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· American Expat In Europe
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The 红旗 H9 (Hongqi H9 by the Red Flag Brand) is truly a desirable avantgarde styled mid to large size luxury sedan based on the Chinese spec Audi A6L. It's really a departure in styling and design from its Audi counterpart. I find it unique, and opulent. It reeks of luxury and dripping in elegance. I really like the "bustle-back" roofline. It's a refreshing sight.
Of course, you will find people used to more common designs screaming about the "Large Grille" upfront or trying to say that it looks like something that it actually doesn't. Heck, the Audi that it's based on has a similar sized grille up front as well. On this car, I don't mind it. That said, one thing though, the H9 kinda' reminds me a wee bit of what Lincoln was doing conceptually at the turn of the century in the advanced design studios on a few show cars (Where I worked at that time). I don't know it is intentional or not, but details like the vertical air outlets after the front wheels, the vertical and very dominant waterfall grille up front and even the multi-spoked wheels remind me of those concept cars.

If you're in China or have the means to import one back to your own country (if allowed) then the 2.0-liter H9 will set you back 309.800 yuan (€38.300,- / US$ 45,500) and the 3.0-liter H9 comes in at 539.800 yuan (€66.700,- / US$ 79.300).

All set in triple black, the chrome trim on my 1/18th scale model dances in bright contrast to the body. Very stunning! It's a gorgeous model overall, even if one doesn't like the styling. I do, that's why I bought it. Move inside and it feels like the
real car must smell of leather, wood and business deals all wrapped in technology. Century Dragon didn't miss a beat. This model features perforated leather like seats that slide back and forth, the panoramic roof tilts open, the rear windows feature smoked dark privacy glass, realistic, accurately detailed door cards and IP/Dashboard and center armrest command centers front and rear with correct display graphics. Rounding out the interior is a nicely carpeted interior and trunk. One other very unique detail is that the "Red Flag" corporate theme red line that starts at center of the nose on the grille , travels up the hood 3/4 of the way and then stops...only to start again on the middle area a top of the dashboard. Very neat detail and it's replicated on the model. In the trunk, lift the carpeted load floor to find a tire and tool kit set up underneath. Open the strut supported hood and you'll find a detailed motor with a removable engine cover/shroud to peer further into the engine bay at the motor underneath. It's nice to have access to a full motor under that plastic cover. More model makers should also do this feature.
Working features and details like working suspension, full access opening doors/hood/trunk, even folding side mirrors. Details like perforated front grilles, highly intricate front and rear lights. This model is heavy, it comes with heavy wooden display base to sit upon. It really is a nice package, only missing a display case. The box makes one feel like they are getting a premium product or box with a bottle of wine inside. Again, well done. I feel extremely fortunate to have this model in my collection. It's a reasonable price for a high-quality product. Personally, I highly recommend it.


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Same, But Not The Same. Hongqi H9 with Audi A6L RS-Line (Platform Mates)...






Cheers!
 

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Great addition and interesting subject matter for sure!

I don't really have a Chinese-branded car in my 1:18 collection and quite honestly I'm not that familiar with them, so thank you for taking the time writing the background on this car.
The all-black color combo sure adds to the elegance of this model. And look at those PANEL GAPS!!

Design wise it's really unique. I commend them to try to establish their own design language (similar to what Cadillac has been doing the last decade). Seems like Hongqi is doing the fastback design in the luxury sedan similar to the latest Toyota Crown.

I enjoyed the pictures very much as I am sitting in front of my computer right now working late.
 

· American Expat In Europe
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Great addition and interesting subject matter for sure!

I don't really have a Chinese-branded car in my 1:18 collection and quite honestly I'm not that familiar with them, so thank you for taking the time writing the background on this car.
The all-black color combo sure adds to the elegance of this model. And look at those PANEL GAPS!!

Design wise it's really unique. I commend them to try to establish their own design language (similar to what Cadillac has been doing the last decade). Seems like Hongqi is doing the fastback design in the luxury sedan similar to the latest Toyota Crown.

I enjoyed the pictures very much as I am sitting in front of my computer right now working late.
Thanks Stefanus! It's really an interesting piece. There will be a group of people to complain about it, but I don't mind. I know that companies in China are paying friends and former colleagues of mine really big checks to design cars like this, so therefore you get some really creative designs rolling out of china in teh last couple of years. Also, the fact that these cars are usually built atop of Western established brands which are in partnership with the Chinese government owned companies to manufacture cars. So in theory, a win-win situation for all involved.

You will certainly need the tool opener suction tool, to open the hood, ...IT"S TIGHT! In fact, I accidently dismounted the red flag hood trim piece (...and had to re-attach it). All of the panels are tight! Century Dragon is the "Manufacturer"...but KengFai actually makes models for Century Dragon, so it's high quality for sure.

The most important thing design wise is, that nobody can say that this car looks like something else on the roads. That's a refreshing statement. Cheers!
 

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Looks like quite the huge, heavy thing
And very generously detailed. I especially like the air vents on the dashboard. It's rare to see such good vents these days.
 

· American Expat In Europe
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Discussion Starter · #5 ·
Looks like quite the huge, heavy thing
And very generously detailed. I especially like the air vents on the dashboard. It's rare to see such good vents these days.
Thanks!
I really like this model A LOT! It's an impressive piece of a not too common car. Century Dragon, didn't miss a detail on this thing. Glad that you like it too.
Are you also considering one? They come in three colors at the moment and cane be purchased at a really good price point.
Curious as to how many people here, will actually purchase one? CHEERS!
 

