Copycat Cars That Debuted at This Year's Beijing Motor Show
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, or so they say.
The 2016 Beijing Motor Show starts this week and China’s automakers are getting ready to show off their latest creations. Some automotive enthusiasts might raise an eyebrow when seeing some of these cars because it might be an understatement to say some of them resemble current production models from other automakers.
Currently the largest automotive market in the world, China sold more than 20 million vehicles last year. The country’s automakers may eventually become a force to be reckoned with, as they make quick strides in development and production and often have huge investment partners with bottomless cash reserves. Chinese companies are notorious for knocking off other more established companies’ designs and undercutting their prices because of lax copyright laws.
Check out these Chinese cars that look suspiciously familiar.
Zotye SR8 / Porsche Macan
One of the cars making its debut this week is the Zotye SR8 and we won’t fault you if it reminds you of an Infiniti crossover or more noticeably, the Porsche Macan. The company has developed a reputation for copycats over the years, and it’s not holding back with its latest creation. When comparing the Zotye SR8 to the Macan, the similarities are astonishing. But when it comes to the mechanical bits, a Mitsubishi-sourced 2.0-liter turbocharged engine will hardly offer the same type of excitement as a Porsche Macan. Something tells us we won’t see the SR8 outside of its domestic market.
LeeCo LeSee / Tesla Model S
The LeeCo LeSee was recently introduced and the Chinese automaker has never shied away from claiming it would produce a Tesla Model S fighter. LeeCo is also the parent company helping fund Faraday Future, so in a way, the LeSee previews what Faraday Future could have up its sleeves. As for the LeSee concept, we can’t help but notice the similarities with the Tesla Model S. The company is also boasting that it aims to invest in autonomous technologies, just like how Tesla is focusing on its AutoPilot.
SEE ALSO: Full 2016 Beijing Motor Show Coverage
Borgward BX7 / Jaguar F-Pace
And then there’s the Borgward BX7 that is being manufactured by BAIC. This SUV is based on the Senova X65 and was penned by former Saab designer Einar Hareide. We can’t help but notice the prevalent front grille that resembles the Jaguar F-Pace while its bodylines closely resemble something from Audi.
Chery Tiggo 7 / Volkswagen Tiguan
Even the Chery Tiggo 7’s name sounds similar to the Volkswagen Tiguan. At first glance, it may appear the Chery Tiggo 7 doesn’t really resemble the Volkswagen Tiguan, but once you place them side-by-side, the resemblance is uncanny. Although the Tiggo 7 has more rounded edges compared to the Tiguan’s sharper lines, it’s painfully obvious what inspired the Chinese automaker’s design.
BAIC Electric Supercar / Aston Martin Vulcan
BAIC’s electric supercar has leaked ahead of its official debut and while it looks quite stunning on its own, place it next to the Aston Martin Vulcan and you can see why it looks so good. It features the same overall shape and profile, with a sloping front end and bulging front fenders. It even carries a similar bodyline to the rear of the car. The only thing it’s really missing is a large spoiler in the rear.
With how quickly the industry is growing in China, it will be interesting to see what comes out at the 2016 Beijing Motor Show. Stay glued to AutoGuide.com for reports on some of the major debuts that could impact the North American market.
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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With all due respect to the Chinese, it seems their genetic code was not gifted with original design creativity. They rip off designs of everything from fighter jets, cars, yachts to cell phones and tablets. I'd like to see something original from them besides fireworks....
There is still some promising creativity going on comparing to past auto-mobiles