Pininfarina unveiled a hybrid sedan concept for a
Chinese automaker. The two have teamed up again to reveal another couple of
electrified concepts at the Shanghai Auto Show.
Following hot on the heels of the H600 sedan, the Hybrid Kinetic
Group presents the K550 and K750 – both designed, once again, by Pininfarina.
Pictured in silver, the K550 is a five-seat crossover concept, while the larger K750 sits taller and stretches longer to accommodate seven occupants. Both embody similar design cues to the H600,
but applied to larger forms.
Also like the H600, they're powered by a conceptual
electric powertrain being developed by HKG and supplemented by a micro-turbine acting as a range-extending
power generator. The system boasts energy recovery rates of 30 percent and a
range of over 1,000 kilometers. And because surface-bound turbine
engines require little maintenance, the powertrain can run for 10,000 hours
before it requires any servicing whatsoever, with an expected lifespan of
50,000 hours of operation.
While Pininfarina has designed singularly elegant
forms for these three concepts, its involvement is not constricted solely to
their appearance. As part of a € 65-million, 46-month deal between Pininfarina
and HKG, the Italian consultancy will handle the vehicles' complete
development, from start to finish.
