The Qiantu K50 is a Chinese all-electric sports car
that made its North American premiere at the New York Auto Show. The sports car was unveiled in
near-production guise three years ago at the Beijing Motor Show, and the
vehicle displayed in New York is apparently the version that will be sold in
the United States starting next year.
The K50 will reach U.S. shores with the help of
Mullen Technologies, a company based in California. Shown here live from the
event in the Big Apple, the K50 certainly turns heads thanks to its intriguing
exterior design. However, it takes a lot more than striking looks for it to
succeed Stateside.
The sports car from Qiantu Motor features an
electric powertrain with two motors, one powering each axle. All up, they
deliver 402 hp and incorporate an ‘overclocking mode’ that pumps them
up to 429 hp. Details about the size of the battery pack of U.S.
models remains unclear, but models sold in China come equipped with a 78 kWh
battery. Something similar can be expected locally, complete with active liquid
cooling and heating management.
One of the most intriguing features of the K50 which
distinguishes it from most other electric vehicles being launched is a
roof-mounted solar panel, which powers an in-car air circulation system to
ensure the cabin remains cool in even the hottest of temperatures.
