Skip to main content
Sister Publication Links
  • Automotive News
  • Automobilwoche
  • Automotive News Canada
  • Automotive News China
Subscribe
  • Subscribe
  • Newsletters
  • Login
  • HOME
    • Latest news
    • Automakers
    • Suppliers
    • New Product
    • Environment/Emissions
    • Sales By Market
    • On The Move
    • Auto Shows
    • Munich Auto Show
    • Geneva Auto Show
    • Paris Auto Show
    • Beijing Auto Show
    • Shanghai Auto Show
  • Features
    • Long Read
    • Interview of the Month
    • Focus on Electrification
    • Focus on Technology
    • Segment Analysis
    • Cars & Concepts
    • Supplier Spotlight
    • Europe By The Numbers
  • Opinion
    • Blogs
    • Commentary
    • Guest columnists
  • Photos
    • Photo Galleries
    • Geneva Photo Gallery
    • Beijing Photo Gallery
    • Frankfurt Photo Gallery
    • Paris Photo Gallery
    • Shanghai Photo Gallery
  • Podcasts
  • Car Cutaways
  • EVENTS
    • ANE Congress
    • ANE Rising Stars
    • ANE Eurostars
  • More
    • Publishing Partners
    • Social Media
    • Contact Us
    • Media Kit
    • About Us
    • Capgemini: All or nothing: Why circular business models require a holistic approach
    • Capgemini: Invent Head on automotive takeaways from CES 2023
    • Capgemini: Securing the industry's future through a radical rethink
    • Capgemini: Succeeding with the automated driving journey through AI
    • Capgemini: The circular economy is spurring new thinking on EV batteries
    • Capgemini: Toyota and Capgemini leaders on how OEMs can handle industry changes and succeed
    • HEXAGON: Plugging into data is the only way to make winning EVs
    • TUV Rheinland: Ideas, services and certifications for smart mobility
    • TUV Rheinland: Testing of automated and autonomous vehicles on test tracks
    • Toyota Europe
    • UFI Filters
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter
MENU
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. Automakers
August 11, 2021 01:15 AM

U.S.-Chinese challenger to Ferrari picks Italy to debut $1.8M hypercar

1,400-hp S9 will be unveiled during Milan Design Week

Luca Ciferri
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Share
  • Email
  • More
    Print
    Silk-FAW Hongqi S9

    The S9 was designed by Volkswagen Group's former styling chief Walter De Silva. It is expected to go into production in Italy in 2023.

    REGGIO EMILIA, Italy – The U.S.-Chinese startup Silk-FAW will debut the production version of its S9 plug-in hybrid hypercar on the sidelines on the Milan Design Week in early September.

    The S9 is expected to have about 1,400 hp and cost around 1.5 million euros ($1.8 million).

    Silk-FAW, a joint venture between Chinese automaker FAW and Silk EV, a U.S.-based automotive startup, has recruited former Ferrari and Lamborghini top executives to help the company build and sell cars that will rival Ferrari and Lamborghini supercars.

    The S9 will be built at the joint venture’s new factory in Italy’s so-called “Motor Valley” in Reggio Emilia. The plant will be 44 km (27 miles) northwest of Maranello, where Ferrari is based and 51 km west of Lamborghini’s headquarters in Sant’Agata Bolognese. The Maserati luxury brand and motorcycle maker Ducati also have operations in the area.

    The S9 will be unveiled during the Milan Design Week first day on Saturday, Sept. 4. Silk-FAW, previewed the S9 at the Shanghai auto show in April.

    A rendering of Silk-FAW's planned factory in Reggio Emilia, Italy.

    The car was designed by Volkswagen Group's former styling chief Walter De Silva. It is expected to go into production at the beginning of 2023.

    The S9 will use a newly developed 4.0-liter V-8 gasoline engine capable of about 880 hp, with electric turbocharging. Two electric motors increase its power to about 1,400 hp.

    The S9 is part of a range of cars that Silk-FAW is developing under the Hongqi bran. The joint venture plans to build a full range of models in Italy and China.

    Besides the S9, the less expensive S7 range will also be produced in the Italian factory. The range is likely to comprise an SUV, a coupe and, later, a convertible.

    The S9 will be the only plug-in hybrid in the range. All the other models will be full-electric cars.

    The smaller S5 and S3 ranges will be built in China in Changchun, where FAW's headquarters are located, but sold globally.

    FAW has joint ventures in China with VW, Toyota and Mazda.

    Its Hongqi brand (Chinese for Red Flag) was launched by FAW in 1958 and is regarded as a symbol of China's ruling Communist Party.

    Silk-FAW is investing an initial 1 billion euros ($1.2 billion) to develop the S9 and S7, as well as to build a production facility and r&d center in Reggio Emilia.

    Construction work is expected to begin by the end of the year. The 320,000 square-meter complex will also include a small test track.

    The S9's red bodywork is the color of FAW's Hongqi brand and Italian racecars.

    Silk-FAW Chairman Jonathan Krane, a U.S. financial specialist, is recruiting a team of former top managers from Ferrari and Lamborghini.

