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Click image for a gallery of the Geely TX4 LTC
Geely builds the LTI TX4 under license, and naturally, it's showing off the popular London taxi at its display in Beijing. The standard TX4's kind of vanilla though, so to grab showgoers' attention, the automaker has also plopped an electric blue "hot rod" version called the TX4 LTC in its display, as well. It might more appropriately described as a "not rod", since the TX4's stock 2.4L Euro IV-compliant diesel remains underhood. For maximum visual effect, Geely appears to have raided the Chinese equivalent of a Pep Boys, adding a faux dual exhaust, bolting on truck running boards and fitting six-spoke wheels that might be just a smidge oversized. Call us crazy, but it looks like turning could become a bit of an adventure.
Inside, the passenger compartment gets a white interior and possibly some stereo upgrades along with a nice photo of Big Ben on the bulkhead. You might be stifling a giggle, but compared to some of the vehicular insanity that's showed up at previous years' Chinese auto shows, the TX4 LTC is almost boring, and even with that stock engine, lead-footed hacks can probably still smoke Geely Beauty Leopard drivers at red lights. Just don't take the bait and follow them into the twisties -- you might run into some issues.
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All photos Copyright ©2008 Bin Chen / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Autoblog Chinese]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Stuka @ Apr 21st 2008 3:17PM
er... Could they not find wheels with proper backspacing or what? The tires would rub just getting into the thing. It would be a nice looking tune if they put proper wheels on...
I3ziko @ Apr 21st 2008 3:23PM
Tasteless... looks like something 18yo would have created in his garage with parts from Walmart
ugg.tryptophan @ Apr 21st 2008 6:19PM
not tasteless, but bad taste
tankd0g @ Apr 21st 2008 3:55PM
I'll say this for the Chinese, they seem to have a sense of humor.
Dazza @ Apr 21st 2008 4:21PM
Autoblog editors: the photo on the bulkhead is of the Palace of Westminster Clock Tower. Big Ben is the main bell inside it.
Alex Nunez @ Apr 21st 2008 4:30PM
Thank you, Captain Pedantic.
Dazza @ Apr 21st 2008 6:09PM
Alex: no more pedantic than referring to an American as a Yankee.
SPG @ Apr 21st 2008 4:46PM
Haha, I love it.
As tacky and fun as Lennon's Roller.
ugg.tryptophan @ Apr 21st 2008 6:17PM
this may be the worst chinese copy-car ever
Chi Wong @ Apr 22nd 2008 3:02PM
YOU ARE RIGHT! It is the worst copy[!]
theRYHMNOCEROS @ Apr 22nd 2008 9:48AM
Final proof that the Chinese lack any sense of aesthetic, proportion and taste. And the best part is that the Chinese are not trying to "have a sense of humor", they really are just tasteless.
tio @ Apr 22nd 2008 1:00PM
It's a sad day when a london cab is brought down to this level.