The Next Generation of Cars Debuts in China
The Shanghai Auto Show isn't just alive and well — it's thriving. As American car shows shrink and shift online, Shanghai has become the stage where automakers from around the globe showcase their latest and most ambitious creations. This year's show delivered an impressive mix: electric wagons, burly off-roaders, luxury SUVs, and sleek sedans built specifically for China's fast-changing market.
While it's impossible to cover every debut, these are some of the coolest, most important cars that stole the spotlight at Shanghai 2025.
Geely's premium brand, Zeekr, continues to shake up the market with bold designs, and the new 9X SUV is no exception. Taking inspiration from the flashy 009 minivan, the 9X wears an upright front fascia and a large chrome grille that exudes presence.
It's not just a pretty face either. Underneath, the 9X houses a plug-in hybrid powertrain offering a staggering 236 miles of all-electric range. Even more impressive? Zeekr claims it can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.0 seconds. Thanks to an air suspension setup, drivers should also expect a smooth, cushy ride. And when it's time to recharge, the 9X can juice from 20 to 80 percent in just nine minutes, a game-changer for family road trips.
Audi — or rather, AUDI, the name of its new China-exclusive sub-brand — unveiled the E5 Sportback, an electric wagon that blends speed, style, and tech. Measuring about two inches shorter than the A6 Avant, the E5 Sportback stays true to Audi's sharp design language.
The top-tier model is a powerhouse: 776 horsepower, 0-62 mph in 3.4 seconds, and a claimed range of 479 miles from its 100-kWh battery. Inside, the vibe is minimalist but high-tech, centered around a sprawling 27-inch digital display stretching across the dash. The E5 Sportback shows that wagons can still be cool, even in the age of electric SUVs.
Mazda pulled the covers off the new EZ-60, an SUV designed in collaboration with Chinese automaker Changan. Sized between a CX-50 and a CX-70, the EZ-60 takes Mazda's signature clean design philosophy and applies it to a future-forward EV.
Buyers will be able to choose between a fully electric model, boasting a 372-mile range, or a plug-in hybrid version that can stretch up to 621 miles. The cabin is a feast for tech lovers, anchored by a massive 26.5-inch, 5K-resolution touchscreen and an extravagant 23-speaker sound system. Mazda's attention to detail could help the EZ-60 stand out in China's crowded electric SUV market.
Volkswagen came ready to impress with not just one but three new concepts. The ID.ERA leads the pack as a large three-row SUV powered by a range-extender plug-in hybrid system, offering an extra 434 miles beyond the battery's own 186-mile range.
Meanwhile, the ID.AURA sedan leans into futuristic luxury with a sleek, aerodynamic profile and an AI-based humanoid assistant baked into the infotainment system. Finally, the ID.EVO targets younger buyers as a full-size electric SUV riding on an 800-volt architecture for quicker charging and better efficiency. Together, these concepts lay the foundation for VW's plan to launch 30 new vehicles in China by 2027.
Honda's GT fastback made its debut as the flagship of the brand's upcoming Ye series of EVs. In an unusual twist, two slightly different versions were presented: one by Dongfeng Honda and one by GAC Honda, reflecting Honda's multiple joint ventures in China.
Details about the powertrain are still under wraps, but the GT's athletic stance and coupe-like roofline hint at strong performance ambitions. Whether it's packed with power or tuned more for comfort, the Honda GT represents an important step in the company's EV strategy for China.
The Lexus ES has long been a staple of the luxury midsize sedan segment, and now it's preparing for a new era. In Shanghai, Lexus revealed the next-generation ES, which will offer both hybrid and full battery-electric versions.
While Lexus hasn't shared many technical specs yet, the announcement signals a big shift: the brand is leaning harder into electrification, not just in Europe and North America, but in China as well. Considering how beloved the ES has been for its quiet comfort and reliability, an electric version could have serious potential if it captures that same spirit with zero emissions.
Best known for building stately sedans for Chinese government officials, Hongqi is now breaking new ground. In Shanghai, the brand revealed a hulking off-road SUV concept aimed at wealthy adventurers.
Although specific powertrain specs remain vague, the massive proportions, squared-off design, and aggressive stance make it clear that Hongqi wants to compete with the likes of the Land Rover Defender and Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Expect a focus on opulence too, as Hongqi is unlikely to skimp on the luxury features.
The 2025 Shanghai Auto Show was more than just a collection of new cars; it was a window into the future of the automotive world. From Audi's blisteringly fast electric wagon to Zeekr's luxury SUV and Mazda's sleek new EVs, it's clear that China's market demands innovation at every level: performance, design, technology, and luxury.
