Premium automaker Hongqi is getting ready to introduce a new architecture for part-electric vehicles. Buyers will be able to choose from two IC engine options, two transmission types and between one and two e-motors.
Both engines used are inline four-cylinder turbos. The 1.5-liter version makes 122 PS (120 hp / 90 kW), has an integrated intake and a thermal efficiency of 45.2 percent. In turn, the 2.0-liter engine uses the Miller cycle to pump out 163 PS (161 hp / 120 kW) with a thermal efficiency of 44.3 percent. Hongqi is reportedly already working on another, next-generation engine model boasting a superior TE ratio of 47+ percent.
The transmission comes pre-configured to be driven simultaneously by the main engine and either one or two electric motors. There will be two variants to choose from – one for 3,500 Nm (2,581 lb-ft) of torque output and the other one for 4,500 Nm (3,319 lb-ft). The former design uses a carborundum invertor to reduce the weight by 10 kilograms (22 pounds).
The e-motors will be rated up to 272 PS (268 hp / 200 kW). There is no info on the battery yet, but Hongqi promises us a next-gen cell pack weighing 15 percent less than the older designs.
The Hongqi HS6 five-seater SUV will be the first to reach the market based on this platform – you will find it in the gallery below. Preliminary patent data suggests it will be driven by a 2.0-liter turbo engine and go 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 7.7 seconds. Its all-electric range will allegedly amount to 85 km (53 miles), and the total range will exceed 1,000 km (621 miles).
