Chinese automaker Chery and its premium sub-brand Exeed have announced a bold project. By the beginning of the next decade, the companies hope to design and build a supercar capable of competing with the best global brands at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
CarNewsChina points out that Exeed has already signed a long-term partnership agreement with the organizers of the annual endurance race. Before it can compete, the company will have to spend several years testing prototypes on a dedicated race track near the Chery HQ. When not in use, the track will be open for mass-market car testing purposes.
Exeed also apparently wants to look for the driver among local talents. The best drivers will be invited over, trained and tested until the company has what it calls the “Exeed Le Mans Team”. This team will proceed to race together for a while to get ready for the ultimate endurance marathon.
Many questions remain unanswered, including what powertrain Exeed plans to put inside its racer. Chery seems to be lacking the technical know-how for a project as ambitious as this, and its most powerful mass-produced engine is a 2.0-liter turbo four-pot rated at 261 PS (257 hp / 192 kW). Then again, it will be interesting to see a Chinese contender in the Le Mans.
