BETA
This is a BETA experience. You may opt-out by clicking here

More From Forbes

Edit Story

Top 10 Chinese Concept Cars At The 2016 Beijing Auto Show

Following
This article is more than 7 years old.

The massive 2016 Beijing Auto Show is still in full swing, with over 80 manufacturers showing over 150 new cars, receiving some 800,000 visitors over ten days. It's often not easy for automakers to win the attention of spectators at such a giant auto show - they therefore bring in the eye-catching novelty of the "concept car". A concept car is a vehicle that previews a future production car, future design, or future technology, often to test public reaction. Concept cars can roughly be divided into two categories: 1) close to production, and 2) downright outrageous.

Chinese auto shows used to be famous for the latter, but most Chinese automakers have become a bit more grounded now, focusing instead on new technologies such as electric power trains and autonomous driving. Happily, there was still enough to see for a Top Ten.

Dongfeng HUV, photo by Tycho de Feijter

10. Dongfeng HUV

Dongfeng has long been looking for a credible off-road cruiser to cash into their army-vehicle fame. The HUV might be just that; a square shaped rough looking truck on large wheels with an almost straight standing windshield. The production version is expected to launch next year, powered by a decidedly petrol four-cylinder engine.

Zhiche Auto SUV, photo by Tycho de Feijter

9. Zhiche Auto SUV

The Zhiche Auto SUV is a full-electric aerodynamic four-seat coupe, loaded with technologies for connected-cars and connected-mobility, in short tech that allows a vehicle to communicate with other cars and with the wider world. The Zhiche Auto SUV is developed by a Beijing-based new-energy vehicle (NEV) company, and the production car will launch in 2017.

Ranz RF-EA1, photo by Tycho de Feijter

8. Ranz RF-EA1

The Ranz RF-EA1 is a design study for an exciting electric four-door sport sedan, with a super sleek body and eye-catching black over gold paint. 'Ranz' is a brand owned by the FAW-Toyota joint venture for making cheap electric cars. However, since its inception in 2013 Ranz has failed to launch a single car. The RF-EA1 shows they are still alive.

Haval HB-02, photo by Tycho de Feijter

7. Haval HB-02

The HB-02 shows that the Haval brand, owned by Great Wall Motors, is going for a more daring design for its SUV lineup. Sharp creases, tiny LED lights, and a big gaping grille; the HB-02 has it all. It previews a premium compact crossover that will be launched on the Chinese car market in 2018, mainly aimed at young car buyers living in the big cities.

Lingyun Two-seater, photo by Tycho de Feijter

6. Lingyun Two-seater

Lingyun is a company that is absolutely convinced the future lies in two-wheeled electric vehicles. Their latest concept is simply called "Two-seater", and stands on two wheels, one front and one rear. It uses mechanical gyroscopes to maintain balance, and Lingyun claims battery life is 80% longer than on a four-wheel car.

Qiantu Auto K50 Roadster, photo by Tycho de Feijter

5. Qiantu Auto K50 Roadster

China's first drop-top electric supercar with stunning lines, a carbon fiber body, and powered by a 400 horsepower motor.  Likely the best looking Chinese car ever. The coupe version is expected to hit the market in the fall, with a price similar to the cheapest Tesla Model S. The Roadster will follow in late 2017.

Chery FV2030, photo by Tycho de Feijter

4. Chery FV2030

The Chery FV2030 is a typical example of a truly outrageous concept car, shaped like an off-road racer with gull wing doors, huge wheels, and a fiery red paint job. Some design elements will come back on future production cars, like the chrome bar above the grille and the air inlets in the bumper.

LeSee EV, photo by Tycho de Feijter

3. LeSee EV

The LeSee EV is a four-door electric sedan with semi-autonomous driving, smartphone-based remote control, and a 210 kilometer per hour top speed. The LeSee was developed by LeEco, a Chinese internet compact that also backs Faraday Future. It is intended for the Chinese market and the production version will be made in China.

Hongqi B-Concept, photo by Tycho de Feijter

2. Hongqi B-Concept

The B-Concept heralds a new beginning for Hongqi, 'Red Flag', the oldest and most famous Chinese automaker, best known for state limousines and parade cars. They are working to shore up their passenger car division and the B-Concept previews a future full-size sedan that will compete with cars like the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Beijing Auto ArcFox-7, photo by Tycho de Feijter

1. Beijing Auto ArcFox-7

The ArcFox-7 is an extremely beautiful electric supercar with scissor doors. It is based on a Formula E race car, and powered by a 603 horsepower motor. The ArcoFox-7 is mainly intended to draw attention to the booming EV business of Beijing Auto, but small-series production of a track day-only car is a real possibility.

The main observable trends that emerge from these concept cars are: a move to electrics cars, steps to more daring design, and a clear up market movement, the infamously cheap Chinese cars are fast becoming a thing of the past.