Monday, April 21, 2008

Beijing 2008: HongQi SUV concept


Last week the omens were not looking good for the latest concept to come out of China, when initial renderings of the vehicle proved nothing more than a photshopped version of the Lincoln MKT Concept. Now the FAW Group's Premium division HongQi (Red Flag) has unveiled an SUV concept which features a quite unique appearance with a design specifically aimed at Chinese consumers.

The overall shape of the SUV concept shows nothing innovative or overly creative and certainly looks to be close to production ready. The front fascia features an evolved version of the Reg Flag's signature grille with the addition of large vents, the side panels lack any type of unique styling lines with a very curvaceous appearance and this design style continue right around the rear end.

Power comes courtesy of FAW's self produced V12 which will also be used in the HQE limousine, an engine which China's largest car company claims to have a number of technological advances. These include an advanced combustion system, full aluminum light weight design, optimized fuel economic efficiency and lower emissions. This engine will also lay the foundations for a V6 and a V8 engine to follow.

A production version of the Red Flag SUV Concept is not expected until at least 2010.