Jinhe, directly translating to “Gold River”, is a Guangzhou-based premium Chinese brand under the Honghu Automotive Corporation, alongside its more affordable counterpart Huangdou and China-only luxury brand Honghu.
Expanding its market to North America, Jinhe initially offered a more affordable answer to the large premiums of its German and Japanese rivals, but later evolved into a brand focused on bringing China’s innovative technology to the table.
With vehicles bearing the Huangdou marque selling well in Asian developing countries, the Honghu Automotive Corporation dipped their toes into the American premium market through the launch of the 2004 Jinhe Albatross; a sports-utility vehicle reverse-engineered from various mid-2000s Toyota and Lexus SUVs.
Since then, Jinhe has been selling its vehicles in American, European and Chinese markets with its flagship full-size Grand Chariot (now named the GC), mid-sized Qingxiu sedan, and its Albatross and Luofu crossovers.
Each vehicle offers trims ranging from:
Cu - base model Ag - your typical mid-range Au- common top of the line trim Pt - ultra-luxury trims seen on some vehicles S - sport trims which maintain some form of sanity SR - sport trims which throw sanity out of the question
Although the S-trims provided more than enough punch to get through the day, Jinhe decided to take a bit of liberties pertaining what they build, with the SR-series trims; motorsport-inspired sport trims which neglect sanity by any means necessary. All SR trims were equipped with AWD, Jinhe’s self-engineered dual-clutch transmission, a rather obnoxious aero kit, as well as their active suspension suite. Carbon ceramic brake kits were included on all trims as well.
The SR-trim of the Songya was a large jump from the S-trim. Infotainment and safety was stripped down to the most basic they could make, while the engine was tuned to 305 horsepower, giving the SR a 0-60 time of 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 235 km/h. The SR sported a large wing on the rear, yellow foglamps and also came in a 3-door variant dubbed “turismo”. Despite offering its wealthy amounts of power, the SR was priced at a mere $29368. I also just realized that the handles and mirrors were lost in the great deformation of last update. Oh well.
Although the S-trim provided plentiful power, the SR trim was made for no other reason besides not giving a damn. Safety would be downgraded from the top trims, removing a bit of safety equipment to shed weight. Despite this, the Albatross would still weigh roughly 4687 pounds. A 728-horsepower V10 would push the large crossover to 60 in 3.2 seconds, driving it to a top speed of almost 300 km/h. The Albatross SR would be priced around $65000.
Unlike its fuel-sipping alternative trims, the Tiane SR would take the twin-turbo V8 of the Albatross S and transversely shoehorn it inside its tight engine bay. The 505 horsepower engine took the Tiane to 60 in 4.2 seconds. The fenders would be pulled to fit 275-width tires on 20-inch wheels, throwing the large wagon around corners as well as the Albatross SR, with both vehicles pulling roughly 1.15g. The Tiane SR was priced around $43000.
The Jinhe Grand Chariot has been the brand’s flagship luxury sedan since its launch, flexing China’s technological prowess in each iteration. Three generations of the Grand Chariot, now called the GC, were made prior to the name change. Some dating back to when I just started getting used to UE4.
Ironically enough, my most recent design happens to be the oldest model of the Grand Chariot. The 2008 model bases itself solely on comfort. There are choices between a 4.5-litre V8 or a 5.0-litre V12 making around 287 horsepower. A panoramic sunroof, satellite navigation system and LED lights were standard. Air suspension was used on this generation, which would be later phased out in the 2015 model in favour of active suspension instead. Nothing special or innovative really occurred in the 2008 Grand Chariot. At most, a personalized voice assistant was offered but was very half-baked. The oldest Grand Chariot was priced around $61500 (in-game estimate).
2008 Grand Chariot Gallery (ft. extra VIP version)
Oh god the early UE4 days are back. Sometimes I look back and wonder “what was I thinking” when I created it. Either way, we all start somewhere right? The V12’s displacement was upped to 6 litres, allowing the PtS model to make a rather ludicrous 700 horsepower. Furthermore, this generation debuted Jinhe’s new “peacock” design language, which uses multiple lights layered on top of each other to vaguely mock bird wings spread out. This design carried throughout the other models of the same year and was phased out in 2018 for the infinity design language, which actually looked like wings spreading out. The 2015 model was one of the very first vehicles to incorporate a “eyes-on-road” warning system, which prompted the driver to stare back on the road when it would catch them drifting off. The personalized assistant was also refined, allowing air conditioning and driver memory functions to be called via voice. Uhh, it was also comfortable I guess. It started around $82000? I can care less. I’m already tired of talking about this abomination generation. Cue the gallery.
