Shanghai 2009: Geely GT Tiger Concept

In a rather impressive display of the fact that the Chinese CAN design their own cars, Geely debuted a redesigned version of their GT concept car at this year's Shanghai motor show.  Although the name isn't certain yet (El Grand GT?  Geely GT?  GT Tiger?  Who knows...), the GT Tiger is actually a pretty attractive concept, even if the styling is... unconventional.

This time around, the GT Tiger has... doors!  And an interior!  This is serious progress, guys.  High fives all around.  Actually, that interior is quite nice.  Take a look:

I'm digging the red and black two tone interior, although it looks like a carbon copy of a Honda Accord from the last generation.  There are all sorts of glowing orange buttons (that may or may not do anything) and an attractive two-tone steering wheel to hold onto, as well as what looks like Sat-Nav nested in the dash.  Panel gaps look almost up to Japanese levels (except up near the A-pillar...) and overall I'm pretty impressed.

And yes, Lambo doors are so played out even the Gallardo doesn't have them, but Geely hasn't gotten the memo.  I still think they're cool.  The front end looks like a mixture of Saturn Sky and an electric razor, but it's nothing if not distinct.  Remember, 15 years ago Korean cars were ugly junk, and now they're giving us the Genesis Coupe.  The level of stylistic progress we've seen from the Chinese manufacturers is just alarming; give them 10 years and I bet they'll be up there too.

Meow.  I like hte back, though.  This is an aggressive looking car for sure.  The proportions are a bit goofy, but it's getting there.  The Maserati-esque wraparound taillights are a nice touch, too.  The triangular integrated exhaust tips are neat, too.

It's not known yet whether the GT Tiger will reach production, but it seems like it would be a good halo vehicle for the Geely brand.  And it would certainly attract some stares, if that's what they're going for.

Photos courtesy of AutoBlog Chinese.  Thanks, guys.