China Auto Thread

BYD Yangwang U8 2024 - The Most Powerful Flagship SUV Ever​


 

Is this the best value Electric car? BYD dolphin Review UK​


 

2024 GWM Tank 500 Review | Can a Chinese 4x4 wagon really challenge the Toyota Prado?​


 

2024 GWM Tank 500 Review: This is REVOLUTIONARY!! Toyota LandCruiser Prado is IN TROUBLE...​


 

Who are OMODA & JAECOO? Every model launching in UK REVEALED! | batchreviews (James Batchelor)​


 
Personally, I think Huawei and Xiaomi would be a bigger challenger for Tesla. BYD is a battery maker, not exactly a top notch car maker.


I noticed EV car has two types, pure EV and smart EV.

Pure EV is like BYD.

While smart EV is like Avatr, Xiaomi, Tesla, etc.

When people think and feel exited about EV is actually the smart EV one.

Comparing BYD and Tesla is not comparable, because BYD is just a pure EV, while Tesla is equiped with smart features.

People buy EV is mainly because of the smart features, not so for the EV part.
 

Zeekr 007, one of the fastest sedans, updated in China 11:39​


Anika
ByANIKA
April 3, 2024

Chinese automaker Zeekr has introduced an updated version of its 007 sedan. reports carnewschina.com. Sales of the pre-restyling version started at the end of last year.
Thus, now the car in the basic Advanced RWD configuration will be equipped with front seats with 14-way electric adjustment, as well as ventilation and massage functions. The rear seats are electrically adjustable and heated.
An infotainment system based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chip with 21 speakers is installed in the cabin. In addition, the advanced LCC+ lane tracking system and various driver assistance systems are now offered as standard.
Zeekr 007 is built on the PMA2+ platform developed by Geely and Volvo for mid- and full-size electric vehicles. Polestar and Lotus also use this platform. The length is 4865 mm and the wheelbase is 2928 mm.
The electric sedan is available in rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions. The power of the first one is 421 hp, and the acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h is 5.4 seconds. The all-wheel drive power plant develops 646 hp, in this version the sedan reaches “hundreds” in 2.8 seconds. Power reserve varies between 688 and 870 km depending on the modification.
Previously reportedHe said Chery will stop selling its Tiggo 7 Pro and Tiggo 8 Pro crossovers in Russia.




Source: Gazeta
 

Unveiling the 2024 Hongqi H9 with enhanced design and power​


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Naveed Rastegar

April 3, 2024


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Hongqi, a high-end brand under the state-owned FAW Group, has a rich heritage and was initially created for high-ranking officials of the Chinese Communist Party. However, it has since expanded its offerings to cater to a wider audience. The brand currently consists of three series: H-series, Q-series, and L-series. It was announced this month that the H9 model would be updated in 2024.

The H-series is targeted at the middle-to-high market segment and represents the flagship sedan for the civilian market. It has gained popularity since its last update in 2021, earning widespread praise for its design and features. The H9, part of the H-series, embodies Hongqi’s new design language and is regarded as a symbol of luxury throughout China.

With the 2024 edition of the Hongqi H9 release, the focus has been refining the exterior details. The headlights have been updated with arrow-shaped LED daytime running lights. The grille now features a point-matrix chrome decoration. The size of the grille’s internal grid-like chrome decoration has been increased, and the lower part of the front bumper has undergone slight adjustments. The wheel design has also been enhanced with a multi-spoke pattern.

The side and rear of the vehicle have undergone minimal changes. The width-spanning taillights are still arranged vertically with full LED light sources. The lower part of the rear bumper has been redesigned, featuring body-colored diffusers and chrome decorations resembling dual exhaust outlets. The vehicle’s dimensions are approximately 5137/1904/1498 mm, with a wheelbase of 3060 mm.

The 2024 Hongqi H9 offers a range of powertrain options. The 1.8T, 2.5T V6, and 3.0T V6 engines have been confirmed, with the 2.0T engine still awaiting confirmation for market availability. The power outputs of these engines have been improved, with the top-of-the-line 3.0T V6 engine delivering an impressive 248 kW or 337 horsepower.

As the latest addition to the Hongqi lineup, the 2024 H9 showcases the brand’s focus on the luxury market. However, the vehicle has not yet been released in an electric or PHEV version. We will see if minor cosmetic changes and engine enhancements can entice potential buyers to buy this vehicle.

Source: Zaker
 

2024 Zeekr 007 from Geely launched in China with serious upgrades​


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Adrian Leung

April 3, 2024


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It’s only been a little over 3 months since the Zeekr 007 was initially launched. Zeekr 007 has launched an updated version of its entry-level model. According to Zeekr‘s official website, the new car is packed with lots of features despite having the same starting price of 209,900 yuan (29,000 USD).

