Xi Jinping’s State Car
China’s Hongqi N701
Costs 1.016 trillion KRW?
On November 15th (local time), U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a U.S.-China summit in San Francisco. The two leaders, who have been at odds over supply chain issues and the Taiwan problem, met again for the first time in a year on the sidelines of the APEC summit. While both countries avoided confrontation, they revealed clear differences in their positions.
The meeting between the powerful leaders of the two countries attracted global attention, and their state cars also caught the eye. A scene of Xi Jinping showing off his state car to Biden after the summit has been released, sparking global discussion.
The vehicle in question is known to be from a Chinese car company. Let’s find out what car Xi Jinping was so proud to show off.
Xi Jinping’s Pride:
China’s Hongqi N701
On November 16th, China’s CCTV released footage of Xi Jinping and Biden conversing in front of the meeting venue.
Xi Jinping expressed his belief that the friendly relationship between the two countries would continue, and Biden nodded in agreement. Biden then admired Xi Jinping’s state car, to which Xi responded, “This is my Hongqi car, it’s domestically made,” and instructed his aide to open the car door.
With the release of this scene, naturally, the world’s attention focused on Xi Jinping’s state car.
Leaders of various countries drive state cars from their own national brands, and this car turned out to be the N701 from Hongqi, a Chinese brand. This is not the first time Xi Jinping’s car has been spotted.
Xi Jinping has traveled in the N701 to Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Russia in March of last year.
Boasts Massive Size
Costs a whopping 1.016 trillion KRW to produce
Hongqi (Hong qi) is a subsidiary of China’s FAW automotive group, which focuses on producing top-tier lines for high-ranking officials. It means ‘red flag’, symbolizing an important color in Chinese culture and the Communist Party. The N701, also known as the Chinese version of Rolls-Royce, is a top-tier model produced only five times a year. In particular, it’s known that the state car was specially produced for a staggering 570 million yuan (approximately 1.016 trillion KRW), causing a sensation.
The N701 has been in operation as a state car since last year, following the same brand’s L5.
The car gives the impression of being a combination of a Mercedes, Rolls-Royce, and Cadillac limousine.
The vehicle’s dimensions are impressive, boasting a length of 6m, width of 2m, wheelbase of 3.5m, and 21-inch bulletproof wheels.While the Chinese government has not released detailed information, it is speculated that the N701 is an armored vehicle equipped with bulletproof glass and a system to withstand the impact of small bombs and protect the president from chemical attacks.
Distinct Design Elements
Exact Information Not Released
The N701 stands out with its design elements that are noticeably different from other models.
The front features a large rectangular radiator grille and chrome window trim that capture the eye. Also, the large red flag badge in the center of the hood is notable, from which a red light can be emitted. Other features include a thick B-pillar, LED tail lights, blue trim on the door, and a touchscreen in the front seat.
While exact powertrain information has not been released, foreign media report that the N701 is likely equipped with a 3L V6 gasoline engine and an electric motor. As a result, the N701’s combined output is estimated to be 462 horsepower. After inspecting the interior of the vehicle, Biden praised the N701, noting its similarities to his own Cadillac Beast. Some speculate that Xi Jinping’s display of the car is a bold statement of the competitiveness of China’s rapidly growing automotive industry, suggesting that U.S. sanctions cannot hinder the development of their domestic industry.
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