Lotus’ Showroom
On a daily basis one is able to see the most exotic of cars on the streets of Beijing. From chromed out purple Bentleys to hot pink Lamborghinis, a car culture, similar to that found in the sprawling Los Angeles, has certainly started to develop. However, unlike Los Angeles where class still rules color choices, wealthy Beijingers are restricted by none other than their monetary resources. Naturally, the Chinese International Auto Exhibition, which annually exchanges locations between Beijing and Shanghai, came to a frenzied Beijing, queued by thousands, to catch a glimpse at the industry’s newest models.
New Ferrari model with another kind of model
Exhibited in over five enclosed exhibition halls in addition to makeshift showrooms built around the contention center, Beijing’s newly opened China International Exhibition Hall, situated near the Capital airport, showcased models with other, more human models from around the world. Crowded around the glass barriers that prevent visitors from pawing the shiny new toys, Beijingers swarmed to take iPhone photos of their favorites, which included dragon-embroidered seats in Aston Martins, after-market-produced Phantom Rolls Royce limousines, and of course, a new SUV by Lamborghini. It was clear that the auto manufactures were targeting their feverish, nouveau riche audience, as Bentley rolled out its Mulsanne Diamond Jubilee, a replica of the Queen of England’s limousine of which only 60 will be produced, as well as Rolls Royce provided roughly ten shades of red leather (and one shade of pink) to outfit new custom creations. Although, Rolls Royce did redeem themselves in their display of a historic vehicle hailing from the 1930s.
Gold embroidered dragon headrests in Aston Martin’s DB9 Volante
Post-production Rolls Royce Limousine
Only half of the leather selections for a custom Rolls Royce
A beauty in its original spendor
Lamborghini’s new SUV, the Urus
Further, to coincide with the auto show’s festivities, Bentley opened its newest, and largest Asian dealership in Beijing’s Sanlitun area.
Bentley store opening extravangaza on Sanlitun’s Xindonglu
Jackie Chan + his son watch ballet performance at Bentley store opening
Although the sexy, shiny cars were the main attraction of Beijing’s Labor Day holiday weekend, the lines were not for the faint of heart. As a result, I will most likely continue my auto show visits, but only in the less crowded American convention centers.
Bentley’s two-toned Diamond Jubilee