Zeekr is a high-end electric car brand under Geely Group. It was launched back in 2021 with the 001 hatchback as the first model. Nowadays, Zeekr’s model line comprises four cars: 001, 007, 009, and X. This year, Zeekr will probably add two more vehicles to the line: Zeekr Mix MPV and Zeekr Ark (CX1E) crossover. Now, this brand has launched the updated version of the Zeekr 007 sedan.
The Zeekr 007 is offered in 5 trims.

  • Enhanced RWD: 209,900 yuan (29,000 USD)
  • Smart RWD: 229,900 yuan (31,800 USD)
  • AWD: 229,900 yuan (31,800 USD)
  • Smart AWD: 259,900 yuan (35,950 USD)
  • Performance AWD: 299,900 yuan (41,500 USD)

The entry-level model, Zeekr 007 Enhanced RWD, now comes with 14-way power front seats that have ventilation and massage functions. While the rear power seats have heating. The new car also has a 15-inch OLED center screen, a 35.5-inch AR-HUD system, a 21-speaker premium audio system, and an AI fragrance system. These are powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 CPU.

It also comes standard with LCC+ (Enhanced Lane Centering Assistance), and NZP high-speed autonomous pilot assistance. The vehicle is equipped with various park assistance systems such as APA, RAPA, and FTP. These are powered by Nvidia Drive Orin.

Same as its predecessor, the Zeekr 007 Enhanced RWD has a peak power of 310 kW, with a pure electric range of 870 km. Its battery can add 610 kim in 15 minutes of charging. It can travel from 0 – 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. Meanwhile, the AWD models have a 165 kW front motor allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.84 seconds for Zeekr 007 Performance.

Stefan Sielaff, the former Audi and Bentley designer, oversaw the design of the Zeekr 007. He and his team designed a luxury car with minimalistic design language. The dimensions measure 4865 / 1900 / 1448 mm with a wheelbase of 2928 mm.
Zeekr 007 Enhanced RWD uses Zeekr’s 75 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) Golden battery. It uses 800V charging. It provides a maximum range of 688 km CTLC. The battery can be upgraded to CATL’s 100 kWh NMC for 20,000 yuan (2,770 USD). This option is also available for Smart RWD, AWD, and Smart AWD.
Zeekr 007 is covered by a 6-year or 150,000-kilometer warranty.
Direct competitors of the Zeekr 007 include Xiaomi SU7, Tesla Model 3, XPeng P7, NIO ET5, Geely Galaxy E8, and BYD Han, just to name a few. During the first quarter of 2024, Zeekr 007 sold 9700 units while Zeekr 001 sold 8700 units. Zeekr 001 sales surged to 30,000 units in March due to new discounts. Hence, similar sales tactics are now applied to the smaller Zeekr 007.
Since its launch in March 2021, the Geely-backed company, Zeekr has not turned to profit. For 2023, Zeekr sold a total of 118,700 units, falling short of its annual target of 140,000 units. To date, Zeekr has accumulated losses of more than 20 billion yuan (2.766 billion USD). Zeekr’s cash reserves are now only 3.3 billion yuan (456.4 million USD), a debt ratio as high as 132%. In contrast, Xiaomi is holding over 120 billion yuan (16.6 billion USD) in cash. Xiaomi stated that they are prepared not to profit from their automotive venture in the next 5 years. With Xiaomi’s strong entry, receiving 88,898 orders in 24 hours of its launch, the industry’s price war is bound to escalate further.
Source: Sina Finance, Zeekr
 

IM L6 does the moose test driverless​


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Mark Andrews

April 3, 2024


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Driverless IM L6 does the moose test

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In a just released video the IM L6 sedan manages to do the moose test at 71 km/h. Not such an impressive speed until you realize that it did this driverless. In the run up to the car’s launch in May, SAIC are heavily pushing the car’s capabilities especially with regard to its ‘smart digital chassis’ and have also shown the IM L6 performing other near impossible car feats.

Usually the moose test, also known as an elk test, is performed with one person in each seat along with weights in the trunk but it seems the IM L6 test was done empty. The maneuver involves avoiding an imaginary obstacle by swerving and then swerving again to put the car back on the original driving line.

Manned the IM L6 should be able to do the moose test at a greater speed. Key to the test if the stability of the car, the first generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class famously overturned at a speed of 60 km/h when attempting the test.

Pictures from the driverless moose test for the IM L6
Probably helping the IM L6 achieve the result is the cars four wheel steering system. This forms part of the self-developed smart digital chassis which enables the car to do things such as crab walking, turning 45° on the spot, and revolutionizing parallel parking.

