As confirmed by official sources, Chery’s iCar brand is poised to unveil a retro-themed “V23 Retro Version” of its popular SUV in the coming month. The newest iteration, iCar V23, leverages its predecessor’s foundation, boasting a price range of 109,800 to 149,800 yuan ($15,000 to $22,500 USD).
The iCar V23 boasts a striking “boxy” silhouette, featuring rounded spherical headlights and a cleverly hinged clamshell hood. Exterior design elements include discreetly integrated door handles, aircraft-inspired aluminum alloy side sills, and aggressively styled flared fenders. The rear of the automobile features a side-hinged tailgate, which offers easy access to a spacious external storage compartment, cleverly designed to resemble a compact backpack.
Two powertrain options are available with the automobile. This e-vehicle features a sole motor configuration utilizing a maximum power output of 100kW and relies on a reliable lithium iron phosphate battery for optimal performance. With a combined output of 155kW (205hp), the dual-motor configuration teams up a 100kW (134hp) motor with a 55kW (74hp) motor, driven by a robust ternary lithium-ion battery.
To satisfy those seeking a nostalgic vibe, Chery recently introduced the “iCar V23 Retro Emotion Package” in April, catering to aficionados of retro design. This optional package includes a vintage-inspired front grille, body-fortified scratch-resistant strips, a matte green bodywrap, 19-inch all-terrain tyres, and functional hood spotlights for enhanced visibility. The device comes in various combinations and costs anywhere from 4,000 to 10,500 yuan, equivalent to approximately $550 to $1,450 USD.
The retro package’s unique features are showcased in a bold and unapologetic manner. The matte, inexperienced wrap utilizes a frosted finish course of with an anti-glare treatment, reportedly meeting naval vehicle optical concealment standards. The hood spotlights are engineered to boost penetration lighting in situations of reduced visibility, allowing for rotational adjustments. The company also provides anti-fog and anti-glare cover options to ensure reliable performance in challenging environments. The retro-style entrance grille features a innovative modular design with a quick-release mechanism, allowing for easy installation and removal.
As part of its global expansion strategy, Chery is poised to launch its iCar model in the UK, Australia, and Malaysia next year, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s international growth trajectory. To avoid potential trademark issues with Apple, the model may be dubbed “iCaur” in certain regions, thereby distinguishing it from the tech giant’s “iCar” branding. At the Shanghai Auto Show, iCar CEO Su Jun revealed that as part of Chery’s global export strategy, iCar aims to launch 2,000 showrooms across 100 countries within three years.
