Chinese language President Xi Jinping touched down on U.S. soil on Wednesday for high-level talks with President Joe Biden, and whereas the go to is attention-grabbing for a variety of causes, it’s the automotive that the highly effective overseas chief was driving in that actually caught our eye.
Whereas Biden likes to journey round in a customized Cadillac limo referred to as ‘The Beast,’ China’s president rides in one thing barely extra understated, however equally intriguing. It’s recognized solely by its codename – N701 – and has been beforehand utilized by the president throughout journeys to Hong Kong and Russia. Two examples look to have been flown in for his go to to the U.S., however studies recommend that Hongqi is constructing round 50 examples over the approaching decade, all for official state duties.
Learn: Hongqi’s New Chinese language State Limousine Noticed Throughout Presidential Go to To Hong Kong
commercial scroll to proceed
The Hongqi utilized by President Xi Jinping will not be a sequence manufacturing mannequin, though it does share some similarities with the Chinese language agency’s massive H9 sedan. Media studies recommend the N701 is about 5.5m or 18 ft lengthy and based mostly across the L5. It’ll come as little shock that many particulars about it stay intently guarded secrets and techniques however it’s considered driving on 21-inch bulletproof wheels and tires, rocks bulletproof glass, and has some critical armor plating throughout the outside.
It has additionally been recommended by the Day by day Mail that Xi’s state automotive can face up to impacts from small bombs and has an air compression system to guard him towards chemical assaults. Energy is believed to come back from a 6.0-liter V12 pumping out roughly 408 hp, though this seems to be unconfirmed as Hongqi additionally builds a V8 that could possibly be used.
Screenshots through CobraEmergency/ABC Information
Visually, the N701 stands out from different present Hongqi fashions. Dominating the entrance fascia is a grille with vertical uprights and chrome surrounds, complemented by a pair of darkened headlights. As is customary of Hongqi fashions, there’s a massive pink flag badge on the hood. Different components that catch the attention embrace the pink flag badges on the entrance fenders, the chrome window surrounds and thick B-pillars, and the easy LED taillights.
President Xi is on his first go to to the U.S. since 2017 and after assembly with President Biden, is attending the continued Asia-Pacific Financial Cooperation summit in San Francisco.