FAW Group and Silk EV, a little-known automaker startup founded in Italy in 2018, have established a joint enterprise named Silk-FAW to produce the Hongqi S range of hybrid and all-electric cars. The S9 flagship will be the first to come out.
The original S9 Concept debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in October 2019 (see the gallery and the video). Its powertrain incorporated a turbocharged gasoline V8 and an electric motor system, produced around 1,400 PS (1,030 hp / 768 kW), and hit the rear wheels with all that power for a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) snap in 1.9 seconds.
Walter de Silva, who was appointed Chief Designer and VP of Silk-FAW, said the development was nearing its completion for the S9.
The Hongqi S line of electrified vehicles will initially be made in Emilia-Romagna, Italy, and a new assembly line will later start in Changchun, China, near the FAW HQ. The corporation’s plans include eventual expansion to North America as well.