While the coronavirus crippled China through the first three months of the year, the country is gradually coming out of lockdown as the threat of Covid-19 begins to ease. With this in mind, it is being reported that local car manufacturer Hongqi will commence production of its E115 SUV this year.
No specific launch date for the vehicle has been announced but China’s Auto163 claims Hongqi intends on building 51,500 units in the first six months of production, an ambitious target considering the slowing demand for EVs in China.
Read More: Hongqi E115 Penned By Ex-Rolls Royce Designer Hitting Production As An Electric SUV
The Hongqi E115 was first showcased at the Guangzhou Auto Show last year before celebrating its European premiere at the Frankfurt Auto Show. However, the vehicle showcased was only a concept and we’ve yet to see the final production model. In all likelihood, it will look very similar to the concept. The design comes from the mind of Gilles Taylor who used to work at Rolls-Royce.
The production SUV will be based on the concept E115 seen here in these pictures
It will measure 5,160mm (203.1 in.) long, 1,730mm (68.1 in.) wide with a 3,250mm (128 in.) wheelbase. Powering the E115 will be a pair of electric motors with one driving the front wheels with 218 hp and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) while a second will drive the rear axle and produce 299 hp and 309 lb-ft (420 Nm) that will reportedly allow it to hit 100km/h (62mph) within 4 seconds. It will be equipped with a 92.4kWh lithium battery offering a rumored driving range of over 600 km (+370 miles).
In addition to news that the all-electric SUV is just around the corner, it has also been revealed that order books have opened for the Hongqi H9, the marque’s flagship luxury sedan which premiered at the start of the year, PC Auto reports. It will be available in seven different exterior color themes and offered with a turbocharged 2.0-liter with 252 hp and a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 with 272 hp.