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Importing from China is quite the bureaucratic pain in the butt here, plus it's expensive, so I will pass on it. It's for the same reason I didn't get the 1:18 Skoda Octavia from China. It's a fantastic model, but when it's all said and done, after taxes and importing it will come here for more than an Autoart. Yikes.

But if it manages to pop in EU shops for a decent price, like the LCD Range Rover did, I might consider it.
 

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Congrats David on acquiring another luxury saloon. The H9 looks handsome and stately. Actually not aware of this particular model at all the only 红旗 i aware of is the earlier model with round headlights (i presume) made by Century Dragon. Both Russia and China have their share of fascinating luxury saloons and it is only through this hobby I was introduced to these beauties.
 

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The profile reminds me of my favorite BMW, the GT. Quite a sharp looking model and so much details put into it. On my phone, the dials looked like they were lit and glowing. That is some smart graphic work.
 

· American Expat In Europe
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Discussion Starter · #10 ·
Importing from China is quite the bureaucratic pain in the butt here, plus it's expensive, so I will pass on it. It's for the same reason I didn't get the 1:18 Skoda Octavia from China. It's a fantastic model, but when it's all said and done, after taxes and importing it will come here for more than an Autoart. Yikes.

But if it manages to pop in EU shops for a decent price, like the LCD Range Rover did, I might consider it.
UGH!! Please tell me about it! I usually have friends import mine in and then pick it up. So, teh package never really comes in my name.
Yeah, Customs is greedy. I don't mind the taxes at all, but the Custom's fees really are dreadful in some countries.

Well, teh model is made by Century Dragon, but I highly doubt that it will be something for mainstream LCD models. It would be nice though, if teh prices weren't marked up as much.
 

· American Expat In Europe
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Discussion Starter · #11 ·
I think it's safe to say that I'm not the only one who haven't heard of this Chinese brand before. Having said that, it's looks astonishing. The front portion looks better than on the Audi in my opinion
Yes, it's a brand that is mostly unknown to us people in the west. I am really pleased with the way that this model looks!...we're so lucky that teh Chinese like model cars of everything that they make or sell in China.
I really like what they have done with the front and the grill...it's truly imposing and stately. It really does make this car look like nothing else on the road! glad that you liked this posting!
 

· American Expat In Europe
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Discussion Starter · #12 ·
Congrats David on acquiring another luxury saloon. The H9 looks handsome and stately. Actually not aware of this particular model at all the only 红旗 i aware of is the earlier model with round headlights (i presume) made by Century Dragon. Both Russia and China have their share of fascinating luxury saloons and it is only through this hobby I was introduced to these beauties.
Thanks Simon! I'm so sorry that I didn't replay back so quickly. I'm here now. Yes, 红旗 Hongqi has really changed a lot in very short term with advancement and design getting better with every generation. I think that you're speaking of the Hongqi L5 and L7, which look like retro throwbacks to the 60s versions with their round lights. Those models I should add to my collection.
I would like a model of the Russian Senator Luxury Sedan as well. If you want more information on Chinese cars and belong to facebook, check out this site here: https://www.facebook.com/carnewschina/
 

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Discussion Starter · #13 ·
The profile reminds me of my favorite BMW, the GT. Quite a sharp looking model and so much details put into it. On my phone, the dials looked like they were lit and glowing. That is some smart graphic work.
Ahh, the 5er GT and 3rd GT! I wonder why there hasn't been a model of the 6er GT yet as well as the 3er GT in 1/18th scale?
Thanks!
I'm really thrilled to have it in my collection!
After your comments about the dials, I looked at my images again and you're right, all of the gauges looks like they are growing.
Century Dragon really have done a great job on this one!
Cheers!
 

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I would love a 5er GT in my collection. As for Chinese car designs, it is like they are coach building cars! I cannot imagine a European or American main stream car maker put that imposing hood trim piece. Late 1950s Cadillacs and Chevrolets were probably the last to have them. MG, now Chinese owned, released their SUV in India few months ago. One of the badges boldly attached on the car was 'Internet Inside'🥴😀.
 

· American Expat In Europe
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Discussion Starter · #15 ·
I would love a 5er GT in my collection. As for Chinese car designs, it is like they are coach building cars! I cannot imagine a European or American main stream car maker put that imposing hood trim piece. Late 1950s Cadillacs and Chevrolets were probably the last to have them. MG, now Chinese owned, released their SUV in India few months ago. One of the badges boldly attached on the car was 'Internet Inside'����.
I sort of regret selling my gold 5er GT liek a long while back. I just found it fugly at the time, but now, I kinda' wouldn't mind one in my collection as many other BMWs have taken that direction.
Co-op building is paying off in China. They get the latest technology and then, they can develop their own designs over a safer and reliable package. It's a wise move that they have developed that type of venture with Western and other Asian country's established firms.
Hmm, I wonder was that "Intel Inside" badge added by the Customer?...LOL!
 

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This has been educational. I do not know much about Chinese domestic market cars.
The model had me at removable engine trim cover.
It is a gimmick, they did not have to do it at all but still did. And I love that.
 

· American Expat In Europe
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Discussion Starter · #17 ·
This has been educational. I do not know much about Chinese domestic market cars.
The model had me at removable engine trim cover.
It is a gimmick, they did not have to do it at all but still did. And I love that.
Thanks Kei!

Did that gimmick convince you to add one?

It's a REALLY GOOD model! I'm glad that I have it in my collection.
 
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