the previously-teased Camaro-styled taillights would suggest, Chevy is hoping to build off the success of this model’s predecessor and has said this new global platform will only be available with 4-cylinder engines. That being said, expect to see a direct-injection 2.4-liter 4-cylinder with around 184-hp, as well as a turbocharged 2.0-liter making over 220-hp.

Chevy has planned to officially unveil the car online next Monday, followed by reveals at the Shanghai Auto Show and New York Auto Shows. Watch the reveal and sing up to be a fan on Chevy’s official Malibu Facebook page here.

Plus, see the gallery below to check out another teaser image of the car’s new center stack and telematics display screen.

GALLERY: 2013 Chevy Malibu