Photo: Songsan
What a strange feeling. You don’t have to be a classic car enthusiast to enjoy the view of a 1958 Corvette. It is a rare sight and, if in a good condition, anyone would gladly spend at least some minutes to get a closer look. But, hey, you’d better not come too close to this one!
The reality is not what it seems to be from a distance, and disappointment is almost guaranteed. We are talking about the thing exposed by Songsan Motors at the latest edition of the Beijing International Auto Show, during the autumn of 2020.
Unless you are partly blind, this automobile has very little chance to meet your expectations. There is nothing about it that could make someone with good eyesight think that it even partly resembles a real Chevrolet Corvette. That said, the level of detail that went into its build is something to be admired.
The Dolphin is 11.8 inches (300 mm) longer and 3.4 inches (86 mm) taller than the original Corvette C1. The disproportioned overhangs, the relatively short wheelbase, and the small wheels make it look like a toy car, while the interior design is mind-blowing in the worst possible way. Under its hood there is no V8, but a hybrid gas-electric powerplant provided by BYD. It consists of a turbocharged 1.5 liter engine and electric motor combo, mated to a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
The system’s total output is rated at 315 hp and 395 pound-feet (535 Nm) of torque. Songsan claims an acceleration from 0 to 100 kph (62 mph) in 4.9 seconds for this kinda funny front-wheel-drive convertible. Also, it says the 16 kWh battery, when completely charged, enables an electric range of about 60 miles (96 km). Well, at least it must come cheap, as everybody from the western side of our planet would be tempted to think. Think again, though, because the price is about 598,000 yuan, which translates to some $87,725. Oops!
The reality is not what it seems to be from a distance, and disappointment is almost guaranteed. We are talking about the thing exposed by Songsan Motors at the latest edition of the Beijing International Auto Show, during the autumn of 2020.
Unless you are partly blind, this automobile has very little chance to meet your expectations. There is nothing about it that could make someone with good eyesight think that it even partly resembles a real Chevrolet Corvette. That said, the level of detail that went into its build is something to be admired.
The Dolphin is 11.8 inches (300 mm) longer and 3.4 inches (86 mm) taller than the original Corvette C1. The disproportioned overhangs, the relatively short wheelbase, and the small wheels make it look like a toy car, while the interior design is mind-blowing in the worst possible way. Under its hood there is no V8, but a hybrid gas-electric powerplant provided by BYD. It consists of a turbocharged 1.5 liter engine and electric motor combo, mated to a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
The system’s total output is rated at 315 hp and 395 pound-feet (535 Nm) of torque. Songsan claims an acceleration from 0 to 100 kph (62 mph) in 4.9 seconds for this kinda funny front-wheel-drive convertible. Also, it says the 16 kWh battery, when completely charged, enables an electric range of about 60 miles (96 km). Well, at least it must come cheap, as everybody from the western side of our planet would be tempted to think. Think again, though, because the price is about 598,000 yuan, which translates to some $87,725. Oops!
Google News