Seoul Auto Show: GM Daewoo G2X

SEOUL, S. Korea — GM Daewoo will get a Korean-market version of the Saturn Sky roadster this summer. Unveiled last week at the Seoul auto show, the Daewoo edition is called G2X.

The showcar features the same turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline direct-injection engine that powers the Sky Red Line. Rated at 260 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, the engine propels the two-seater from zero to 60 mph in less than 5.5 seconds; top speed is 141 mph.

The G2X is fitted with a five-speed automatic transmission and limited-slip differential. ABS, traction control and stability control are standard.

GM Daewoo will have a unique position in the Korean market with the G2X. It will announce pricing closer to the car's official on-sale date in August.

Seoul Auto Show: GM Daewoo L4X

SEOUL, S. Korea — GM Daewoo will join the evolving market in South Korea for large rear-wheel-drive sedans with a companion model to the upcoming Pontiac G8. A concept version of the Daewoo sedan, badged as the L4X, made its debut last week at the Seoul auto show.

GM Daewoo said the L4X is "close to a production version." It did not specify when the actual production model would go on sale, but sources in South Korea expect to see the big sedan reach Daewoo dealers in 2008.

Basic engineering, as with the Pontiac G8, was done by GM's Holden subsidiary in Australia.

The L4X features GM's 3.6-liter V6 mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The engine delivers 258 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque.

In South Korea, the production version of the L4X will compete with Hyundai's upcoming premium sedan, a rear-wheel-drive successor to the home-market Dynasty, recently previewed at the New York auto show as the Genesis concept. Unlike the Hyundai sedan, however, GM has no plans to market the big Daewoo sedan in North America. A companion model, expected to be badged as a Buick, is expected to make its debut later this month in China at the Shanghai auto show.

2007 Seoul Auto Show: Renault-Samsung QMX Concept

SEOUL, S. Korea — Renault-Samsung has premiered the QMX, a concept version of a future crossover utility vehicle. It's the South Korean subsidiary's version of the Renault Koleus CUV concept that was shown last fall at the Paris auto show. The Koleus will be manufactured by Renault's South Korean subsidiary starting at the end of this year.

Renault is trying to make the best out of its global production network. That's why its majority-owned Korean brand, Renault-Samsung, was selected as the manufacturing operation for this brand-new crossover. Samsung's own version, called QMX, is a break from the company's traditional lineup, which comprises three midsize passenger cars based on Nissan design and mechanics.

QMX stands for Quest Motoring Experience, the company says. Officially, it's still a concept, but it is fairly close to the final version that will be launched later this year. It was developed in cooperation with Renault's Japanese affiliate, Nissan, which will utilize it as a basis for the next-generation X-Trail.

The QMX is powered by a Renault-sourced 2.0-liter common-rail diesel. Other features include Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control.

via insideline