"Preview of Upcoming Cars to Be Launched in the Second Half of the Year" series has been released for four episodes, and this final episode will introduce you to MPV, sports cars, and pickup truck models that will be launched in the second half of the year, including the new Buick GL8 ES Luxurious Fuel-Powered/Hybrid, the New Dazh Gauntlet (Panoramic Car View), and the SAIC Dongfeng GST Pure Electric Pickup Truck. Let's take a look!
* New Buick GL8 ES Fuel version/hybrid version
Launch date: within the third quarter
Previously, we discovered the new Buick GL8 ES 's fuel version and hybrid version models from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. The new car has a new family-style appearance, which is similar to the plug-in hybrid version that has already been launched, and is expected to be launched within the third quarter. In addition, the new Buick GL8 ES hybrid version model may be named Buick GL8 LS.
Let's take a look at the new car. The fuel version has a large trapezoidal grille on the front, with horizontal chrome trim inside, and the lighting group adopts a split-type design. The near and far light groups and the chrome decoration on the lower part are integrated well, and the front end looks very atmospheric. The hybrid version model does not use a split-type headlight, but has a guide groove design on both sides of the grille with chrome trim, which has a good sense of sportiness.
In terms of body size, the new car has a length of 5219mm, a width of 1878mm, a height of 1807mm, and a wheelbase of 3088mm. Looking at the rear of the car, the fuel version is equipped with a through taillight, and has a through chrome trim. The bottom is the three-dart logo of Buick. The hybrid version uses a blackthrough strip, and the Buick letter logo is installed on it.
In terms of power, the fuel version is equipped with a 2.0T engine, with a maximum power of 174kW The hybrid version of the model uses a hybrid system consisting of a 2.0T engine and an electric motor. The maximum power of the engine is 155kW, and the energy storage device uses a lithium-ion battery.
The Buick GL8 has been a perennial favorite in the domestic MPV market for nearly 20 years, with a significant presence in the business travel market. In the era of electrification, Buick is also working to keep this cash cow up to date. Previously, Buick unveiled the GL8 plug-in hybrid version at the Beijing Auto Show. The upcoming oil-electric hybrid version is also expected to deliver impressive fuel economy, and for those who prefer traditional gasoline cars, Buick will continue to offer pure gasoline versions. With hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and gasoline versions all available, this will help further solidify its market position.
● Dongfeng Forthing Yacht Plug-in Hybrid
Release Date: Within the third quarter
Previously, we obtained the plug-in hybrid version of the Dongfeng Forthing Yacht from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's (MIIT) vehicle application filing system. The new car is positioned as a mid-size MPV and will have 6-seat and 7-seat versions available. This car will continue the exterior design of the current fuel-powered version and is expected to be launched within the third quarter of this year.
In terms of appearance, the Dongfeng Forthing Yacht plug-in hybrid will continue the exterior design of the fuel-powered version. It is equipped with a large multi-sided black grille, which has a strong visual impact. The grille is surrounded by a wavy chrome trim that extends from the front of the car to the rear. The side lights on both sides are very sharp, and the light group and the guide groove below it are integrated together, which looks very recognizable.
Although it is an MPV model, this car does not use a sliding door design, but uses a normal side door. The vehicle has a popular through taillight at the rear, which is further enhanced by the black rear bumper and the spoiler on the top of the car. The rear part of the car has a stronger sense of layering. The size of the car is 4850/1900/1740mm, with a wheelbase of 2900mm.
In terms of power, the new car is equipped with a plug-in hybrid power system composed of a 1.5T engine and an electric motor. The engine has a maximum power of 115 kilowatts, and the parameters of the electric motor have not been announced. The battery uses a lithium-ion battery from Wuxi Evepower Co., Ltd. in Hubei. The Dongfeng Forthing Yacht MPV boasts a decent space performance and a high cost-effectiveness ratio, but it only had a gasoline-powered model before. The upcoming plug-in hybrid model will have lower fuel consumption, further reducing daily driving costs. The 6-seat and 7-seat seating configurations available cater to diverse consumer needs, making this MPV suitable for those who want a spacious, economical, and low-emission family car.