    Silk-FAW’s top executives include:

    • Roberto Fedeli, a veteran of Ferrari, BMW, Alfa Romeo and Maserati. Fedeli is the company’s chief technology officer and will also oversee Silk-FAW's innovation centers in Italy and China and lead the company's work on autonomous driving, connectivity and electrification technologies.
    • Carlo Della Casa, who is product development director. Della Casa’s 30-year automotive career includes stints as Ferrari’s head of vehicle engineering, McLaren Automotive’s chief technical officer and Lamborghini’s chief technical director.
    • Davide Montosi is software and electronic technologies director. Montosi worked for Ferrari and Maserati during the time Maserati was controlled by Ferrari and also for McLaren.
    • Katia Bassi, a former Aston Martin and Lamborghini executive who joined Silk-FAW as chief marketing and communication officer. Bassi is set to soon be promoted to chief operating officer.

    Amedeo Felisa, who was Ferrari CEO between 2008 and 2016, is an adviser to Silk-FAW.

    Former VW Group executive de Silva designed Silk-FAW an external consultant and has not joined the automaker’s staff. De Silva, who created the single-frame grille used by Audi during his career with VW Group, retired from VW in 2015.

    Italian racecar specialist Dallara Automobili is cooperating with Silk-FAW on the aerodynamic development of its models, as well on engineering and testing the S9’s carbon fiber chassis.

    RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
    VW's potential battery IPO attracts high investor interest, top shareholder says
    Recommended for You
    VW Battery production
    VW's potential battery IPO attracts high investor interest, top shareholder says
    cupra-born_01.jpg
    VW's Cupra brand weighs entering U.S. market with larger EVs
    The Ford Mach-E
    Ford expects to lose $3B on EVs this year
    Sign up for free newsletters
    EMAIL ADDRESS

    Please enter a valid email address.

    Please enter your email address.

    Please verify captcha.

    Please select at least one newsletter to subscribe.

    You can unsubscribe at any time through links in these emails. For more information, see our Privacy Policy.

    Get Free Newsletters

    Sign up and get the best of Automotive News Europe delivered straight to your email inbox, free of charge. Choose your news – we will deliver.

    You can unsubscribe at any time through links in these emails. For more information, see our Privacy Policy.

    SUBSCRIBE TODAY

    Get 24/7 access to in-depth, authoritative coverage of the auto industry from a global team of reporters and editors covering the news that’s vital to your business.

    SUBSCRIBE NOW
    Connect with Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • LinkedIn
    • Instagram

    Founded in 1996, Automotive News Europe is the preferred information source for decision-makers and opinion leaders operating in Europe.

    Contact Us

    1155 Gratiot Avenue
    Detroit MI  48207-2997
    Tel: +1 877-812-1584

    Email Us

    ISSN 2643-6590 (print)
    ISSN 2643-6604 (online)

     

    Resources
    • About us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise with us
    • Advertise with Us
    • Ad Choices Ad Choices
    • Sitemap
    Awards
    • Rising Stars
    • Eurostars
    • Leading Women
    Legal
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
    • Privacy Request
    Automotive News Europe
    Copyright © 1996-2023. Crain Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    • HOME
      • Latest news
      • Automakers
      • Suppliers
      • New Product
      • Environment/Emissions
      • Sales By Market
      • On The Move
      • Auto Shows
        • Munich Auto Show
        • Geneva Auto Show
        • Paris Auto Show
        • Beijing Auto Show
        • Shanghai Auto Show
    • Features
      • Long Read
      • Interview of the Month
      • Focus on Electrification
      • Focus on Technology
      • Segment Analysis
      • Cars & Concepts
      • Supplier Spotlight
      • Europe By The Numbers
    • Opinion
      • Blogs
      • Commentary
      • Guest columnists
    • Photos
      • Photo Galleries
      • Geneva Photo Gallery
      • Beijing Photo Gallery
      • Frankfurt Photo Gallery
      • Paris Photo Gallery
      • Shanghai Photo Gallery
    • Podcasts
    • Car Cutaways
    • EVENTS
      • ANE Congress
      • ANE Rising Stars
      • ANE Eurostars
    • More
      • Publishing Partners
        • Capgemini: All or nothing: Why circular business models require a holistic approach
        • Capgemini: Invent Head on automotive takeaways from CES 2023
        • Capgemini: Securing the industry's future through a radical rethink
        • Capgemini: Succeeding with the automated driving journey through AI
        • Capgemini: The circular economy is spurring new thinking on EV batteries
        • Capgemini: Toyota and Capgemini leaders on how OEMs can handle industry changes and succeed
        • HEXAGON: Plugging into data is the only way to make winning EVs
        • TUV Rheinland: Ideas, services and certifications for smart mobility
        • TUV Rheinland: Testing of automated and autonomous vehicles on test tracks
        • Toyota Europe
        • UFI Filters
      • Social Media
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • LinkedIn
        • Twitter
      • Contact Us
      • Media Kit
      • About Us