Chinese car manufacturer Changan has previewed its next production model with the CD701 concept. The CD701 concept, which debuted under the Qiyuan brand, is innovative due to the fact it is a cross between an SUV and a pickup truck, and it is expected to inspire a production-ready version next year.
The concept, which may be sold under the name “E0,” was unveiled at the Changan Automobile Science and Technology Ecological Conference in Chongqing, China. It is underpinned by the company’s SDA smart electric vehicle platform and is built like a five-seat SUV with a sloping roofline and a modern exterior.
The front fascia of the Changan CD701 has a fairly straightforward yet attractive design, with small headlights and C-shaped LED DRLs, and a few more D-shaped LEDs on the front bumper. In addition, it has a display in place of a conventional grille that shows the battery level and available drive range of the vehicle.
From the sides, in addition to lacking any discernible door handles, it also has cameras in place of wing mirrors and a roofline and rear window that extend to a high-riding decklid. It also rolls on a set of enormous wheels that are positioned beneath squared-off arches. The rear glass panel of the SUV can slide up and over the roof, transforming it into a pickup truck.
The intriguing design features continue at the back with a semi-circular LED light bar and a display that shows battery information just like the front. The interior of the concept is quite typical of what we have come to expect of a modern EV these days, with a sizable infotainment display, a simple dashboard, a head-up display, and a flat-bottomed steering wheel.
In terms of dimensions, the CD701 concept measures 5,000 mm long, 1,970 mm wide, and 1,630 mm tall with a 3,100mm wheelbase. To put it into perspective, the Toyota Camry XV70 is 4,910 mm long and has a 2,820 mm wheelbase. Information related to powertrain setup, battery, and motor is unavailable at the moment.
Changan independently developed the ‘brain’ of this vehicle, which supports features like voice interactions, autonomous charging, and automatically looking for charging stations. Additionally, according to Changan, the CD701 will be the first car in the world to be fitted with “vehicle satellite communication” technology, which can provide global coverage, connect to the Internet whenever necessary, and never lose connection.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
