Certainly Chinese auto makers have a long way to go in terms of original design and engineering if they are going to succeed abroad. However, there are signs of improvement with capable attempts at contemporary designs that are more competitive at an international level.
For example, seen in these first spy photos, the Bentung A 501 is the latest vehicle to roll out from China's first auto manufacturer, First Automobile Works (FAW) under the Bentung name. The A 501 was designed by famous Italian design house, ItalDesign, and is slated as a ’sporty’ model. Under a joint venture with Mazda, it is speculated that the A 501 is built on the Ford CD3 midsize platform used in the Mazda6 and powered by either an in-house developed 1.6-liter engine or the 2.0-litre engine also from the Mazda 6 according to ChinaCarTimes.com. The car is expected to launch at this year’s Beijing Auto Show.
FAW Bentung A 501 Spied
AUTOMEDIA / FAW Bentung A 501 Spied
By Brian Potter
April 11, 2008 12:23 PM
Filed Under: Spy Photos
Comments
ceven
April 11, 2008 12:30 PM
Get the 2.0 Mazda engine and people might actually buy one. Clever.
xLumino
April 11, 2008 4:58 PM
indeed. I hope, they know, that the worldwide standart is higher then what is produced there. But I hope for a good sucess, when it is technical on a current level. The Silhouette reminds me to Mazda6 and Honda Accord. Hope there is something unique in the end
joelynn
April 12, 2008 1:31 PM
ItalDesign made this and yet it is the Insignia with hints of the Mazda6- so its not the Chinese designers that are copying western designs- rather some committee ; ) mystery solved
wongnawa
April 13, 2008 5:48 PM
what a weird name "BENTUNG". it doesn't even sound chinese. kinda like BENTLEY + SAMSUNG lol!!!!
cianeo
April 15, 2008 3:36 AM
the car's name is besturn,not bentung. "bentung" is its chinese tongue.
Add Comment
[cancel]