Ah, that’s much better Yang. You actually copped some mods. The infinity design language debuted with this model, seen in its aggressive yet elegant headlight and taillight design. The 2018 model added even more features on top of the 2015 model, including forward collision warning and braking, 360 camera and semi-autonomous capabilities. The 707 horsepower V12 from the old generation was kept in the PtS model, while the rest used the same V8 from the 2008 Grand Chariot. The 2018 model started around $95000, further increasing the model’s price hike.
The Grand Chariot has since swapped names to the GC, which can be seen in the 2019 Geneva Motor Show thread. Further models are planned to be built, and more technologically-advanced each step of the way.
I really like how the 2008 is styled, it’s really well done and works very well as a luxury sedan of the time, but the rest look a bit crap compared to it.
But I do understand that it’s the most recent of your creations, so maybe later on you’ll redo the newer ones?
Thanks! The 2015 is surely due for a redux since it was one of my first designs, and perhaps I can get better pics of the 2018 or give it a refresh altogether. Both old designs have gotten to the point where I have pretty much stopped caring about them, but I guess if popular demand asks for a refresh, might as well go for it.
In 2004, the Jinhe brand kickstarted with the Albatross; a reverse-engineered Lexus SUV aimed towards making a splash in the North American market. It was kept relatively basic on the running gear front, despite bearing a reasonably premium interior with high tech for its time, as per Jinhe tradition.
The Albatross was aimed to mix a rugged look in its premium shell. A large spare tire holder is evident on the rear, with a cutout for a towhook. The words “Albatross” are embedded into the rear as well. The liftgate opens outwards to the left due to the spare tire holder. The sides are kept simple, with thick, colour-matched trim and skirts to break up the flat texture. The words “Jinhe” are embedded in the dual bar grille. The entire design is wrapped up with large offroad-styled wheels, which ultimately give it its rugged look.
The Albatross was simple for the sake of mass production. Body-on-frame, untreated steel panels, and a 4 speed auto. Where the brand didn’t compromise however, was its DW/Multilink suspension geometry, derived from earlier Honghus. It would be powered by a 286 horsepower 5.2 litre V8, taking it to 100 km/h in a measly 9.6 seconds. Good on fuel economy though? Not really. 16 miles to the gallon.
The Albatross sold relatively well with its $33 000 USD price tag. Despite its powertrain being very reliable, the first-generation Albatross was plagued with corrosion issues. Consumers frequently reported premature galvanizing of the chassis with spontaneous surface rust developing on the panels early into ownership. Further issues were reported with the dashboard melting under high temperatures, as well as interior build quality complaints regarding excessive rattling. Thankfully, parts for the Albatross were dirt cheap and most of the problems except for rust could be fixed with simple, inexpensive parts.
Shown: Jinhe Albatross Au with 5.7L V8. Ignore the price.
The 2020 Jinhe Albatross introduces Jinhe’s new design language alongside the new GC. The infinity headlights accompany the new large, Audi-like grille which house a radar in its first gen-esque black strip. The new Albatross sells worldwide, with engines ranging from a 2.0 litre turbo inline-4 up to a North America-exclusive 5.7 litre twin turbo V8.
The Albatross’ design stays relatively rugged to reflect its heritage, with various luxurious touches all around. The grille’s flow is heavily inspired by the Changan CS95, with a large main centrepiece with horizontal bars jutting out towards the outer edges of the lower fascia. Down there, the grille meets a pair of LED fog lights and a large lip. Like Changan’s design language, the words “Jinhe” are boldly presented at the front, flanked by the attractive traditional Jinhe infinity headlights.
The sides are molded with square elements to further reinforce its rugged design. Luxurious touches are added ontop of it, with a large black and chrome strip with the Albatross words illuminated, with the apex of the trim lined with another LED bayonet.
The rear utilizes a single taillight unit, seen on various modern luxury cars of the era. The trunk is a dual folding unit like the BMW X5. Pushing the top part of the handle opens the top unit, while the bottom part opens both top and bottom units.
