Here we go again - it's yet another rip-off by another up-and-coming Chinese carmaker, Shanghai-based Youxia Motors. The Youxia X is basically a copy-and-paste job, with the Tesla Model S as its foundation. So far, there has been no official response from Tesla regarding this product launch, and it'll be interesting to hear what Elon Musk thinks about all of this.
Much like the furore over the Landwind X7, this way of doing business is pretty much accepted in China. Nonetheless, the Youxia X does look quite nice, actually. According to reports, its powered by a 348 hp electric motor and has an operating system that is based on Google Android 5.0 that will be compatible with Apple and Android devices.
Interestingly, the car's designer, Huang Xiuyuan, is a big-time Knight Rider fan, and the operating system for the car is called KITT OS. Even the car's name, Youxia X, is based on the localised name of the 80's American TV show. What's more, there is a holographic grille that can interchange between Knight Rider style running lights, the Youxia logo or whatever else that takes your fancy. At this rate, it may be time for Youxia Motors to get David Hasselhoff as its official brand ambassador.
Anyhow, the vehicle also has a built in WiFi hotspot, and the car's electronics can be controlled remotely. It even has a real attention-grabbing fad, which allows the driver to pipe in a list of car engine sounds through the speakers, with sound options that include the Ferrari 488 GTB, La Ferrari and the Jaguar F-Type. Whether these sounds are officially licensed or not, remains to be seen.
According to CarNewsChina, the makers claim that the X can do the century sprint in 5.6 seconds. The official photo cites 0-60 km in 2.8 seconds, but we assume it's 60 km/h. It will come with the option of a 40 kWh, 60 kWh or 85 kWh battery, each with claimed ranges of 220 km, 330 km and 460 km, respectively. It is said that a full charge for the battery will only take half an hour at a Supercharger station.
Speculation is rife about the pricing, and it may be priced around $32,000 to $48,000 (RM122,000 to RM183,000) with customers getting a $14,000 (RM53,400) subsidy from the government with every purchase. The production of the Youxia X is slated towards the end of 2016.
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