If you remember the Bentung A 501, the limousine from the Chinese automaker, FAW Group, then I have a new one for you from the same guys in China. It’s a SUV concept that really got my attention and it’s called HonQi.

I’ll have to agree with everyone that it’s some sort of a Lincoln redesign, but if it’s going to come up with an “attractive” price it will be very appealing to customers, I can bet. It has large front vents, some sort of LED lights and the in-house V12 engine that is supposed to be pretty advanced (the company says) including an advanced combustion system, full aluminum light weight design, optimized fuel economic efficiency and lower emissions.

Rumors say that 2010 is going to be the year when HonQi is going to be available.

Source: auto.sina.com.cn

First Automobile Works (FAW), China’s first auto manufacturer, has been spied testing their new Bentung A 501. I’m very curious about that model because it’s not like other Chinese cars … a very good exterior replica. Maybe this is because it was designed by the famous Italian design house, ItalDesign.

It’s rumored to be a joint venture with Mazda, uses the Ford CD3 midsized platform (that they have on Mazda 6) and should be marketed as a sporty car using a 1.6 or a 2.0 L engine from the same Mazda 6.  I don’t know nothing about power output or other details but it’s supposed to hit the floors during the Beijing Auto Show.

WCF