Volkswagen C Coupe GTE concept, 2015 Shanghai Auto Show

Volkswagen C Coupe GTE concept, 2015 Shanghai Auto Show

The major auto shows of China have quickly become premier events on the international auto show calendar, which was made evident at this week’s 2015 Shanghai Auto Show where several major automakers unveiled new, global-oriented vehicles for the first time. One was Volkswagen, whose C Coupe GTE concept car previews the look of the next-generation Phaeton flagship sedan.

McLaren 540C

McLaren 540C

McLaren used the Chinese show to introduce its new 540C sports car, which the British automaker has labeled its most attainable car ever. The 540C will be offered globally and in the U.S. will be priced from just $165,000, which is not bad at all considering its F1-inspired technology, carbon fiber construction and 500+ horsepower.

Audi Prologue Allroad concept, 2015 Shanghai Auto Show

Audi Prologue Allroad concept, 2015 Shanghai Auto Show

Audi revealed yet another Prologue concept at the Chinese show, this time in the form of one of the automaker’s Allroad soft-roaders. The series of Prologue concepts isn’t a preview of any one model but an early look at the styling and technology Audi is planning for its entire lineup of cars, starting with the next-generation A8 due out next year.

2016 Ford Taurus (Chinese spec)

2016 Ford Taurus (Chinese spec)

One of the major reveals in Shanghai was that of the all-new 2016 Ford Motor Company [NYSE:F] Taurus. Versions of the new Taurus in the U.S. market should differ slightly, particularly when it comes to powertrains and the choice of materials in the cabin, as this Chinese-spec version is positioned as a near-premium vehicle.

Mercedes-Benz Concept GLC Coupe, 2015 Shanghai Auto Show

Mercedes-Benz Concept GLC Coupe, 2015 Shanghai Auto Show

Mercedes-Benz unveiled a new concept car in China that previews an upcoming model. That model is the GLC Coupe, a more coupe-like sibling to the GLK-replacing GLC small SUV debuting later this year. While the GLC will go up against BMW’s X3, the GLC Coupe will target the X4.

Chevrolet FNR concept, 2015 Shanghai Auto Show

Chevrolet FNR concept, 2015 Shanghai Auto Show

One of the star surprises of the show was Chevrolet’s FNR concept car. It’s an all-electric, autonomous sports car (you can still do the driving should you desire) that you know will never reach showrooms but is still awesome. It was built by General Motors Company [NYSE:GM] to address autonomous driving and how that technological change might affect car design.

2017 Buick Verano (Chinese spec)

2017 Buick Verano (Chinese spec)

Another new GM vehicle making its world debut in Shanghai was the next-generation Buick Verano. The car on show was a Chinese-spec version of the new Buick compact sedan; look for the U.S.-spec version to debut late this year or early next.

Peugeot 308 R Hybrid concept, 2015 Shanghai Auto Show

Peugeot 308 R Hybrid concept, 2015 Shanghai Auto Show

French automaker Peugeot rolled out a 500-horsepower version of its 308 compact car in China. Strictly a concept, the car, dubbed the 308 R Hybrid, is a preview of a high-performance version of the popular 308 hatch.

2016 Lexus ES 300h

2016 Lexus ES 300h

Due later this year as a 2016 model, an updated Lexus ES was rolled out in China. It features an exciting, sportier attitude highlighted by a new grille that loses the plastic split found on the current model, and its interior has also been refined.

2016 Volvo XC90 Excellence

2016 Volvo XC90 Excellence

Volvo is determined to rebrand itself as a luxury marque. In Shanghai this week, the automaker made that sentiment clear with the roll out of the 2016 XC90 Excellence, the brand’s new flagship aimed at high-flying execs driven around by chauffeurs.

You can catch the rest of our Shanghai Auto Show coverage over at our dedicated hub.

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