It seems that Changan might have developed a sense of humor over night with the new open top Avatr 12, or should that be Airvatr 12? The pictures show a four door open top version of the Avatr 12 which looks surprisingly compelling.
There have been very few four door convertibles with most cabriolets reducing the doors down to two. However the Avatr 12 has quite an unusual design and this seems to lend itself quite well to the soft top treatment even in a four door form.
The images are obviously AI and there doesn’t seem that much consistency between them, look at the back seat headrests and the supposed roof covering across the pictures. So while this may be an April Fool’s many Chinese netizens are asking whether we perhaps need an Airvatr 12.
Convertibles are not popular in China. Some of the few that exist are utilitarian vehicles like the BAW 212. One early attempt was the BYD S8 which looked like a mash up of a Mercedes CLK and a Renault Megane CC. Sales were so bad that it was only produced between 2009-2010 and sold a grand total of 103. MG are obviously a bit more hopeful with the Cyberster.
Avatr started out as a joint venture between Changan and Nio. After Nio withdrew due to financial problems battery producer CATL joined the brand. Currently Changan holds 41% ownership, CATL 14%, Chongqing Chengan Foundation 11% and the remainder spread over various investment groups. Huawei is not a shareholder but provides much of the tech including the HarmonyOS operating system for the cockpit and Huawei ADS 2.0 for ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems). Huawei’s self-driving system is one of the most advanced in China.
The Avatr 12, pronounced one-two, is the brand’s second car and follows on from the Avatr 11, an SUV. Revealed at IAA Mobility last year the sedan began deliveries in December and is currently outselling the Avatr 11. Recently the 2024 version launched with a discount. At the moment the car is a pure EV but later this year an extended range EV should launch which will see starting prices come down further.
Source: Autohome
April 1st.