With the gradual improvement of the mainland automobile industry, the improvement of core technology is also prompting domestic brands to no longer be satisfied with traditional family cars, but to move to more high-end coupes or luxury cars. On February 21, the long-awaited flagship coupe Changan UNI-V officially ushered in the listing, with a starting price of 103,900 throughout the entire joint venture market, almost rarely a competitor.
Of course, as an entry-level coupe, Changan UNI-V is not only equipped with the latest Blue Whale NE 1.5T high-pressure direct injection engine, with a maximum output of 188 horses, but also equipped with aerodynamic kits such as electric lifting tails, which can be described as full of sincerity. For Chinese young people who love the "steel cannon" culture, in addition to Changan UNI-V, what other domestic performance cars are worth starting? Today we will take stock one by one.
GAC Trumpchi Shadow Leopard
Maximum output horsepower: 177 hp
Speaking of the hottest coupe product in recent times, I believe that many people's first reaction must be Trumpchi Shadow Leopard. As a new model under the framework of GAC GPMA, Shadow Leopard took the lead in debuting as an EMPIRE 55 concept car at the 2020 Guangzhou Auto Show, and the subsequent Shadow Leopard mass production car still uses a large number of design elements of the concept car, and the overall style is more radical.
From the appearance point of view, the shadow leopard that debuted with "light running" completely abandoned the original design method of traditional family cars, and the more aggressive lines and the unique matte green car paint are attracting the attention of a batch of post-90s and even 00s. It is understood that the design of the Shadow Leopard was inspired by the fighter jet, and the two polygonal grilles at the front of the car also came from the square engine intakes of the fighter.
However, in order to improve the audience rate of the product, Shadow Leopard also launched two versions of the front design when it was launched, in addition to the radical "fighter face", there is also a more convergent ordinary version.
In terms of interior, Trumpchi Shadow Panther also follows the design elements of the fighter, the wrap-around layout is similar to the cockpit of the fighter, and even the shape of the electronic gear handle is derived from the throttle pusher of the aircraft. The new car also added a back-to-positive logo to the steering wheel, and the armrest box, center console and other parts were also covered with leather or carbon fiber panels.
In addition, in order to tap the potential of vehicle handling, Trumpchi Shadow Leopard is also equipped with the first 4+X driving mode of the same class. That is, a new custom mode has been added under the regular tuning of Sport, Sport +, Energy Saving and Comfort, and the user can adjust the vehicle's throttle sensitivity, sound wave size and steering force in "X" mode to further improve playability.
In terms of power, Trumpchi Shadow Leopard is currently equipped with a 1.5T turbocharged engine from Julang Power, with a maximum output of 177 hp, a maximum power of 130 kW, and a peak torque of 270 Nm, which is matched by a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. However, according to relevant news, the next Shadow Leopard will add a new Julang 2.0T version, when the output horsepower will be as high as 252 horses, and the hybrid version of the Shadow Leopard will also be unveiled within the year.
Lynk & Co 02 Hatchback
Maximum output horsepower: 254 hp
Lynk & Co, as the first factory team in China to participate in the WTCR (World Touring Car Championship) under the name of the brand, seems to have a love for the track flowing in its natural blood. The success achieved in international competitions has also been extended to civilian-grade products, from the first performance car 03+ listed in 2019 to today's 02 Hatchback, Lynk & Co is gradually becoming the endorsement of domestic "steel cannon".
Since the 02 Hatchback is based on the compact SUV Lynk & Co 02, it still retains the general shape of the original car in terms of appearance, and only lowers the chassis of the body, as if it has become a veritable hatchback. In addition, the 02 Hatchback also added a pure black sports kit and four exhausts on the basis of the original car, and the wide-body package extending outward at the wheel brow also made the 02 Hatchback look a bit "low lying" feeling.
In terms of body size, the length, width and height of the 02 Hatchback reached 4458*1890*1486mm, which is larger than the volkswagen golf GTI of the same level. Even in the hatchback "steel cannon" market, the Lynk & Co 02 Hatchback is definitely a big hunk.
Entering the car, the 02 Hatchback still continues the family design style of Lynk & Co, and the 10.8-inch central control screen tilted to the driver's side is still our familiar appearance. However, as a "steel cannon" model, the 02 Hatchback uses a more racing turning material in the door panel, center console and electronic gear handle, and the touch has also been improved. And the orange element dotted in the details stimulates the driver's desire to fight all the time.
In terms of power, the Lynk & Co 02 Hatchback is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine produced on the same platform as Volvo, which can squeeze out up to 254 horsepower, a maximum power of 187 kW, and a peak torque of 350 Nm, which is matched by an 8-speed manual transmission. With such a powerful power output, the zero-hundred acceleration time of the Lynk & Co 02 Hatchback is only 6.2 seconds, successfully breaking into the "7 second club".
Gilly Star Cross S
Maximum output horsepower: 238 hp
Geely Xingyue S is the first domestic model since the birth of the CMA structure, which integrates the dual advantages of Geely Group and Volvo two major automobile manufacturers, and forms the "China Star" series of products with Xingrui S and Xingyue L in 2021 to jointly impact the domestic high-end car market. But what many people don't know is that the Xingyue S is also the earliest batch of domestic "steel cannon" models, and the output of nearly 240 horsepower is no less than that of foreign brands such as golf GTI.
From the appearance point of view, because the Hoshikoshi S is the earliest product in the "China Star" series, and has not been replaced during the period, it still maintains the design style of several years ago in terms of styling, but it is not outdated. The conspicuous "magic grab" element at the lower grille is the exclusive logo of the Hoshigoku S as a high-performance version of the model.
In addition, Hoshigoshi S also added a pure black sports kit to the rear and side skirts, and even the wheels also adopted a 20-inch pure black oversized wheel, which looks a bit like a German luxury car.
The design of the center console has always maintained the shape since its birth in 2019, although it is not as luxurious as Xingrui, but it is still quite attractive. The whole series is equipped with a 12.3-inch central control large screen and LCD instrument as standard, and supports facial recognition and Car networking functions. However, compared to the radicalism of the Lynk & Co 02 Hatchback, the Geely Xingyue S is still more practical, using only suede materials in the armrest box and seats, and other parts are covered with high-grade Nappa leather.
In terms of power, the Hoshigoshi S is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged high-power engine with a maximum output of 238 hp, a maximum power of 175 kW, and a peak torque of 350 Nm, which is equipped with the same powertrain as the Lynk & Co 02 Hatchback. And for improved handling, the Hoshigoshi S is also equipped with a timely four-wheel drive chassis architecture that freely distributes the gear ratio of the front and rear wheels during the start-up, acceleration and cruise phases.
Automotive Network Review: Performance cars are no longer the exclusive of joint venture brands
In the past, when we talked about "steel cannon", we always couldn't help but think of joint venture brands such as Ford RS and Volkswagen GTI. However, with the maturity of core technology, a number of "oriental faces" are also emerging in today's performance car market, with higher cost performance and strong power output, which are attracting young people's love.
In addition, according to the latest statistics of the Association, the market share of independent brands in January was as high as 30%, an increase of 0.7% month-on-month, which is the camp with the highest market share after German, American and Japanese cars. It is true that under the crisis of chip shortage and rising raw materials, domestic cars have begun to form a "containment" trend for joint venture brands. As a high standard embodiment of a country's automobile manufacturing level, performance vehicles will continue to lead the market trend.