Gone are the days when the road-going sedans with rallying DNA — the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo and Subaru WRX STI used to rule the segment. Today Lancer Evo has faded into the history books and the WRX isn’t as exciting as it used to be. Some say the Hyundai Elantra N is a modern-day substitute for the iconic Mitsubishi & Subaru performance sedans from the past, but it hasn’t yet met with the same craze & reception that the Japanese duo enjoyed.
However, like most automobile segments, road-going performance sedans are now witnessing the presence of Chinese contenders. The newest and possibly most eye-catching model from Chinese automaker GAC Aion appears to have been taken straight out of an early Fast & Furious movie or one of the Midnight Club video games from the early 2000s. With multiple striking aerodynamic elements and an incredibly recognizable decal, the new Aion S Black Dragon Max surely lives up to its fantastic moniker.
Related: GAC Aion Becomes the World’s Fastest Brand to Produce 1 Million Vehicles
The Black Dragon Max is based on the standard Aion S Max sedan that was unveiled late last year. It sports an aggressive front bumper with a sizable splitter and aerodynamic canards on either side. Along with new door mirror covers and blacked-out emblems, the carmaker has applied a tinted glass coating to the windshield to enhance its overall appearance.
GAC Aion S Black Dragon Max
The profile of the Black Dragon Max appears even more Fast & Furious. There is an enormous dragon depiction that looks fascinating. Whether the dragon is a decal or painted is uncertain, but it stands out on this sedan anyway. Additional exterior modifications include red TEI Racing brake calipers with 6 pistons up front, black wheels with red lug nuts, and bespoke side skirts. The Black Dragon Max’s exotic appearance concludes with a fixed rear wing, an aggressive diffuser, and a slender central brake light.
The electric sedan hides under its skin, a 67.9 kWh NMC battery pack that drives a 245 hp single electric motor mounted at the front axle. This allows the car to hit 100 km/h in just 6.8 seconds. The Black Dragon Max has a driving range of 610 km per charge. It will reportedly go on sale in the Chinese market in the second half of the year.
Related: The 1,224hp GAC Aion Hyper SSR Goes on Sale in China
GAC Aion has started to spread its wings outside China, starting from Thailand where its factory is also being constructed from where the right-hand drive units will also be exported to other RHD markets besides fulfilling demand in the Thai market. We can only wish at this stage if the likes of GAC Aion S Black Dragon Max reach our part of the world.
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
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