Roter Luxus auf Rädern: Der Hongqi Guoya – Chinas Antwort auf Rolls-Royce

Hongqi Guoya (2024): China's Take on Rolls-Royce

Abundant chrome detailing, stretching beyond five meters in length, and adorned with a red flag on its bonnet…

Are you familiar with Hongqi? Not ringing a bell? You might, however, have caught a glimpse of this Chinese brand's official state vehicle on TV. Originating from Changchun, the China FAW Group has been utilizing this brand since 1958, which translates to "Red Flag".

In 1958, the CA72 was released as a luxury vehicle, available in both Pullman sedan and convertible models. The following year, 1959, marked the start of its mass production, which continued into the 1960s. Its successor, the CA770, was introduced in 1965 and remained in production until the 1980s. By 1984, prototypes like the CA750 and CA760 were developed, utilizing the Dodge 600 as their foundation.

The Audi 100 C3, which First Automotive Works (also known as FAW) started assembling in 1986, served as the foundation for Hongqi's subsequent production model. Starting in 1989, it was named the CA7225 LH and featured an extended wheelbase. In 1993, the lineup expanded to include the CA7221 sedan, the CA7221 L with an elongated wheelbase, and the CA1021 U3 pickup truck.

Image Gallery: Hongqi Guoya (2024)

Progressing well, the brand has certainly established its independence from Audi. In September 2021, the company began exporting the e-HS9 to Norway. As of March 2024, the vehicle is also being marketed in Germany. These are electric vehicles, but in China, the flagship model is still equipped with a combustion engine. As you can see in our photos, the Guoya captured attention at the 2024 Paris Motor Show.

It's not surprising, considering the impressive sedan boasts an abundance of chrome detailing. Particularly, the radiator grille appears to have more chrome than three Mercedes E-Class models combined. Speaking of Mercedes, the car's profile takes some inspiration from the latest S-Class model. However, one can't help but also be reminded of Rolls-Royce upon seeing it.

CarNewsChina has noted that the dimensions of the Guoya also aim in this direction. The model was previously known as the Hongqi L1. "Guo" stands for nation, while "Ya" signifies elegance. However, the latter point is debatable. The grille is said to resemble a waterfall, and what's particularly striking in person is the red flag motif that extends across the hood.

Red Flag Over Asia (2024)

Hongqi claims that the design of their taillights is inspired by the "Palace Lantern" shape, and that the decorative strip's design is taken from the gutters found on the roofs of ancient Chinese palaces.

According to CarNewsChina, the dimensions of the Hongqi Guoya are 5,353 millimeters in length, 1,998 millimeters in width, and 1,511 millimeters in height, with a wheelbase of 3,260 millimeters. It comes in configurations with either four or five seats and rides on either 19-inch or 20-inch wheels. The vehicle's side profile features a low ground clearance, combined with a two-tone white and red body and spoked wheels.

Evaluating High-End Limousines:

Consumers have the option to choose from two hybrid models equipped with plug-in technology. One features a 3.0-liter V6 turbocharged petrol engine, while the other boasts a larger 4.0-liter V8 turbo engine. Both options come paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 3.0T engine delivers up to 290 kW (395 horsepower), and the 4.0T engine offers a higher power output of 360 kW (490 horsepower). Each powertrain is linked to a lithium battery pack, though Hongqi has yet to release official details regarding their specific capacities and driving ranges.

Similarly, the cost has not been disclosed, yet CarNewsChina indicates that they are accepting worldwide reservations. However, from our perspective, it seems uncertain whether the Guoya will ever make its way to Germany.

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