Chinese automaker SAIC has teased a new
pickup truck that will be launched through its Maxus division that builds SUVs
and pickups. Very few details about the vehicle are known. It is claimed that
it has been referred to as the Maxus V on social media in China and that will
be revealed in the second half of 2020. Maxus is also known as LDV in some
markets, such as Australia, and it is possible the Maxus V will act as a
successor to the current T60 pickup.
However, while we are scarce on official details,
CIT Report claims that the Maxus V will either be a plug-in hybrid or feature
an all-electric powertrain. This would fit in line with the company’s intention
to launch 20 new energy models, including EVs and plug-in hybrids, by 2025. One
possibility is that the truck will share its electric powertrain with the Euniq
6, which has an electric motor with 174 hp and 310 Nm of torque.
From a visual standpoint, the concept
looks rather striking and is certainly more eye-catching than the current LDV
T60. Visible at the front is a large Maxus badge as well as a prominent and
upright grille and a set of slim LED headlights. Elsewhere, we can see that it
sports flared front and rear wheel arches as well as slim wing mirrors. The
side windows are also quite narrow for a pickup of this size and flow back to a
thick C-pillar, while the concept also has an aerodynamic roof box.
