The Chinese auto show Auto China is full of models unknown to us Europeans. This SS Dolphin, a plug-in hybrid that looks like the first generation Chevrolet Corvette, came from the sleeve of Songsan Motors, at least as unknown here!
The somewhat unfortunately called SS Dolphin is a 4.8 meter long, 1.85 meter wide and 1.39 meter high modern classic. At least, that’s what the Chinese manufacturer Songsan Motors would like you to find. The newcomer looks very much like the first generation Chevrolet Corvette, and in particular the second series as it was on the menu between 1958 and 1962. So with double headlights. Also handy: not only is there an open version available, Songsan also supplies an SS Dolphin with a fixed roof!
Although the SS Dolphin looks like a classic on the outside, it conceals modern technology inside and under the skin. The inside looks quite retro, but with its digital instruments and digital display on top of the dashboard, the SS Dolphin is really a child of this time. Even more striking is the SS Dolphin’s powertrain, as it is a plug-in hybrid! According to Chinese media, under the hood is a 1.5-liter blown four-cylinder, a machine that is linked to an electric motor. The battery pack has a capacity of 16 kWh, which according to Chinese media is good for a very ambitious electric range of 90 to 100 kilometers. The system power is unknown, but according to the Songsan website, the SS Dolphin shoots to a speed of 100 km / h in 4.9 seconds. A value that the primal ‘Vette with its eight cylinders could of course never score.
Songsan apparently also has a car that looks very much like the Volkswagen T1 (photos 15 and 16) on the menu, which, given the text on his muzzle, is called Summer. Unfortunately, little is known about this striking newcomer. In any case, the striking Chinese stuff does not come to the Netherlands, but it does provide beautiful viewing food!