The unveiling of the Shanxi Victory S102 in China may have been a low-key affair, but it is one unlikely to be overlooked by General Motors’ lawyers.
The all-new ute (pictured top) bears more than an uncanny resemblance to the Cadillac Escalade EXT pick-up (pictured below), and is the latest example of a Chinese manufacturer knocking-off a famous global design for its domestic market.
The Shanxi Victory S102 comes around six months after fellow Chinese car maker Jianghuai Auto Corporation revealed its Ford F-150 clone, the JAC 4R3. Ford’s legal team may have a few tips for their Detroit counterparts, as the blue oval brand blocked production of the 4R3 in May after successfully arguing that the Chinese version was an illegal copy of its design.
Although the S102 is not yet on sale, Shanxi Victory’s website lists two four-cylinder petrol engine options – one with 68kW and 193Nm, the other with 76kW and 215Nm – and lists a five-speed manual transmission as standard equipment along with alloy wheels, leather seats, electric windows and reverse parking sensors.
The S102 is 5030mm long, 1720mm wide and 1710mm tall, making it two feet shorter than the Escalade EXT and almost a foot skinnier.
China Car News reports the S102 is unlikely to be sold outside China’s Shanxi province, although with a population of more than 35 million, there is still expected to be a significant market for this Caddy clone.
Note: Images courtesy China Car Times.