This is far more of a story than we thought, not only is this car an electric wagon and after all everyone loves an EV wagon – even if hardly anyone buys them – but this also uses Neta’s next generation architecture. Luckily Neta have realized that the Neta SS name wasn’t the greatest idea particularly if they want to stand any chance of exporting the car to Europe and the car now seems to be known as the Neta S Hunting – and simply badged as Neta S.
New spy shots and a video have emerged of most likely the top spec version and we also know more details. Unlike everyone thought the Neta S Hunting is not simply a wagon version of the Neta S sedan but is a much improved car. The original Neta S rides on the Shanhai 1.0 platform but the Hunting will use the new Shanhai 2.0 platform which was previously not expected to arrive until next year. Fast Technology claim though that it will debut around the time of the Beijing Auto Show later this month and be officially launched in about the middle of the this year.
Not only does the new platform mean the Neta S Hunting should have much better comfort and intelligence but it is also expected to introduce 800V architecture which will mean much faster charging times. The Haozhi skateboard chassis technology has integrated die cast front and rear body along with integrated energy cabin.
At the front from the teaser picture we can see the car is very similar to the existing Neta S, the EP41 plate is to do with the internal codename for the car. From this we can assume that Hesai’s AT128 Lidar sensor as seen on the spy shots is not standard on lower spec versions. With split headlights and LED running lights above, the car is quite sharp. At the bottom the lower air intake has a chrome dot matrix design which is different to the Neta S sedan.
On the side there seems to be a quite distinctive wave going across the length of the car. It’s believed that the Neta S Hunting will come with air suspension. At the rear the design is a fairly standard station wagon with only a limited sloping angle for the tailgate. At the top is a rear spoiler which helps give the wagon a more squared off look.
There should be both all electric and extended range EV versions. The latter will be equipped with a new 1.5 liter Atkinson cycle engine matched to a flat-wire generator. Reportedly the conversion rate will be 3.26 kWh/l. All electric rear wheel drive versions will use a 250 kW silicon carbide all-in-one motor. It is believed there will all be a dual motor four wheel drive version of the car. Batteries are reportedly the CATL Shenxing long-life L series. The Shenxing is the world’s first superfast charging LFP battery which means a great balance between cost and performance. Pricing is likely below 300,000 yuan (42,380 USD), Neta has previously said it would not sell cars above the threshold for luxury cars.
Editor’s note:
This is squaring up to be quite a car and will help move Neta even further away from the brand’s low rent beginnings. Although it share a name with the Neta S sedan it perhaps should be seen as a nearly completely new car.
Sources: Autohome, Fast Technology