Beijing 2008: From Jeep clones to this? Beijing 700R concept
by Alex Nunez on Apr 22nd 2008 at 2:31PM 
It turns out that the Geely GT didn't corner the market on coupe concepts at Auto China 2008. Beijing Automotive -- whose Wrangler-style B40 you saw earlier -- is also on the case with its 700R coupe concept, a clean and attractive design with some interesting details. An accent line angles upward, merging with muscular rear haunches, giving the car a nice, aggressive presence. In front, knifelike headlamps; stylized, outboard air intakes; and a teensy main grille slit come together to give the car a good face. Out back, a similar motif finishes the car off, and the result is very attractive overall.
Of course, it'll probably never be anything more than vaporware, but generally speaking, it makes you wonder what on Earth goes on in the boardrooms of Chinese car companies. If they have the ability to deliver clean, original designs like this, then why bother copycatting at all? The mind reels. Until originality in this vein is the norm, the phrase "Chinese car" will remain a punchline. Too bad, because stylewise, this 700R concept is no joke.
Gallery: Beijing 700R
[Source: Autoblog Chinese]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
phunkysoul 1:58PM (4/22/2008)
The article says it all... seems like the chinese could, but somehow they won't. If actual production cars with a unique and appealing design like this one get to be the focus of chinas auto industry rather than copies, then european and american car makers could get nervous...
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Craig 2:41PM (4/22/2008)
Does this look like a Genesis Coupe rip-off to anyone else?
zamafir 2:47PM (4/22/2008)
@craig, yeah but it's still hawt.
tankd0g 2:48PM (4/22/2008)
If the Chinese want to built me a Veyron looking thing that's decent quality and I can afford. Copy away!
Montezuma 1:29AM (4/23/2008)
That's GT-R.
Paul 2:44PM (4/22/2008)
I think it is because they have no incentive to. They are sitting on top of what is potentially the biggest car market in the world. Even if they sell their clones for bargain basement prices they are making better margins than if they have to meet NA/Euro environmental and safety regulations as well as quality and power demands of the consumers.
Design some concepts like this to get investors then keep on with the present play book.
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M 2:48PM (4/22/2008)
That front graphic reminds me of the Opel Flextreme concept that debued at the last Frankfurt show...
bakka 2:47PM (4/22/2008)
Halo cars do not make the bottom line fat.Sports cars do not fatten the bottom line.Cars that appeal to the masses do.Ya gotta make the profits first before you make the GT's.
The Chinese are starting an infant car industry,and will play it safe for a while,just like the Japanese did.
Then watch out!
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meshies 3:55PM (4/22/2008)
Im thoroughly excited.
geo.stewart 5:28PM (4/22/2008)
no, but with the raw manpower they have, they could move to have design-house consulting.
I'm looking at this and saying next Tiburon. several similar design cues (no I'm not saying its copying anything) and tweaking Hyundai's 2.7 to get 200hp or if they could fit the 3.3 but I doubt they will. and you have an entry coupe for Hyundai for those not wanting or reay to go to the genesis.
naggs 2:47PM (4/22/2008)
hawt
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Allan 2:47PM (4/22/2008)
I like how they decided to go dark with it. Blacked out windows, dark wheels... etc. Gives it a good look compared to a lot of the chromed crap you see now days.
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Paul 2:51PM (4/22/2008)
I would guess the windows are a function of the fact it probably doesn't have an interior.
Frank 2:53PM (4/22/2008)
Yup, paul is right, its a 0 tint, u cant see in for a reason. no interior, it looks pretty, thats it.
tankd0g 2:54PM (4/22/2008)
Heh, I just noticed the brakes, are those off an 89 Civic?
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Chi Wong 2:52PM (4/22/2008)
It's a nice one pulled off by the Chinese, but it has a bit of Aston outside. I wonder what the inside is like.
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Iridium 2:53PM (4/22/2008)
Thats a nice looking design. It looks like it could actually be made.
The windows are dark because there is no interior. It's just a plastic shell vacuformed over the clay model.
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pscs 2:58PM (4/22/2008)
"then why bother copycatting at all?" -- perhaps they want to.
But seriously, I think this is a good car in terms of its shape & style. Well, let's just observe for a few years and see what happens! I'd really like to see great looking cars, while reliable and safe, but also low-priced cars coming out of China.
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Brett- BMW Advo 2:59PM (4/22/2008)
design: okay..
engine: probably a 700cc POS
would I buy one? NO, im scared there might be lead in the interior and/or i'll die if a shopping cart crashes in it.
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John Starnes 4:16PM (4/22/2008)
Stunning! Too bad that Pontiac did not devise a look akin to this and revive the Firebird!
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