Bufori opens flagship showroom in Shanghai

[Wimbledon]

http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/04...o-beijing.html

Nowadays, just about everyone and their mother wants a chunk of China's car market, no matter how small or large the company.

Few will actually know the name Bufori, but the Malaysia-based boutique automaker, which was originally launched in Australia by brothers Anthony, George and Gerry Khouri, has opened a new flagship showroom in the center of Shanghai.

Speaking at the grand opening, Anthony Khouri said, "Shanghai is the new global economic capital and exudes an atmosphere of creativity, glamour and dynamism to rival any city in the world. I am delighted to see the Chinese home of Bufori in the heart of Shanghai, which complements the unique mood of the city, as well as the values of our company."

Bufori said that the 300 square meter showroom in Shanghai provides space for three vehicles, a coffee bar and a customization studio.

And that's just the beginning as Bufori revealed that it is actually planning to open several more dealerships throughout the country, including three showrooms in Beijing, Chengdu and Shenzhen before the end of the year.

The company will also perform the local debut of its hand-made Geneva luxury sedan at the Beijing International Motor Show later this month. The odd-looking (no, there's nothing wrong with your screen) Geneva, which was presented in 2010, is offered with a Chrysler-sourced 6.1 liter V8 tuned to put out 430 horsepower and 569 Nm of torque in standard trim, and 560 horsepower and 690 Nm in supercharged form.

[GTE77]

What a joke those cars.

[jason_kendall]

what is this nonsense?

this exists?

[quinntendopower1]

sing bong doo hah!

[Albeezy36]

Ew. Makes me think of the British and the Hindu dudes.

[Gee Spoolin]

Is Bufori serious?? That thing looks like a well built low budget kit car at best

[200HP4dr]

I'm just glad the TVR designers finally got jobs again.

Chris

[Iroczgirl]

Man those things look disgusting.

I'm sure some rich snob will buy one...

[Gee Spoolin]

I wonder how does one get in and out of the car with those fat ass flare/sideskirt thingy attached...

[TM87]

I like it. Looks different.

[Tuneman7]

I like how they went for the whole sophisticated look then...

HEMI, Yee Haw!

[Beltfed]

Exterior is hideous, but the interior looks nice for a boutique manufacturer.

[phil123]

Exterior is hideous, but the interior looks nice for a boutique manufacturer.

Thats how i felt also.

[Son]

They're like modern day Excaliburs. Sweet! The first thing I'd buy if I got rich!

[16V_Scirocco_GTX]

But.... but.. it's got a HEMI

[GTE77]

They're like modern day Excaliburs. Sweet! The first thing I'd buy if I got rich!

Dare I say that actually looks better finished?

[FiveAinOne]

Attention to details, this thing has none.

[jason_kendall]

Attention to details, this thing has none.

This

also is the bumper crooked in that pic where they are leaning next to the car?

is this a Chinese brand?... quality seems on par

[MCTB]

It will sell well in China, no doubt.


Wow, I see so much Morgan ripping off its ridiculous. I also didnt expect to see a Chryco 6.1 in there. From 20 feet out the interior doesnt look too shabby.

[Biff Beltsander]

[QUOTE=Wimbledon;76883848]

Bufori has an ultra luxury rear seat compartment, that's great I mean it's a car to be chauffeured in, not to drive yourself I suppose. That said the front area, even if it is where the chauffeur sits is far to spartan and the center HVAC controls look to be out of the cheapest of econo cars. It's all part of the presentation. Even get a Ford dash of a similar size (Ford seems to be the leader in selling parts to small companies) and cover it in leather, change the knobs to chrome or gold or something. and use that.

As far as the exterior, it looks more like built in a garage and I'm not sure however it probably made it to one of the few hundred pages in the DIW thread.

When Bugatti wanted to do hyper luxury they found the right amount of retro.


Modern with a touch of retro, dignified colours.

[DrinkDrankDrunk]

It will sell well in China, no doubt.

Don't underestimate the sophistication of Chinese consumers; they're spoiled by offerings from the best in any industry. Prestige, comfort, and quality come first, respectively, and this may not be competitive.

[Avus]

Let us see how Chinese are going to copy THIS!!

[cryption]

Exterior is hideous, but the interior looks nice for a boutique manufacturer.

Agreed, I'm not feeling it outside but when you're clad in luxury inside does it really matter?

[cryption]

I will say, however, that the engine looks like it will be hot in there

[Mosbius Designs]

Love the Hyundai climate control.

[freedomgli]

It seems that a large number of Chinese really love gaudy, conspicuous luxury. Accordingly, those who cannot afford a Rolls-Royce yet want something more unique than the ubiquitous German car will no doubt flock to this monstrosity. I love how they named it "Geneva" to evoke images of European luxuries like fine watches and high-end personal banking.

[freedomgli]

Prestige, comfort, and quality come first, respectively, and this may not be competitive.

What is more prestigious than an exclusive, hand-assembled car? I believe some Chinese consumers are sophisticated. I also believe a lot of them are copycats and simply buy cars that Europeans (and Germans in particular) think are sophisticated. While occupant safety is a high priority for a great many Chinese buyers (and it should be given how deadly their roads are) it is not the only thing that drives consumer choice.

[sticky euro]

anyone else think this looks super cheap?

[cryption]

I think it's the steering wheel that makes it look cheap

[Mosbius Designs]

It's a strange mix of previous-gen 300 gauge cluster, modified 3-spoke previous gen 300 steering wheel, aftermarket navigation, hyundai climate control, and what looks to be a Jeep liberty dashboard?, covered in leather. I understand all the Chrysler parts, with them using the HEMI and all, but it's still a very strange concoction...even for a chinese car.

[RacingManiac]

4 Door Morgan-looking car with Chrysler bits....

I can see people buying them in China though...

[CobraKing]

China - land of billionaires and bad taste. This car will do well there.

I'd take an Excalibur any day over this junk.

[Yo Teach]

anyone else think this looks super cheap?

I do too. The design has all the sophistication of an early-2000s Mazda. It has a certain "Insert radio here" look to it; it's not integrated. The attention to detail is lacking. Look at the stitching to the right of the navigation screen where the upper dashboard piece meets the console piece - it doesn't line up. The leather covering the speaker grill is wavy. In the back, the tray that holds the champagne glasses has exposed screw heads. The rear seat adjusters are black plastic and just kind of sit in the middle of the door.

[Son]

The more I look at it, the more it looks like something that Homer would get if he got rich.

Seriously, did they spend any time choosing the color? That shade of blue is a sporty color, not a luxury car color.

[DTMTrini]

Give it some more rectangular looking headlights and the front end would probably look better...just can't figure out what it needs but those headlights gotta go IMO. I dig the interior, but the early 2000's/late 90's Mercedes buttons and the steering wheel design can get an upgrade to make the interior look better.