China’s Hybrid Kinetic Targets 2020 Launch for H600 Concept

Hybrid Kinetic Group (HKG) Ltd. plans to introduce a production version of its H600 hybrid-electric concept car by 2020.

The Chinese company unveiled the H600, which was designed by Italy’s Pininfarina SpA at the Geneva auto show earlier this month. As much as 90% of the concept sedan’s design will make it into the production car, HK board member Carter Yeung tells Automotive News.

After a trial run at Pininfarina’s plant in Italy, HKG will build the H600 in China, according to the report. Initial sales initially will be geared toward China and the U.S

The concept is powered by a micro-turbine system and a pair of electric motors that generate about 800 hp. The turbine can partially charge the battery pack and act as a range extender that enables a combined driving range of 620 miles. Zero to 62 mph acceleration is listed at 2.9 seconds.

HKG abandoned earlier plans to produce a hybrid car in Alabama in 2010. The company is headed by Yeung Yung, who previously was the CEO of Brilliance China Automotive and chairman of the company’s Shenyang Jinbei Passenger Vehicle affiliate. 

A separate Chinese company, Techrules, also is developing a turbine-electric car. The Beijing-based startup took the wraps off an updated version of its GT96 model in Geneva. Techrules is partnering with designer Giorgetto Giuiaro and motorsports specialist L.M. Gianetti on the project