Against the Crossover Tide
Shooting brakes like the Ferrari GTC4Lusso are increasingly rare, especially as crossovers and SUVs continue to dominate market demand. While few automakers seem willing to pursue this body style, Chinese tech giant Huawei is reportedly stepping in with an all-electric shooting-brake-style model through the Qijing brand, featuring advanced technologies, including its so-called digital chassis engine.
According to China’s Autohome, the upcoming shooting-brake model will adopt a streamlined design aimed at reducing aerodynamic drag that can compromise driving range. Its side profile reportedly features a long wheelbase, giving it a silhouette reminiscent of the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo. The model is also said to use semi-hidden door handles, as fully flush designs—popularized by Tesla – are set to be banned starting in 2027.
Rare Company
If this Huawei EV comes to market, it will join a limited pool of shooting brakes that includes the Ferrari FF and the Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Shooting Brake. The body style was also made famous by the BMW Z3 M Coupe, which earned the nickname “Clown Shoe” for its unconventional proportions.
As mentioned, the vehicle will be equipped with a digital chassis engine, which combines multiple vehicle control systems into a single, coordinated control system. This setup allows for faster decision-making, expected to improve on-road responsiveness and handling. Another high-tech feature cited is an SAE Level 3 autonomous driving system, which, unlike Level 2 systems such as Ford’s BlueCruise, allows drivers to disengage from active monitoring under specific conditions.
Phones, Networks, and Cars
For the uninitiated, this would not be Huawei’s first branded vehicle. The company has collaborated with automakers by supplying smart components and systems – a different approach from fellow phone maker Xiaomi, which develops and produces its own high-performance EVs, such as the SU7 Ultra. This particular shooting brake is reportedly being developed in partnership with GAC, which also serves as Toyota’s joint-venture partner in the Chinese market.
But regardless of how enticing a new shooting-brake model may be, Chinese vehicles remain almost non-existent in the U.S. Dealers have urged the government not to allow Chinese cars to enter the market, arguing that their arrival could disrupt competition – especially given their relatively affordable pricing.
For now, the new Qijing model is expected to debut in April, with a market launch slated roughly two months later.
from Autoblog News https://ift.tt/ziOcpUD
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