Geely says it took inspiration from the Nissan GT-R in creating the Tiger coupé concept which vice president Frank Zhao boldly proclaimed was planned for production within the next 18 months. The voluptuous two-door forms part of a concerted push by Geely, which used this year’s Beijing motor show to re-launch its entire line-up prior to the establishment of sales channels in Europe and North America early next decade. Work is already underway on the five new platforms upon which Geely plans to base a staggering 42 new models by the end of 2015. The 4888mm-long Tiger is arguably the most striking Chinese car to date, with bold detailing, flowing lines, muscular haunches and compact overhangs that set it apart from the rest of the current Geely line-up.A 3.5-litre V6 produces 300bhp and 251lb ft of torque, which is transmitted to the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox. Geely has not made any concrete performance claims, but hinted at a 0-62mph time under 6.0sec and a top speed of 155mph. Underpinning the Tiger is Geely’s new GLC platform, with its 2880mm wheelbase and fully independent multi-link suspension. Chinese automotive industry observers expect the Tiger to make an appearance in production form at next year’s Shanghai motor show before the beginning of Chinese market sales in early 2010. Also making its debut at Geely’s show stand was the NL – a distinctive new Toyota RAV4 rival that will form a major part of the move to infiltrate the European and North American markets. Power comes from 145bhp 2.0-litre and 161bhp 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engines, along with newly developed 134bhp 2.0-litre and 154bhp 2.2-litre four-cylinder common-rail diesels. The 2.2 packs an impressive 236lb ft of torque at 1800rpm. All engines are claimed to conform to Euro V emission standards and channel drive through either a standard five-speed manual or the optional six-speed automatic gearbox.Also making its debut in Beijing was Geely’s new HL MPV. It sits on a front-wheel-drive version of the GBC platform used in the NL and offers the choice between either a six or seven-seat layout, with three rows of seats packaged in a body measuring 4800mm in length, 1800mm in width and 1750mm in height.It was joined on a tightly packed Geely stand by the company’s Ford Mondeo rival, the GC. The highly derivative four-door saloon makes first use of the Chinese car maker’s new front-wheel drive GMC platform, which also underpins a second MPV known as the GE.
Greg Kable
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