Key to achieving such maneuvers is the car’s vehicle motion controller (VMC). After receiving commands it can control motion in six directions (front, rear, left, right, up, down) via coordination between the steering, braking and suspension.

We will probably learn more about the ‘smart digital chassis’ at the IM L6 Technology Conference on April 8. We will also likely learn more about the new 130 kWh battery which should give a CLTC range in excess of 1,000 km. Interestingly Fast Technology are now referring to this as semi-solid state rather than solid state which has previously been reported.


The IM L6 debuted in February at the Geneva Auto Show and should spearhead the brands push in to export markets. Length, width and height of the new car are 4931/1960/1474 mm, and the wheelbase is 2950mm. Weight is 2040 kg for the rear wheel drive version and 2250 kg for the all-wheel drive performance version. The rear wheel drive car gets a 250 kW electric motor whereas performance versions swaps that out for a 379 kW motor and add a 200 kW motor to the front axle.
At launch the car will come with a choice of 90 or 100 kWh ternary lithium (NCM) battery packs from CATL. The smaller pack gives the rear wheel drive version a 720 km CLTC range and the all-wheel drive 700 km whereas the 100 kWh battery gives 770 km and 750 km respectively.
IM Motors was founded in 2020 as a joint venture between SAIC Motor, Alibaba Group, and Zhangjiang Hi-Tech. The first model was the L7 sedan which went on sale in 2022 and has since been followed by the LS7 and LS6 SUVs.

Editor’s note:​

To pass the moose test the car must be able to do the test at 72 km/h, so actually the IM L6 failed the test. This however is a technicality. Few drivers are likely to have actually tried such a maneuver and from personal experience I was only able to achieve around 60 km/h in a Nio ES6 although Nio says it has exceeded 80 km/h. So it is unlikely that many drivers who have no real experience with the test would be able to match the driverless 71 km/h speed.
Obviously the IM L6 looks very impressive in the gifs doing all the maneuvers but the question I think everyone must be asking is can a regular driver do this with the car and how easy will it be to do. Hopefully the IM L6 Technology Conference will answer some of our questions about the car and its capabilities.
The IM L6 is shaping up to be one of the cars to watch this year following on from the Xiaomi SU7. The IM brand has so far underwhelmed both in terms of the technology promised by the brand’s premise and by the actual sales. It looks, though, that the IM L6 may well be the brand’s breakout car.
Source: Fast Technology
 

Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun started deliveries of Xiaomi SU7 electric sedan​


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Denis Bobylev

April 3, 2024


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On April 3, Xiaomi Auto officially started deliveries of the first batch of its electric car SU7. Xiaomi founder and CEO Lei Jun personally took part in the event, giving the first cars to their owners. The first batch of the SU7 is limited to 5,000 cars. Meanwhile, Xiaomi gained over 100,000 firm orders for this vehicle, with 40,000 locked orders.

Xiaomi SU7 deliveries start​


The ceremony of the deliveries start took place in Xiaomi plant in Beijing, which belongs to a state-owned Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co. (BAIC). This plant has a planned annual production capacity of 150,000 units in the first phase. However, the first batch of the Xiaomi SU7 is limited to 5,000 units. It is the SU7 Founders Edition, which includes some cost-free upgrades like Nappa leather, 25 speakers, and a car fridge.

Lei Jun himself held the delivery ceremony. He handed cars to selected owners. Then, he took a group photo with them. After counting the first owner certificates in the photo, we concluded that Lei delivered around ten cars. He mentioned that today Xiaomi officially become the car manufacturer.


The deliveries of the Xiaomi SU7 started not only in the factory. In addition, 59 Xiaomi stores in 28 cities across China started the delivery process. Previously, Xiaomi mentioned that the SU7 Founders Edition is limited to 5,000 units. As for the standard variants of the Xiaomi SU7, they will start deliveries in late April-May. Xiaomi has already gathered over 100,000 firm orders for the SU7.

More on Xiaomi SU7​


The Xiaomi SU7, a sleek and sporty sedan, is built on the Modena platform. Boasting dimensions of 4997/1963/1455 mm and a wheelbase of 3000 mm, it stands taller and longer than the Porsche Tycan yet maintains a slender profile. Its entry-level variant is equipped with a 73.6 kWh LFP battery and a 220 kW electric motor, while the top-trim SU7 features 4WD for 495 kW and a 101 kWh ternary NMC battery. With a range of 700-830 km, depending on the battery option, the SU7 is set to redefine the electric car experience.
The Xiaomi SU7’s price range is 215,900 – 299,900 yuan (29,900 – 41,500 USD). Previously, CarNewsChina reported that Great Wall Motor chain Wei Jianjun invited his R&D team to get acquainted with this car. The Xiaomi SU7 launch definitely changed the balance of forces in the Chinese car market. It will likely lead to the new phase of the price war.

