The heavy Foton Mars 9 has twin tires
Despite the fact that the models look different (Mars 7 has vertical optics, Mars 9 has horizontal optics, there are plenty of other differences), they are built on the same platform. Accordingly, their power units are also the same. At the base, these pickups are “mild” hybrids with a 2-liter turbocharged diesel engine and a 48-volt starter-generator. The power of the power plant is relatively small – 163 hp, but the torque is as much as 450 Nm. The engine is mated to an 8-speed ZF automatic. There will be a more powerful power plant, with a 2.5-liter diesel engine – it will be especially useful for the Mars 9, which has a larger carrying capacity and dual tires at the rear. Finally, a hybrid version with a 100 kWh traction battery is promised. Typically, batteries of this (and even smaller) capacity are installed in pure electric vehicles, but there will be a hybrid – and obviously plug-in.
The Chinese are already making pickup trucks as good as the Americans
From the photo of the interior, you can’t tell that we are talking about heavy pickups – there is a large 14.6-inch screen on the central panel, a panoramic roof, and a digital dashboard. It is reported that pickups will have an electric drive of the cargo door and electronically controlled cross-axle differential locks.
Prices are not yet available – they, like the remaining technical details, will be announced during the Shanghai Motor Show in two weeks.
