2009 Shanghai Auto Show: Geely GE

SHANGHAI, China — Geely Auto is preparing to introduce its first luxury sedan at the upcoming 2009 Shanghai Auto Show. Code-named GE, the big four-door is already being described on Chinese Web sites as another "baby Rolls."

FAW Group has already been down this road, with its Hongqi (Red Flag) HQE concept at the 2005 Shanghai Auto Show. This particular "Chinese Phantom" was revived and updated at last year's Beijing show as the Hongqi HQD.

Official images of the Geely GE have been leaked on a number of Chinese sites in recent weeks. They show a large, boxy-looking sedan with an upright chrome grille and a tall roof. Media reports say the car measures about 208 inches long — nearly 2 feet shorter than a Rolls-Royce Phantom.

Local media are also joking about the unusual seating arrangements: The rear compartment has only a single throne-like seat. Clearly meant to be chauffeur-driven, the car also features privacy glass, a bar with refrigerator and a humidor.

Inside Line says: As far as we know, however, no Flying Lady. — Hu Lei, Correspondent