Shanghai, November 26 (Gasgoo.com) China's SUV-maker Changfeng Motor unveiled the production version of its first sedan model Acumen at the 2009 Guangzhou auto show this week, media reported.
The Changfeng Acumen sedan is derived from the Lancer model of the company's Japanese partner Mitsubishi Motors. The sedan is scheduled to start production later this year and go on sale in the domestic market in January 2010, with an expected price of over 100,000 yuan ($14,700).
The new sedan measures 4,480mm x 1770mm x 1462mm, with a wheelbase of 2640mm. Changfeng Motor will initially launch the car powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. It will be followed by less expensive 1.6- and 1.8-liter versions.
The Acumen concept model was unveiled earlier this year at the 2009 Shanghai auto show, alongside a sexier Acumen coupe with heavy Mitsubishi styling cues, especially from the Lancer Evo. The Acumen coupe may go into production in 2011.
Changfeng Motor, taken over by Guangzhou Auto Group in May, expects to speed up its entry into the sedan segment under its new owner, who is adding more models to its sedan portfolio, in addition to those from its partners Toyota and Honda.
Mitsubishi Motors has not decided yet whether to invest more in Changfeng, who expects further tie-up with Mitsubishi for sharper competitiveness. Their technology transfer deal expired in late June, but Mitsubishi still holds 14.59% stake in Changfeng.
