Mad About Shanghai

F1 Chinese Grand Prix (10-12 April 2015) - Race Day

 

 

 

 

Photos from Mercedes Benz.

F1 Chinese Grand Prix (10-12 April 2015) - Practice & Qualifying Sessions

It's Formula One weekend in Shanghai !

I bring you some exclusive photos of the practice session courtesy of Mercedes Benz.

 

More photos to come !

For Jazz Lovers : Deborah J. Carter in Shanghai

If you are into Jazz, you might be pleased that Deborah J. Carter would be performing at the Shanghai Concert Hall on 8 June.

Check out the details here : http://deborahcarter.com/?event=shanghai-concert-hall

Scroll Mural from China Pavilion in World Expo

If you miss the World Expo in Shanghai back in 2010, this is one the main attractions inside the China Pavilion.

One of the main feature was actually a very lengthy moving mural complete with sound and movement to cast a "live" ancient village on a wall. The animation was projected onto a massive screen which is 128 metres long and 6.5 metres high and features all of the original painting's 1068 figures as well as boats, carts and animals. All the characters move within the landscape and perform their everyday tasks.

I took these photos with my phone when I saw the exhibit being displayed in Singapore some time back. Quite good actually. 

I think this should be a permanent fixture at the China Pavilion which is still there.

Overheard :Three Random Conversations in Shanghai

I overheard three random conversations while I was out and about in Shanghai yesterday which made me smile.

In the streets

Man : "What is in your bag ? It is so heavy."

Woman : "Just my computer."

Man : "It must be a desktop!"

Overheard from a man helping a woman to carry her cabin size luggage.

In the lift

"Never mess with a Shanghaiese middle age woman!!"

Overheard from a Shanghaiese woman who refused to give way to a young lady in the lift accusing her of being fake by speaking in English and insisting she should stand closer to the lift exit if she wanted to get out fast.

At a restuarant

"Sorry. We have to stop taking in customers as we ran out of food to serve."

It was not even 7 pm in a busy shopping mall on a Sunday!

Two Fantastic Dining Events This Week

Chef Colagreco recently earned the 28^th spot in San Pellegrino’s list of the 50 best restaurants worldwide, for his restaurant Mirazur, in Menton, France.From June 13-15th, Chef Colagreco himself will be in town in Shanghai, and there will be two special dining events held at Unico/Colagreco.

Recently Unico won the "Best bar of the year" and "Best cocktail bar of the year" awards from City Weekend Reader's Choice Awards 2013, and Colagreco won "Best Mediterranean." Colagreco also won "Best Restaurant 2013" from Esquire Awards.

Indulge your taste buds this week!

 

World premiere at "Auto China 2013": The new E-Class as a long-wheelbase version

"Auto China 2013" in Shanghai sets the stage for the world premiere of the long version of the new E-Class. Developed for the growth market in China, it offers 14 centimetres more legroom in the rear. It also sports a finely honed design exuding an overall character of poised refinement and boasts markedly enhanced comfort and a high standard of equipment and appointments. Three petrol engines covering an output range from 150 to 245 kW with automatic transmission as standard provide for dynamic performance coupled with exemplary driving comfort. With these assets, the long version of the new E-Class sets a new standard for the luxury segment. 

The long version of the new E-Class radiates status and effortless superiority, meeting the Chinese market's expectations of luxury vehicles more effectively than the comfortable E-Class with standard wheelbase. Measuring 5019 millimetres in length and with a wheelbase of 3014 millimetres, the long version, which is to be built exclusively in China, is 140 millimetres longer overall than the E-Class saloon which is being marketed worldwide. This results in 14 centimetres more legroom in the rear of the five-seater. An exclusively appointed interior conjures up a prestigious and congenial atmosphere. For special convenience, the front passenger seat can also be electrically adjusted from the rear. 

Design: two new front-end designs to choose from 

In keeping with the entire E-Class family, intelligent modifications to the design provide the long version with a new front end as well as new proportions. When it came to the modifications, the designers followed the new Mercedes design idiom and reinterpreted the classical design values of the brand using the existing basis. The result is a superior and refined, dynamic appearance.
 
The headlamps have been redesigned and comprise all functional elements with a single headlamp lens. Flowing light elements within the headlamps help to ensure that the essential lines of the "four-eyed" look which is typical of the E-Class are retained. When it comes to light and visibility, the new E-Class sets standards: both the low-beam headlamps and the integrated daytime running lamps feature LED technology as standard.  

For the first time, the long-wheelbase E-Class is available with two different front ends: the Sedan features the classic, three-dimensional saloon radiator grille in three-louvre look with the Mercedes star on the bonnet. The Sport Sedan comes with the sporty front end featuring a centrally positioned star to create a distinctive, emphatically dynamic look.  

A new feature line and a repositioned three-dimensional trim strip give the long version of the Saloon new proportions with an exciting appearance. A new structural line runs below the feature line from the rear door through to the tail light. This lends the vehicle a longer look. It underscores the side trim, which has been shifted downwards. Overall the E-Class looks more elongated and elegant.  

At the rear, the lights and bumper have been revised. The new horizontally structured LED tail lights with new two-tone look emphasise the width and feature a characteristic night design. 

Auto Shanghai 2013 : Mercedes Benz

Mercedes Benz unveiled some pretty interesting models at the Shanghai Auto show recently. Once again, I bring you some exclusive photos.

Mercedes Benz GLA Concept:

Mercedes Benz E Class Long Week Base:

Smart :

Photos courtesy of Mercedes Benz

Exclusive : Shanghai Grand Prix F1 2013

I bring you some exclsuive photos of the China Grand Prix :

Photos courtesy of Mercedes Benz

Lunar New Year Fireworks 2013

Let the fireworks begin!

In celebration of the Lunar New Year, especially during the countdown, one can hear the sound of  fireworks cooking off for hours even in the suburban areas. Yes, this is how the Chinese like to celebrate.

Some of these fireworks are improvised and homemade too.

(Photos from Regine)