Even legacy automakers like Volkswagen, Lexus, and Honda are tailoring their strategies to fit China's tastes, and in many ways, the Chinese market is becoming the testing ground for ideas that could later spread worldwide. As U.S. and European shows continue to shrink, Shanghai is filling the vacuum, bringing back the excitement, the drama, and the sheer spectacle of the car show experience. If this year's debuts are any indication, the rest of the world would be wise to pay very close attention.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Fox News
20 minutes ago
- Fox News
Trump DOJ takes 'unprecedented' step admonishing foreign judge in free speech centered on Rumble
The Department of Justice (DOJ) sent an unprecedented letter to a Brazilian Supreme Court justice in May, admonishing the judge for ordering American-based video platform Rumble to restrict the free speech of a user on U.S. soil, describing the orders as international overreach that lack enforceability. Rumble, a popular U.S.-based video-sharing platform that bucks censorship efforts frequently found on other video and social media platforms, is at the center of an international battle to protect free speech that has been ongoing for months. Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered the suspension of Rumble in the South American country back in February over claims the U.S. company did not comply with court orders, including removing the accounts of a Brazilian man living in the U.S. and seeking political asylum. "If you look at what's happening around the world, it's clear we're living through a perilous moment for anyone who believes in freedom of expression — a fundamental human right enshrined in the U.S. Constitution and recognized globally, even by the United Nations," Rumble CEO Chris Pavlovski exclusively told Fox News Digital Tuesday following the DOJ's May letter. "The fact that Rumble has become a central player in this global fight for free speech is a powerful validation of our mission. We're proud to stand at the front lines of this effort and grateful that President Trump and his administration have made this battle a foreign policy priority." Moraes is now in the U.S. government's crosshairs after the DOJ sent a letter to him in May outlining his reported international overreach into U.S. law affecting the First Amendment, as well as Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealing in a congressional hearing that the Brazilian judge could face U.S. sanctions. Moraes had ordered Rumble to remove a user from its platform as he stands accused of spreading false information online and is considered a fugitive in Brazil. Rumble refused and was threatened with financial penalties for the lack of cooperation. The DOJ letter, dated May 7 and made public Thursday, argued that Moraes' orders are not enforceable in the U.S. "These purported directives to Rumble are made under threat of monetary and other penalties," the letter, signed by DOJ official Ada E. Bosque, reads. "We take no position on the enforceability of the various orders and other judicial documents directing Rumble to act within the territory of Brazil, which is a matter of Brazilian law. However, to the extent that these documents direct Rumble to undertake specific actions in the United States, we respectfully advise that such directives are not enforceable judicial orders in the United States." The DOJ did not have additional comment to provide when approached about the letter Tuesday. Pavlovski described to Fox Digital that the letter is "unprecedented" and draws a clear line to foreign nations that they cannot attempt to thwart U.S. laws and the First Amendment. "The letter from the U.S. Department of Justice to a foreign judge over censorship orders is unprecedented," Pavlovski said. "It draws a bright red line: foreign officials cannot issue censorship orders that violate the First Amendment or bypass U.S. law. That kind of extraterritorial overreach is incompatible with American sovereignty. And that's good news, not just for Americans, but for free societies everywhere." The letter continued that there are established channels for international legal proceedings, which the DOJ said the judge bypassed, and directed the Brazilian judge to various proper procedures he could take regarding the court orders. Rumble facing restrictions in foreign nations is hardly new, with the platform currently disabled in China, Russia and France, as well as Brazil. It has also previously received censorship demands in nations such as the U.K., Australia and New Zealand, but has maintained its free speech objective. The DOJ's letter comes as Rubio revealed in a House Committee on Foreign Affairs hearing in May that the State Department is considering sanctions against Moraes under the Magnitsky Act. The Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act authorizes the U.S. government to sanction individuals overseas if determined responsible for human rights abuses or corruption. "We've seen pervasive censorship, political persecution targeting the entire opposition, including journalists and ordinary citizens," Republican Florida Rep. Cory Mills asked Rubio at the hearing in May. "What they're now doing is imminent, politically motivated imprisonment of former President Bolsonaro. This crackdown has extended beyond Brazil's borders, impacting individuals on U.S. soil., the 2023 Financial Times article actually talked about this. What do you intend to do? And would you be looking at Supreme Court justice sanctioning of Alexandre de Moraes under the Global Magnitsky Act?" Rubio responded, "That's under review right now, and it's a great, great possibility that will happen." Days later, Rubio posted to X that the State