Performance-based offerings from Chinese car makers are rare, so it was no surprise to see Roewe’s new 550RS wow the crowds upon its unveiling at the Shanghai motor show.
The new car points towards a new range-topping version of Roewe’s successful mid-range saloon. The hot Roewe 550RS is planned for introduction on the domestic Chinese market later this year.
Changes over its more sedate four-door sibling include a full complement of performance-orientated styling tweaks, including a deeper front bumper, flared wheel arches, chunkier side sills, a prominent rear-deck spoiler, a new rear bumper and 18-inch wheels and tyres.
Credit for the new look goes to a team of in-house designers at Roewe parent company SAIC‘s (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation) technical centre in England. Roewe wasn’t officially saying what engine it has earmarked for the 550RS, but officials hinted it would get a turbocharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder K-series unit, delivering 160bhp at 5000rpm and 158lb ft at 2500rpm.
Greg Kable
Shanghai motor show
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