2009 Shanghai Auto Show: Chery Riich G5

SHANGHAI, China — As part of the ongoing launch of its new Riich (Ruiqi) premium sub-brand, Chinese automaker Chery has unveiled the G5 sedan during the 2009 Shanghai Auto Show festivities.

Sharp-eyed fans of the brand will observe that the new G5 is, in fact, an update of last year’s Chery A6 sedan. The automaker felt compelled to create a new sub-brand in order to better position specific models against Audi, including the new Riich G6 sedan.

The G5 is one of six Riich models that Chery expects to introduce over the next several years. It is powered by a Chery-developed 2.0-liter turbo engine that makes 168 horsepower and 173 pound-feet of torque and can be equipped with either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic gearbox.

Among its high-tech features are satellite navigation, in-car video, Bluetooth phone and a smart key.

Chery plans to begin selling the Riich G5 in late 2009.

Chery took their soon to be launched Riich G5 premium sedan to the Nürburgring in Germany for some serious testing of its credentials, and obtained itself a great score considering the previous contenders.

The G5 is the first mid size sedan from Chery, and will carry a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine, and also a 2.0T engine. The 2.0T model was the one put through its paces at the ‘Ring yesterday.

Chery obtained a fantastic result of 8:56, which puts it in the Nürburgring hall of fame:

1. Cadillac CTS-V – 7:59
2. BMW M3 (E92) – 8:05
3. Audi RS4 Sedan – 8:09
4. BMW M5 (E60) – 8:13
5. Mercedes C63 AMG – 8:13
6. Renault Laguna RS R26.R – 8:16
7. BMW M3(E46) – 8:22
8. BMW M Coupe(E36/8) – 8:22
9. Audi S5 – 8:26
10. BMW 335i Coupe（E92）- 8:26
11. Mazda3 MPS – 8:39
12. Honda Civic Type-R – 8:47
13. VW Golf
14. Ford Focus ST – 8:51
15. Vauxhall Corsa VXR – 8:54
16. Riich G5 – 8:56
17. Ford Focus RS – 9:05
18. Jaguar S-Type Diesel – 9:12