Department will roll out visa restrictions on foreigners found "complicit" in censoring Americans. "For too long, Americans have been fined, harassed, and even charged by foreign authorities for exercising their free speech rights," Rubio wrote on X. "Today, I am announcing a new visa restriction policy that will apply to foreign officials and persons who are complicit in censoring Americans. Free speech is essential to the American way of life — a birthright over which foreign governments have no authority." "Foreigners who work to undermine the rights of Americans should not enjoy the privilege of traveling to our country," Rubio added, not naming specific individuals responsible for such actions. "Whether in Latin America, Europe, or elsewhere, the days of passive treatment for those who work to undermine the rights of Americans are over." Moraes is also overseeing the upcoming trial of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who is accused of allegedly attempting to overturn his 2022 election results. Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva slammed the U.S. for threatening sanctions against Moraes in comment this week. "It is unacceptable for the president of any country in the world to comment on the decision of the Supreme Court of another country," da Silva said Tuesday, according to Reuters. The Brazilian president added that the U.S. should understand the importance of "respecting the integrity of institutions in other countries." Fox News Digital reached out to Moraes' office Tuesday but did not immediately receive a reply.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Why the world's largest contract chipmaker isn't concerned about AI chip competition
TSMC, the world's largest contract chipmaker, says it's benefiting from strong AI demand. While Nvidia dominates the AI space with its GPUs, there are competitors, including ASICs. TSMC's CEO, CC Wei, said the company makes both GPUs and ASICs. As competition heats up in the AI chip race for graphic processing units and application-specific integrated circuits, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company isn't bothered. As the world's largest contract chipmaker, it makes them all, said CEO CC Wei. "I look left and right, and no matter how I look at it, the orders are all from TSMC," Wei told local media on Tuesday after a shareholder meeting in the northern Taiwanese city of Hsinchu. Last month, TSMC reported a 42% rise in the first quarter revenue from a year ago. It was the chip giant's fastest pace of growth since 2022. Instead of competitors, it's the indirect impact of President Donald Trump's tariffs that concerns TSMC's CEO. "Tariffs have some impact on TSMC, but not directly. That's because tariffs are imposed on importers, not exporters," Wei said. However, tariffs can lead to slightly higher inflation, which may damp end demand and impact TSMC. "I am not afraid of anything. I am only afraid of the global economy slowing," he said. Even so, demand for AI chips has been robust and outpacing supply, he said. In March, TSMC announced an additional $100 billion investment in the US to boost American chipmaking. Wei said TSMC expects the company's revenue to grow in the mid-20% range this year, with a "record profit" even amid the tariff uncertainty and a recent sharp rise in the Taiwan dollar, which would weigh on its gross margin. The tech sector's demand for AI has been strong, as evidenced by Nvidia's first-quarter earnings report last week. The tech titan's revenue beat Wall Street's expectations even amid US export restrictions on China's chip sales. Nvidia's share price is up 5.2% so far this year after surging nearly 25% over the last month alone. However, TSMC's share prices have been weighed down by macroeconomic and tariff concerns. The Taiwan-listed stock is down about 8% this year. TSMC American Depositary Receipts are little changed this year. Read the original article on Business Insider Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Palantir (PLTR) Surges as Trump Ties and AI Deals Power 70% Rally
Palantir Technologies (PLTR, Financials) has defied a broader tech market slowdown with a year-to-date gain of over 70%, fueled by deep government ties and increasing demand for its AI software. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 4 Warning Signs with NVDA. The Denver-based company's tools are used for military-grade analytics and government surveillance, helping it stand out as investors retreat from speculative tech bets. More than 42% of Palantir's revenue in the March quarter came from U.S. government contracts; sales to American businesses made up 29%. Overseas commercial revenue declined 5% from a year earlier. In April, Palantir secured a $30 million contract from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, its largest with the agency since 2011. Analysts cited the company's proximity to the Trump administration and Vice President JD Vance as a key advantage in securing federal business. Still, Palantir says it has worked with ICE since 2010 and that political cycles only increase visibility. Founded in 2003 with CIA backing and listed in 2020, the firm has pivoted to enterprise AI, with software that simulates scenarios and tests large language models. Analysts say its growth and profitability are unmatched in the sector. Palantir trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio above 200far richer than Nvidia's 27.96underscoring a valuation premium that may concern value-focused investors. Investors should monitor upcoming federal contract awards and enterprise adoption of Palantir's AI stack for continued upsideor volatility. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Sign in to access your portfolio
