Guangzhou Auto’s Alfa Romeo based Chuan Qi model to launch in September
Guangzhou Auto’s first self developed sedan is to be put into production on September 28th according to the Chinese automotive media, the sedan is based on the Alfa Romeo 166 platform that Guangzhou Auto (GAC) purchased from joint venture partner Fiat, late last year.
The Chuan Qi concept car was on show at the Beijing Auto Show in April this year where it wowed the crowds. Eventual pricing for hte model is not yet known, although Chinese auto sites are speculating that it will be priced around 100,000rmb, which if true would make the Chuan Qi quite a bargain for an Alfa based model. The Chuan Qi has also been spotted out testing (below) and appears to have kept quite close to its concept, the only difference appearing to be the grill and the location of the badge. Interestingly, certain Chinese auto outlets are saying that the Chuan Qi’s English name has already been designated as being ‘Trump Che’, hardly the best name for a car, and certainly on par with Best Urn in the automotive naming faux-pass rankings.
Engines for the Trump Che are reportedly a 2.0 naturally aspirated engine paired to a 5 speed semi automatic gearbox. There are also reports of Guangzhou Auto preparing 1.6 to 2.4L engines for other models, one of which might be the forthcoming SUV.