The new Albatross comes with three engines; a 2.0 litre turbo inline-four only available in European and Asian markets, a 3.0 litre twin turbo V6 available internationally, as well as a 5.7 litre twin turbo V8 exclusive to North American markets. All models except for the Cu trim use 9-speed automatic transmissions with an eLSD in the centre, giving the vehicle various drive modes; dynamic, comfort, sport, offroad, and deep snow. Suspension in all vehicles except for the base trim is of state-of-the-art technology, with active springs, dampers and sway bars all around helping to detect bumps in the road ahead and adjust accordingly. Unlike the first generation, the Albatross is now unibody with advanced high strength steel.
Interior & Technology
It’s a Geely interior, but infotainment-wise it’s close enough to how the Albatross would look inside.
The interior of the Albatross very closely resembles the Geely’s FY11’s interior in real life. The interior and infotainment from the Cu to Au trims would not be as extravagantly high-tech and large as the interior of the flagship GC, but would offer more than enough technology to get around. The Honghu voice-activated Assistant with gesture control, SafetyShield AI collision avoidance system and HUD, illuminated floor lighting and digital dashboard with Baidu-assisted maps were standard in most trims, while all were optional in the Cu trim. The Pt trim would offer all of that, but would add the GC widescreen infotainment system, built-in aroma diffuser, adaptive headlights, dimming heated side mirrors, dimming windshield visor, and its state-of-the-art AR HUD Assistant which highlights navigation instructions and open parking spots on the road on top of its existing features. The Albatross was offered in 5-seaters and long-wheelbase 7-seaters with standard and captain’s chair configurations, with a 4-seater recliner option available for the Pt trim.
The Jinhe Albatross comes in various trims, with its base model starting at $40 500 USD. All Jinhes come with wheel choices from 19in up to 22 in. A list of values is below for vehicles I actually bothered making ;). If demand is high, an SR trim will be built.
INFINITY HEADLIGHT DESIGN continues the striking and innovative look to the Jinhe brand and is going to be discontinued after this car with sweeping and ignition animations
DIAMOND PATTERN MOTIF offers a sharp and timeless design that gives the vehicle an energetic stance both while moving and at a standstill
HATCHBACK REAR brings both practicality and a sleek roofline to give the Qingxiu a blend of sportiness and practicality
Welcome the new Jinhe Qingxiu, with a refreshed face and plenty of upgrades along the line. New powerplants, new interior, new style - the Qingxiu is re-armed and ready to take on the fierce competition once again.
Equipped with new Jinhe Active Ride suspension, the Qingxiu provides supple comfort or a sharp dynamic ride depending on the driver’s preference. Choices from a 2.0 inline-4 or a 3.0TT V6 give diversity in how you want your Jinhe to drive.
Jinhe Safety Shield comes standard on all models, equipped with our full suite of collision avoidance technology to keep you safe in all scenarios. HUD-based autonomous parking assist is available on upper trims to easily allow a parallel-park, back-up or head-in even in the most stressful situations.
With Jinhe’s new infotainment suite adapted from the top-line GC, stay connected wherever you go. Each screen’s display is interchangeable for ultimate customization and personality. Jinhe Integrated WiFi Services provides full connectivity to Baidu Maps (CN) & Google Maps (Intl.) for full direction no matter where you are. Jinhe App Suite keeps the family entertained on long haul trips, including popular apps like TikTok, WeChat, and more.
Honghu Active Assistant is equipped on all models for smart voice guidance to do the tasks you need while keeping your eyes on the road. Avatar personalization makes each Jinhe unique, with voice packs and downloadable content released every period. Schedule calendar events, change driving modes and entertain your children on the fly.
The base trim does not mean you need to compromise. With its 2.0L inline-4 turbo, the Qingxiu is still no slouch even with the smaller power plant. Jinhe comfort and dynamic at a great value.
The Ag trim plants our new & improved 3.0TT V6 for true dynamic action. Various upgrades are done to the Cu in the technology suite with upgraded Harmon Kardon Sound and Qi wireless charging.
The Au trim is the magnum opus of the Qingxiu lineup, with 33-way adjustable seats, optional reclining rear chairs (CN), Matrix LED headlamps, special alloy wheels and lots more.
The S (Sport) continues Jinhe’s culture of speed since their very first Qingxiu. The power is upped to 409 hp, sending the Qingxiu to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds (BeamNG Tested). Stiffer suspension, a new dual-mode exhaust system and various cosmetic improvements make the Qingxiu compete with the best.
