Silk-FAW, a joint venture (JV) between international automotive engineering and design company, Silk EV, and one of China’s largest automotive manufacturers, FAW, unveiled today the ultra-luxury hypercar, Hongqi S9, at Auto Shanghai 2021. The Hongqi S9 makes its debut as the first of Silk-FAW’s Hongqi ‘S’ series, designed by legendary car designer, Walter De Silva, Vice President of Styling and Design Silk-FAW. Boasting a highly electrified V8 engine, the Hongqi S9 is a plug-in hybrid that is capable of zero emission driving. Leading with forward-thinking design, Hongqi S9 also features innovative carbon fiber air intakes which are seamlessly integrated into each headlight to conduct cooling air to the engine for maximum aerodynamic efficiency. The Hongqi S9 is a unique intersection of ultra-luxury, high-performance sports vehicles and new energy vehicles, which are among the fastest growing segments in China and international markets. Representing an awakening of innovation between China and Italy, the Hongqi S9 brings forth the future of mobility and electrification technology.
The fully-electric mode is best-suited when driving in the city. Featuring the most compact light and efficient e-axle in the market designed and manufactured directly by Silk-FAW in the Motor Valley, the Hongqi S9 boasts a V8 engine that recharges the battery in a few seconds if the distance traveled is greater than 40 km. In this mode, the powertrain and aerodynamics will be set to continuously switch on and off ICE engine according to the driving style of the driver. With all the systems automatically set to guarantee the best experience for the driver, the Hongqi S9 is pure fun to drive on the racetrack. Off the line, the Hongqi S9 will get you from 0-62 mph in just 1.9 seconds. From there, it will go all the way up to 400 km/h (249 mph). That’s thanks to a 1,400 hp hybrid driveline that pairs a V8T hybrid power system that pairs an engine to three electric motors. With three driving modes that enhance performance and efficiency, the Hongqi S9 can automatically recognize the location of the driver and set up all the car systems from screens to powertrain to aerodynamics.
The Hongqi S9 pushes the limits of aerodynamics and architecture to create a hypercar beyond precedent. The sculptural lines and racy shape of the exterior are just as functional as they are aesthetically pleasing, following the flow of air over the bodywork to achieve optimal aerodynamic efficiency. The strong and lightweight carbon fiber parts of the body further enhance performance, which is made visible by the solid red paintwork with exposed carbon fiber in functional parts. The Hongqi S9 also features smart electrochromic windows that vary in the tint intensity to improve energy consumption. Reimagining elegance with the high-end features of the Hongqi ‘S’ series, the interior design philosophically mirrors the exterior by directing all the sensations and vibrations of the Hongqi S9 to the driver to enhance the driving experience and performance. The interior of the Hongqi S9 also provides maximum comfort. Luxury features include 3 screens: two screens for the driver and one for the passenger, a low speed ventilation humidifier-purifier system with sealed filtration, and interior lighting that can adjust for intensity and ambience.
Silk-FAW is a joint venture (JV) between international automotive engineering and design company, Silk EV, and one of China’s largest automotive manufacturers, First Automobile Works (FAW). Silk-FAW was formed to develop a series of ultra-luxury, high-performance, new energy sports vehicles for China and the global markets. The JV is the first investment between China and Italy in the super premium and premium auto segments and marks a major milestone under the Belt & Road initiative for China, Italy and the global automotive industry. Silk-FAW plans to launch the new fully electric and hybrid luxury models under the Hongqi ‘S’ series, which is well-positioned to capture the opportunities in the fastest-growing auto segments in the China and international markets. Founded in 2018, SILK EV is an automotive engineering and design company headquartered in Emilia-Romagna, the Motor Valley of Italy, with additional operations in China and the United States. China FAW Group Corporation (“FAW” or the “Group”), formerly China First Automobile Works, was founded on July 15, 1953, when its first assembly plant was constructed. As one of China’s oldest and largest automotive manufacturers and FAW has more than 130,000 employees.
