Chinese car manufacturers have produced some memorable pieces of car design and this, the WEY Yuanmeng, may be one of the most intriguing examples we’ve seen in many years.
Whereas most other car manufacturers are adopting radical and futuristic design directions, WEY has done the opposite with the Yuanmeng, taking inspiration from cars from the 1950s and bringing these traits into the modern age.
It may not come as much of a surprise that the Yuanmeng is based around the ORA Punk Cat, another piece of retro design from Great Wall Motors. Showcased here for the first time ahead of its global debut at the Chengdu Auto Show, the Yuanmeng has five doors just like the Punk Cat but immediately stands out thanks to its front end.
Dominating the design is a large grille with chrome slats positioned horizontally. The chrome accents continue across the lower portion of the front end and are also found around the headlights. Look a little closer and you will also notice chrome trimmings on the hood, front quarter panels, and the wing mirrors. Whereas most carmakers believe that chrome has gone out of fashion, WEY obviously thinks differently.
The intriguing design continues along the sides with flared front and rear wheel arches, chrome wheels, and chrome door handles. Among the key pieces of design at the rear include the oval-shaped taillights, the pronounced spare wheel cover, and the chrome bumper.
Preliminary images shared online of the Yuanmeng’s interior by Car News China shows that there are three chrome-trimmed air vents in the center of the dash. Other highlights include the digital instrument cluster, the central infotainment screen, and the additional display for the front passenger. You will also notice the floating center console and the multitude of leather-trimmed parts.
It is understood that the WEY Yuanmeng will be sold exclusively with a plug-in hybrid powertrain consisting of a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine coupled to an electric motor and delivering a combined 238 hp and 383 lb-ft (520 Nm) of torque. This powertrain is mated to a nine-speed dual-clutch transmission and the car will apparently be able to travel 121 miles (195 km) on electric power alone.
