New spy shots showing the upcoming Beijing Auto B80 testing in China. Beijing Auto will make two variants: the B80VJ for the Chinese army and the B80V for the civilian market. The B80 is based on the same platform as the Beijing Auto Works Knight S12 which is basically a rebadged Beijing-Jeep Cherokee XJ. The B80 is expected to debut on the April 2013 Beijing Auto Show.

Headlight protection indicates this is a military version.

The B80 will be available with two gasoline engines: a 2.0 with 122hp and a 2.2 with 141hp, both mated to a five-speed manual. These engine are also used in the Knight S12.

 

Besides the B80 a lot more Jeep-style SUV’s are coming. Beijing Auto is currently developing the Beijing Auto 500, the Beijing Auto B40, the Beijing Auto Zhanqi and the Beijing Auto B70. All will be powered by the very same 2.0 and 2.2 liter engines.

Sounds mad indeed, but this is the Beijing Auto Industry Corporation, owned by the Beijing Municipal Government, where all seems possible and nothing really happens.