China’s SAIC Motor has released a new concept for its Roewe brand, the Vision-R, at this week’s Guangzhou motor show.
The concept marks a huge leap forward in styling for the brand, which has previously been known first for its Rover 75-based 750 sedan and later for a series of conventional – and often derivative – passenger cars.
With the Vision-R, Roewe has again turned its eyes to the latest concept design out of Europe and Japan, this time delivering a sharp and powerfully styled four-door coupe.
Designed in China by a team led by SAIC styling chief Shao JingFeng, the Vision-R is claimed to be the result of lengthy research into “Oriental aesthetic desires”, delivering what the company calls a balance between Western Design Discipline and Eastern Aesthetic Culture.
Influences on the new concept’s styling appear to comes from the likes of Honda’s 2012 Concept C (among Honda show cars), Volkswagen’s recent Sport Coupe Concept GTE and, through the profile, BMW’s 4 Series Coupe.
Measuring 4670mm long, 1991mm wide, 1337mm tall, and riding on a 2800mm wheelbase, the Vision-R is around the same size as fellow four-door coupe, the 4 Series Gran Coupe.
Power in the Vision-R is claimed to come from a pair of electric motors – one at each axle – although specific details have not been offered.
The company claims the Vision-R will hit 100km/h in just 4.3 seconds, while a less aggressive driving style should also return a cruising range of around 540 kilometres.
In production form, the Vision-R is expected to take on a more conventional configuration, sharing its platform with the new Buick LaCrosse – thanks to SAIC’s partnership with GM – with power possibly also provided by GM’s 180kW 2.0-litre and new 227kW turbo 3.6-litre V6.
More gadget review in www.mamaktalk.com
