With the Chinese auto industry booming, local
automaker Hongqi has decided to make a vehicle more accessible to the masses,
expected to be dubbed the L3.
Recently spied without any camouflage, the L3 will
join Hongqi’s growing family of models which already includes the large L5 and
a few years ago, included behemoths like the L7 and L9. For what it’s worth,
the L3 is still quite large, slotting into the D-segment of the industry
alongside European alternatives like the BMW 3-Series, Audi A4 and
Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
These images, snapped by local publication Sohu,
reveal that the L3 looks strikingly similar to previous Hongqi models and
includes a large front grille with vertical chrome slats. Elsewhere, the L3
includes simple headlights and horizontal LED daytime running lights at the
base of the bumper. Perhaps the most intriguing design element of the new
Hongqi is the transparent red badge that sits at the front of the hood. It’s
certainly no Spirit of Ecstasy but it does catch the eye.
Elsewhere, the L3 has a simple wheel design,
incredibly-thick C-pillars and chrome door handles. It remains to be seen when
the L3 will hit dealership floors but it will reportedly be powered by a
4.0-liter twin-turbocharged engine delivering 375 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque.
