When you think of V12 engines, what typically comes to mind? German luxury sedans? Italian exotics? Think again: Chinese automaker FAW has taken the wraps off a new 6-liter V12 that will begin production in about a year from now. The engine will drive the new Hongqi HQE limousine, China's homegrown take on the Rolls-Royce Phantom previewed by the HQD concept car at the 2005 Shanghai Auto Show.
Established in 1953, First Automobile Works is, as you can guess, China's first automobile manufacturer, and remains one of the largest in the country. Hongqi ( "red flag") is FAW's flagship line, which also includes the (ahem) self-driving HQ3 that we reported on previously. In addition to its own range of vehicles, FAW also makes the Toyota Prius and several Volkswagens and Audis under local joint ventures. While the Hongqi HQE may find its share of buyers in China's burgeoning luxury market, we wouldn't expect to see it on American streets any time soon unless it's parked in front of the Chinese embassy.[Source: Inside Line
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Eric @ Mar 18th 2008 6:36PM
So I guess this would be pronounced "Honkey"? nice.
tuna @ Mar 18th 2008 7:13PM
I think it's suppose to be pronounced "Hong" (red) "Chi" (flag).
Red Flag.
Ironic.
tekdemon @ Mar 27th 2008 3:52PM
It's not ironic, it was named Red Flag on purpose.
Back in the old days when China was more legitimately communist, the only way you could possibly ride around in a Hong Qi was to be an extremely high ranking communist official.
Chinese people who were born in the 40s-60's probably still think very highly of the Hong Qi, since it was basically the pinnacle of cardom (kinda like a Rolls was to the English), and meant to be the pride of the Chinese people.
Personally I find it a little sad that later designs were basically Audi's, but the older Hong Qi's still stir a bit of nostalgia.
Wonder where the V12 is from...is it an FAW design?
User @ Mar 18th 2008 6:38PM
It's the "red flag" rip off of a real car... These Communists never fail to make me laugh.
Colin Smith @ Mar 18th 2008 6:40PM
Loving it...don't want it.
Seoultrain @ Mar 18th 2008 6:48PM
So, how much, like $25k? You give me good deal?
Edward @ Apr 26th 2008 8:21PM
It costs around $660,000. And it's a super luxery sedan.
R? @ Mar 18th 2008 7:03PM
Mercedes called, they whant their Mercedes 600 front end back.
http://ned.ronet.ru/0/Mercedes-Benz%20600%20Limousine%20(1965).jpg
rubberdingy @ Mar 18th 2008 7:08PM
jijkes! why not take a chance and design something original and groundbreaking?
It is still better looking than the ugly CTS but that hunk of junk is not pretending to be a real car anyways. This is just sad. At least throw in some dildos and a monkey.
94 taurus owner @ Mar 18th 2008 7:09PM
HMMPH!! that's just A pathetic Rolls/cadillac knock off. GM/BMW should sue.
carlbolt @ Apr 13th 2008 10:45AM
Sue what? because Cady and R/R have four wheels?
imoore @ Mar 19th 2008 1:54PM
Acually, 94 taurus owner, BMW and Rolls Royce did file a complaint when the car was shown at last year's Beijing auto show. No one heard anything else after the filing.
Hopefully, my comments did get through this time.
dildomassive @ Mar 18th 2008 7:16PM
I like the color.
stefan @ Mar 18th 2008 7:17PM
That engine cover is a total rip-off of the lexus V8. These chinese can't even design a engine cover how sad can it get.
aron @ Mar 18th 2008 8:43PM
FAW has a joint-venture with Toyota. FAW also makes a a HongQi sedan based off the Toyota Crown Majesta as well, thus I would presume this engine draws somewhat from the Toyota design.
John Johnson @ Mar 18th 2008 7:23PM
It'll be the only huge car with a crash rating worse than a Ford Fiesta.
Harrison @ Mar 18th 2008 11:53PM
Nah, more like bicycle.
dildomassive @ Mar 18th 2008 7:44PM
And its got 4 wheels!
woodenspoon @ Mar 18th 2008 7:45PM
At least its a v12.
RobZ4 @ Mar 18th 2008 7:46PM
It looks like a Rolls Royce with SARS.