Chinese automakers are not commonly featured at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, but FAW created a buzz with its hybrid supercar, the Hongqi S9. Designed by the acclaimed veteran Walter de Silva, the S9 captured considerable attention at the prestigious event due to its striking design and undeniable presence.
The Chinese entrant boldly stood beside the Bugatti Mistral, showcasing its impressive supercar proportions. With a sleek, low-slung silhouette, a wraparound windshield featuring a single wiper, distinct and polished alloy wheels, and captivating butterfly doors with curved windows, it emitted an exotic charm that held its ground against the prestigious hypercars rolling out of the Molsheim factory
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The S9 boasts an eye-catching design all around, featuring a long tail with muscular fenders and recessed taillights. The retractable spoiler, chosen over a fixed rear wing, adds a touch of sophistication. However, some details, such as the red stripe on the vented bonnet and the oversized Hongqi emblems, may be perceived as less appealing compared to European rivals in the same price segment, such as Koenigsegg and Pagani.
The interior showcases a seamless blend of futuristic elements and premium touches. With a leather-wrapped dashboard, abundant carbon-fiber accents, illuminated climate vents, and a compact digital instrument cluster, it exudes a modern appeal. The square-shaped steering wheel integrates a second screen, while the absence of an infotainment touchscreen on the center console is compensated by an array of physical buttons and a Lamborghini-style start-stop switch, adding a touch of uniqueness to the cabin design.
The Hongqi S9 initially made its debut as a concept at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show, and a significantly redesigned pre-production model was unveiled at the 2021 Shanghai Auto Show. Its hybrid powertrain consists of a turbocharged V8 engine and three electric motors, delivering an impressive total output of 1,400 hp. The claimed top speed of the S9 is 400 km/h (249 mph), and it can accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in a remarkable 1.9 seconds. While slightly slower than the current production vehicle record holder, the fully electric Rimac Nevera (1.81 seconds), the S9 still showcases extraordinary performance capabilities.
Originally, there were plans for the Chinese exotic to be manufactured at a dedicated factory in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, starting in 2022. However, those plans were subsequently canceled. Currently, production is expected to take place in China, but the exact commencement date remains unclear. During the official debut of the supercar, Hongqi revealed its intention to produce only 99 units of the S9, with each car priced at $1.45 million.
