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.
[Source: Autoblog Chinese]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
phunkysoul @ Apr 22nd 2008 1:58PM
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...
Craig @ Apr 22nd 2008 2:41PM
Does this look like a Genesis Coupe rip-off to anyone else?
zamafir @ Apr 22nd 2008 2:47PM
@craig, yeah but it's still hawt.
tankd0g @ Apr 22nd 2008 2:48PM
If the Chinese want to built me a Veyron looking thing that's decent quality and I can afford. Copy away!
Montezuma @ Apr 23rd 2008 1:29AM
That's GT-R.
Paul @ Apr 22nd 2008 2:44PM
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.
M @ Apr 22nd 2008 2:48PM
That front graphic reminds me of the Opel Flextreme concept that debued at the last Frankfurt show...
bakka @ Apr 22nd 2008 2:47PM
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!
meshies @ Apr 22nd 2008 3:55PM
Im thoroughly excited.
geo.stewart @ Apr 22nd 2008 5:28PM
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 @ Apr 22nd 2008 2:47PM
hawt
Allan @ Apr 22nd 2008 2:47PM
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.
Paul @ Apr 22nd 2008 2:51PM
I would guess the windows are a function of the fact it probably doesn't have an interior.
Frank @ Apr 22nd 2008 2:53PM
Yup, paul is right, its a 0 tint, u cant see in for a reason. no interior, it looks pretty, thats it.
Chi Wong @ Apr 22nd 2008 2:52PM
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.
Iridium @ Apr 22nd 2008 2:53PM
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.
tankd0g @ Apr 22nd 2008 2:54PM
Heh, I just noticed the brakes, are those off an 89 Civic?
pscs @ Apr 22nd 2008 2:58PM
"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.
Brett- BMW Advo @ Apr 22nd 2008 2:59PM
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.
UhHello5 @ Apr 22nd 2008 3:14PM
This is a hyundai genesis coupe and lexus LF coupe rip off. The Chinese still stink. Besides, even if it were originial this is not that good! Any 16 year old could draw soemthing like this, its a typical coupe.