There’s A New Raptor In Town But This One Is From China

The Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has leaked images of a new Haval Raptor variant ahead of its imminent debut. Originally unveiled as a PHEV last year, the Raptor will now reportedly receive a traditional combustion engine, reports Car News China. This shows that not even the Chinese automakers are immune to falling demand for electrified vehicles.

Before we discuss the familiar styling and blatant model name rip-off, let’s look at the engine. The Raptor will be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that produces 235 horsepower. There’s no information regarding the transmission, but it’s likely the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that Haval uses in most of its cars. Power is sent to all four wheels, while the top speed is limited to 124 mph.

Looks Good, But The Styling Is Very Familiar

The plug-in hybrid pairs a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with two electric motors, resulting in a combined output of 295 hp. While handsome, the Raptor’s styling is derivative and borrows several cues from Western off-roaders. The overall shape traces the Land Rover Defender, while the smaller details hint at the Ford Bronco. The front fascia also features elements of the new Toyota Land Cruiser.

Related

9 Chinese Copycat Cars That Angered Automakers

Nine breathtakingly bold Chinese copycat cars

Add CarBuzz to your Google News feed.

Interestingly, Haval has given the ICE-powered Raptor a different front end. Attractive square headlights flank a new grille with vertical chrome bars and smaller Haval badging. The PHEV version makes do with a more rugged look, with rounded headlights, horizontal grille bars, and an oversized Haval logo. This is similar to the different fascia treatments available on the Land Cruiser. Customers can choose from 265/60R18, 245/55R19, and 255/60R19 wheel combinations.

Very Similar To The Ford Bronco

It’s possible that Haval made these styling changes to differentiate the Raptor from the range-topping H9 SUV, the automaker’s Land Cruiser 300 rival. The Raptor measures 184.2 inches long, 76.8 inches wide, and 71.7 inches tall, about the same size as the Ford Bronco. Its 107.7-inch wheelbase is also comparable to the Ford. The approach angle is 25 degrees, while the departure angle is 32 degrees.We can’t imagine Ford is pleased that Haval is using this name. The Raptor performance brand is reserved for the best off-roaders from the Blue Oval, including the F-150 Raptor R, the Bronco Raptor, and the Ranger Raptor. Applying this to a regular SUV dilutes the brand for Ford. It remains to be seen whether the automaker will take legal action, as Audi did when Nio used the ES7 and ES8 names. Then again, it’s unlikely, as Haval doesn’t sell any vehicles in the US. Now that the US government has increased tariffs on Chinese-built vehicles (102% on electric cars), there’s even less chance they will reach our shores.