Pininfarina and the Hybrid Kinetic Group got together to present two more prototypes, this time at the Shanghai Motor Show.
First up was the H600 prototype (below), presented for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show. Then, the confirmation: the H600 will even give rise to a production model, looking quite similar to the model we could see at the Swiss event.
It is now known that last month's event was just the tip of the iceberg. The Italian design house has just presented two new concepts at the Shanghai Motor Show – together with the Chinese group Hybrid Kinetic Group – K550 and K750.
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The first (left) is a five-seater crossover, while the second (right) is a larger SUV that can accommodate 7 occupants. Aesthetically, both derive from the design language adopted in the H600. Easily visible, above all, in the optics-grid set.
Green light to produce?
For now, the answer is yes. Although the specifications are not yet known, Pininfarina guarantees that – just like the H600 – these two models will use a set of electric thrusters with a range extender (a micro-turbine), which, according to the brand, will allow to travel up to 1000 km (NEDC cycle) in a single charge.The partnership between Pininfarina and the Hybrid Kinetic Group, announced just over a month ago, culminated in an investment of 63 million euros, and will last for three years. Carter Yeung, a member of the Hong Kong-based group's board of directors, says the goal is to produce more than 200,000 vehicles a year a decade from now.
Pininfarina will be involved not only in the styling but in every aspect of the production of this range of electric models. Bearing in mind that the H600 will only hit production lines in 2020 (at best…), the K550 and K750 will still have to wait.
That said, when will the 100% electric sports car promised last year? We're still waiting, Pininfarina…