Rolls-Royce 200EX

Rolls-Royce is set to reveal the 200EX concept at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The design study is a preview of a new car, codenamed RR4, first seen in sketch form in May last year. Smaller than the Phantom but larger than a 7 Series, the 200EX measures 5399mm in length, 1948mm wide, 1550mm tall and rides on a 3295mm-long wheelbase.

The exterior design - said to be "alluring, inviting, approachable," according to Rolls-Royce chief designer, Ian Cameron - is dominated by large surfaces, while sculpted horizontal lines add definition. In combination, the upward-sweeping sill line and low roof create a dynamic profile. The high shoulder line and flanks draw in to the tapered rear, narrowing as they flow from the rear fenders to the taillamps.

Access to the contemporary interior, by designer Alan Sheppard, is granted via rear-hinged coach doors as on the larger Phantom. It is finished in natural grain crème-colored leather, with cornsilk carpets and a cashmere blend headliner. Wood veneer features prominently on the IP, center console and doors. In the rear, the position of the 'lounge seat' behind the C-pillars emphasizes the intimate ambience.

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Dongfeng Fengshen

Dongfeng Motor, one of the top five largest Chinese vehicle producers, will introduce its own Aeolus brand in Beijing this March. The new brand will subsequently unveil a new mid-sized sedan called the Fengshen at the 2009 Auto Shanghai show in April.

The new car, developed by Dongfeng's own technology center with input from ItalDesign, is a traditional three-box package to cater to Chinese tastes. It rides on a 2610mm-long wheelbase and measures 4502mm long, 1740mm wide and 1465mm tall; roughly the same size as a Peugeot 307. The Fengshen will be built on PSA's Citroën ZX platform and source power from the French automaker's 1.6-liter 16-valve petrol engine.

This is not the first self-developed model from Dongfeng. The company also created the Little Prince - a small sedan virtually identical to the Hyundai Accent on which it is based - and the Dongfeng Joyear mini-MPV. Dongfeng operates joint ventures with PSA, Nissan, Honda and Kia in China.