FAW launches production of a new V12

According to AutoHome, the new V12 designed by FAW is largely intended for installation into the most deluxe Hongqi-badged vehicles, including hybrids.

The engine was developed by the company based on its own design from earlier, a 6.0-liter naturally aspirated mill rated at 408 PS (402 hp / 300 kW) and 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque. The new version benefits from a turbocharger setup and direct injection raising the output to 762 PS (752 hp / 560 kW) and 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft).

The media in China tend to agree that the new engine will power the next-gen Hongqi L5 (see video). They also speculate that the car will emerge later this year and become part-electric in this design iteration. Earlier spy photos (in the gallery below) suggested that it would not look much different from the previous generation (in the video).