● Volkswagen ID. Buzz
Availability: Q4 of 2023
At the 2023 Guangzhou Auto Show, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz made its official debut, and the company announced that the vehicle will be imported and sold through SAIC-Volkswagen channels in the fourth quarter of 2024. The car is positioned as a pure electric medium-sized MPV and pays tribute to the classic Volkswagen van T1, which was launched in 1950.
In terms of appearance, the car's front end adopts the classic design language of the Volkswagen T1, and also incorporates some modern electric vehicle style. A curved line divides the front end into two colors. The car's front end is very round, which can maximize the reduction of wind resistance, with a coefficient of drag of 0.285. The lower part of the front end is equipped with a diamond-shaped grille and is complemented by air intake slots on both sides, making the front end look more dynamic.
From the side, the car's hidden A, B, and C pillars give the impression of a floating roof, adding to the car's fashionable look. The car's dual-color body also makes it look more fashionable. From the rear, the car is equipped with a popular through taillight, with a futuristic design. The car's overall size is 4712mm/1985mm/1937mm, with a wheelbase of 2988mm.
In terms of interior, the car is equipped with a small, all-electronic instrument panel and a large central control screen. The interior is decorated with a light beige and lemon yellow combination, and the seats have a unique multi-sided texture. The overall interior design exudes a youthful and fashionable atmosphere. Additionally, the car has electric sliding doors on both sides.
In terms of power, the new car is powered by pure electricity and uses rear-wheel drive. The maximum power of the motor is 150kW (204 horsepower) and the peak torque is 310N·m. The top speed is 145km/h. Under the WLTP cycle, the ID. Buzz has a combined range of 423km and can be charged from 5% to 80% in just 30 minutes.
The ID. Buzz shows us another side of the MPV, in addition to having a large space and comfortable practicality, an MPV can also be a carrier of automotive culture. This car adopts some classic design elements of the Volkswagen T1 bus, while integrating the avant-garde attributes of new-age electric vehicles. It is a very individualistic model in the MPV segment.
However, if you are attracted to this car, I may have to pour a bucket of cold water on you. The price of this car will definitely not be cheap. Its selling price in Europe is about 650,000 yuan (approximately 500,000 euros), and if it is imported into China, the price will be higher with import taxes. This also means that it will only be a toy for a small group of players.
● Dongfeng Forthing Lingzhi M5 Range Extender
Launch Time: Q4 of 2022
Previously, we obtained the application drawing of the Dongfeng Forthing Lingzhi M5 Range Extender model from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's catalog. According to the tail badge, it may be named Lingchi M5 REEV in the future. The new car will be equipped with a 1.5L engine as an extension unit and is expected to be launched in the fourth quarter.
The new car has little difference in appearance from the fuel version. The front still adopts the design of double-layer stepped grille. The side decorative strips are shaped like lightning, giving the car a very avant-garde front end style. There are triangular air intake grooves on both sides of the car head, further increasing the sporty feel.
The car tail is still a fairly traditional design, with a full and round style. The taillights look very retro. The body size is 5135/1720/1990mm in length, width and height, with a wheelbase of 3000mm. The new car will be equipped with 15-inch and 16-inch wheels and will have 5-seater and 7-seater versions available.
In terms of power, the new car will be equipped with a 1.5L engine as an extension unit, with a maximum power of 75kW. The energy storage device will be equipped with lithium iron phosphate batteries, and the motor parameters are pending further announcement.
The other MPVs in this article have strong passenger car attributes, while the Dongfeng Forthing Lingzhi M5 Range Extender is a multi-talented vehicle that can both carry people and goods. For this type of passenger-cargo hybrid vehicle, there are still relatively few new energy vehicles available in the market. Among the power systems of hybrid vehicles, including oil hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and extended range, the structure of extended range is relatively simple and the cost is lower, and it can bring lower daily use costs than gasoline-powered vehicles. It is indeed suitable for models such as the Dongfeng Fengxing Lingzhi M5.