Source: Lei Jun Weibo
 

Nio rolls out first mass-produced 150 kWh semi-solid battery pack​


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Denis Bobylev

April 3, 2024


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Chinese startup Nio rolled out the first mass-produced semi-solid battery pack, which will be available as a part of the battery swap service in a few months. This battery offers an energy density of 260 Wh/kg and provides a range of up to 1,055 km.


Nio is a high-end electric car brand founded in 2014. Currently, its cars are mostly offered with two battery options: 75 kWh and 100 kWh. Customers can also buy a car without a battery by picking a battery as a service subscription with a monthly payment. Soon, Nio-branded vehicles will also get one more battery option for long trips, which offers a capacity of 150 kWh. It will be available only via subscription. The mass production of this battery pack has started in China.

Nio 150 kWh battery​


After the first announcement in 2021, Nio has finally started mass production of the 150-kWh semi-solid battery (SSB). It was designed by WeLion New Energy Technology, a Beijing-based battery maker that also acts as Nio’s battery cell supplier.

According to Nio, the 150 kWh SSB cells have an energy density of 360 Wh/kg. And the whole pack has a 260 Wh/kg density. Another feature of this pack is a cooling system that is six times stronger compared to ordinary batteries. The weight of the 150 kWh SSB is just 676 kg, which is just 20 kg more than the Nio’s 100 kWh battery pack. For comparison, the 135.5 kWh LFP battery from BYD weighs 903 kg. So, WeLion and Nio did a great job reducing the weight of their SSB.
Nio didn’t disclose when exactly the 150 kWh SSB will go live. However, Nio said on social media that the official launch is scheduled for the second quarter of this year. The mass production start hints the 150 kWh SSB will become available at Nio’s Power Swap Stations (PPS) in a few months. The best time for the launch is summer when many tourists visit Xinjiang, a western Chinese province.

Previously, Nio co-founder and CEO William Li tested the Nio ET7 sedan with the 150-kWh semi-solid battery on board. He drove 1,044 km on a single charge with 3% battery capacity remaining. During the test event, William Li shared that this battery was previously tested on a route from Kunming to Beihai, traveling 1,145 km on a charge. It is the world record for a mass-produced electric vehicle.

Source: Weibo
 

BYD revealed Hilux-size pickup truck designed for global market​


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Denis Bobylev

April 3, 2024


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BYD shared official images of its highly anticipated pickup truck. It is a plug-in hybrid model the size of the Toyota Hilux designed for the global market. Previously, CarNewsChina reported this truck would enter Australia and South Africa.

The BYD pickup truck was spotted in China several times, and BYD applied for its patents. The international delegation exposed its interior, and even a right-hand drive version of this truck was seen in China. However, BYD remained silent and provided no details on this model. Today, the world’s biggest NEV maker has broken the silence, sharing the first batch of this truck’s official images.

BYD pickup truck official images​


The BYD pickup truck is covered with heavy blue and orange camouflage. However, we can see its distinguishing headlights with two lenses. They remind us of the “8” figure. The BYD truck maintains a brawny styling with wide wheel arches, a high bonnet line, and large side-view mirrors. It has roof rails on the roof, a relatively short bed, and traditional door handles.


The BYD pickup truck also uses AT tires from Giti. It has a fuel door in the left rear fender and a charge port cover in the right rear fender. The truck has a multi-link independent suspension in the rear axle. Its dimensions have yet to be disclosed. However, BYD mentioned this truck is the size of a Toyota Hilux (5325/1855/1815 mm). This means it also stays close to Geely’s Radar (Riddara) RD6 electric truck, which is designed for overseas markets as well.

The BYD pickup truck is a plug-in hybrid with a mixed range around 1,000 km. Its electric range is about of 100 km on a single charge. It also has AR-HUD and active suspension system.

More on the BYD pickup truck​


As mentioned, the BYD pickup has been spotted in China several times. It has a huge BYD logo integrated into the front grille. Its interior resembles the Fang Cheng Bao Bao 5 (Leopard 5) launched last year. It has a sturdy gear selector and lots of physical buttons, yet it offers some large monitors.

It isn’t a surprise that BYD designed this model for the global market since pickup trucks still face some restrictions in China. It is the reason why lots of Chinese buyers avoid buying them. Moreover, pickup trucks don’t quite fit the Chinese agglomeration sights. According to previous information, the main overseas markets of this vehicle are Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
As BYD started sharing information about this truck, it is likely to get the sales license from the Chinese MIIT this month. There is is also a possibility for this model to show up at the Beijing Auto Show, which starts in late April.
Source: BYD
 

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