STARS OF SHANGHAI

Concepts, new models, new technology, the expo had it all

- GAURAV DAVARE

With the current boom of virtual events, especially during the pandemic, there were fears that the concept of an automotive exhibition might be coming to an end. Virtual events were the favourable option given the logistics involved as they didn't require renting out physical stalls, and the carmakers weren't bound by time slots for their press conferences. Auto Shanghai 2023 puts those fears to rest for now as there were plenty of cool machines on display. The cars ranged from concepts to model updates to vehicles so futuristic that may as well have come from an alternate dimension. Here are the notable highlights of Auto Shanghai 2023:

BMW i7 M70 xDrive

BMW's M Performance division played mad scientist with the i7 and has come out with the i7 M70. This version adds M level of performance to an already potent luxury sedan. It is the most powerful all-electric Bimmer thanks to a 660PS AWD electric powertrain and the quickest accelerating one too, with a 0-100kmph sprint time of 3.7 seconds.

MG Cyberster

MG has revealed the production version of the Cyberster electric sports roadster, the first sports car from the carmaker since the 1995 MG F/TF. This is also in keeping with the history of the marque, known for legendary sports cars right from its inception in 1924. Details are scant but MG claims a range of 800km and a 0-100kmph time of less than three seconds, alongside 5G connectivity.

Facelifted Porsche Cayenne