New spy shots showing the Beijing Auto C50E testing naked in China, still with the bumpers in different colors, indicating development isn’t completely finished yet.

New reports in Chinese media indicate the C50E will be called Shenbao A150 when it hits the China car market in early 2014. The A150 will be the second car under the Shenbao/Senova brand after the Shenbao D-Series that was launched in May.

Beijing Auto says the C50E is based on their new M-trix platform,which is based on the platform of the old Saab 9-3.  The Shenbao D-series is based on the platform of the old Saab 9-5. BAIC, the mother of Beijing Auto, bought both platforms from GM in 2009.

New news on the engines: we already knew about the 1.5 liter turbo with 163hp and 225nm, and there will also be naturally aspirated variant of the 1.5 with 113hp, mated to a 5-speed manual or a CVT. The latter is interesting because this is the first time Beijing Auto will use a CVT in a production car. Size: 4582mm, 1794mm, 1486mm, wheelbase 2650mm.