news

China launches 1958 Corvette replica … and it’s a plug-in hybrid

Chinese manufacturer Songsan Motors has launched a suspiciously recognisable new model, called the SS Dolphin.


Unveiled earlier this week at the Beijing Motor Show, the designers of the hard-top convertible have apparently been inspired by the 1958 Chevrolet Corvette C1.

The Chinese copycat car is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre plug-in hybrid combination and, according to the brand’s website, can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds.

It may lack a V8 but if the performance claim is true, the 1958 Corvette knock-off is quicker than the car that inspired it. The Corvette C1 took around eight seconds to reach the same speed.

 

Drive

The wheelbase is significantly shorter than that of the C1, and the nose extends further over the front axle than the Corvette.

It is 4800mm long, 1850mm wide and 1390mm tall – that is 300 mm longer and 94 mm taller than the original.

Proportions at the tail end are not much better, with the rear-wheel arches completely missing the mark.

 

Drive

The official manufacturer specs – translated to English – suggest the car has front and rear disc brakes, ABS, traction control, dual airbags, and stability control.

A fuel consumption figure of 3.0 litres per 100 kilometres is also claimed.

The interior appears to be completely modernised, and photos from the launch show the vehicle with two large infotainment touch screens.

 

Drive

It has an eight-year/150,000 kilometre battery warranty, and a five-year/100,000 kilometre vehicle warranty.

Pricing starts from ¥590,000 (AU$122,019), making it only slightly cheaper than a restored original Corvette.

In 2016, Chinese manufacturer Zotye released a Porsche Macan clone known as the SR8, and, later than year, Jaguar Land Rover sued Jiangling Motor X7 over an Evoque reproduction.

Drive
William Davis

William Davis has written for Drive since July 2020, covering news and current affairs in the automotive industry. He has maintained a primary focus on industry trends, autonomous technology, electric vehicle regulations, and local environmental policy. As the newest addition to the Drive team, William was brought onboard for his attention to detail, writing skills, and strong work ethic. Despite writing for a diverse range of outlets – including the Australian Financial Review, Robb Report, and Property Observer – since completing his media degree at Macquarie University, William has always had a passion for cars.

Read more about William DavisLinkIcon
Chat with us!







Chat with Agent