Hongqi L1 Looks Like the Mutant Child of Rolls-Royce, Cadillac and Forgotten Ford

This new large sedan from China’s Hongqi will be offered with a choice of V6 and V8 hybrid powertrains.

China’s oldest and most prestigious brand, Hongqi, has several interesting cars in its lineup, but none are as stunning to look at as its next model, called the L1. Unlike other Hongqi models, it is the first Chinese version of the popular sedan segment, but it looks completely different.

The anterior end of L1 is abnormal. These images from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology show the new Hongqi sports a large front grille with chrome slats and a heavy chrome surround, and inspiration seems to be taken from the land of Rolls-Royce and its array of grilles. big.

Read: China’s Hongqi enters Germany with E-HS9 Electric SUV

Hongqi designers have paired this massive grille with headlights that look very similar to those of the second-generation Ford Scorpio, one of the most controversially styled Blue Oval models ever released in Europe.

Although these lights are more complex and have updated lighting technology, their overall shape closely mirrors that of the Scorpio, albeit slightly taller. The unusual design details at the front continue with the lower grille painted in black and decorated with silver accents arranged in an intricate geometric pattern.

The rest of the Hongqi L1 looks quite stylish, with a profile similar to that of Rolls Royce sedans and a rear end that closely resembles Cadillac sedans. Dominating the rear fascia is a chrome trim on the tailgate, stretching between the two large taillights. There’s also a full-width reflector/third brake light integrated into the chrome trim under the dash.

It’s pictured with a choice of 19-inch wheels and is quite tall, measuring 5,353 mm (210.7-inch) long with a 3,260-mm (128.3-inch) wheelbase. It is also 1,511 mm (59.4 inches) long and 1,998 mm (78.6 inches) wide.

Powering the L1 are two hybrid engines available that include a ternary lithium battery. The lineup starts with a 3.0-liter V6 producing 389 hp (290 kW), while the top option is a 4.0-liter V8 rated at 483 hp (360 kW). Both engines are mated to an automatic transmission.

An official launch date for the car has yet to be announced but there is a good chance it will be shown at the Beijing Auto Show next week.