Ecomento.com: The Qoros 2 PHEV concept was unveiled at the Shanghai International Auto Show this week. The compact crossover SUV features a turbocharged 4 cylinder engine for the front wheels and a separate electric motor for each rear wheel. The car can operate in electric only mode or in all wheel drive mode. The driver can also select Hybrid mode, which allows an onboard computer to optimize the input from both the engine and the electric motors for maximum fuel economy in all conditions.
Qoros is an Israeli/Chinese company with international ambitions. In its press release for the Qoros 2 PHEV concept, it offers few particulars about the drivetrain, range, type of battery or other technical specifications but goes on at length about how bold and rugged the styling is. All SUV owners like to imagine their vehicle could win a battle with a charging rhinoceros on the way to work and the Qoros 2 certainly looks capable of doing exactly that.
Chinese cars are virtually unknown in the US market at present, but that is going to change. There was a time when Japanese and Korean cars were unknown here but both have risen over time to become top sellers. Few Americans realize the importance of tradition in every aspect of Chinese culture. The Qoros press release offers numerous examples of how many cultural references are incorporated into the concept car. Here are a few examples:
“The Qoros 2 SUV PHEV Concept features a panoramic glass roof, which makes for a light and airy passenger cabin while incorporating a Chinese pattern in white jade. The pattern is traditionally used in Chinese windows, and synonymous with the layout of ‘Siheyuan’ a historical unique folk house in the Hutongs in Beijing with a long history in Chinese architecture. A QR code has been embedded within the design of the roof graphics, directing viewers to the Qoros website. The driver’s side rear wheel also pays homage to the Chinese Year of the Goat celebration with a special rim inlay design.”
“Looking more closely at the car, there are nine name ‘stamps’ featured throughout the exterior and interior. These reflect the nine design team members that worked on the car, but also have a deeper meaning. In mandarin, Nine九 (pinyin: jiŭ) sounds exactly like 久 (jiǔ) – which means ‘long lasting’ or ‘a long time’ and therefore is often used in weddings. But the number nine also describes something ‘big’ or ‘more’. This reflects the fact that more than just nine designers and technicians were involved to make this project happen.”
The concept features software that constantly updates the driver about projected range using electric or gasoline power. It also has an elaborate charging port that rises up from the base of the windshield so the owner never has to touch a charging cable. Inductive charging equipment is mounted underneath the car for wireless charging at home or on the electrified highways of the future.
Will the Qoros 2 concept ever enter production? And if so, will it ever make it to the US? There is a large pent up demand for plug in hybrid SUVs. If the world’s major manufacturers won’t give the people what they want, perhaps Qoros will.
