The Lifan X60 is a Chinese four-door compact crossover SUV produced by Lifan Motors, a division of the Lifan Group. It was previewed at the 2010 Shanghai Auto Show as the Lifan CUV concept and the production car was launched at the 2011 Beijing Auto Show.
Lifan X60 at a glance
| Maker | Lifan Motors, Lifan Group |
|---|---|
| Class | four-door compact crossover SUV |
| Concept | Lifan CUV, 2010 Shanghai Auto Show |
| Production launch | 2011 Beijing Auto Show |
| Engine | 1.8-litre four-cylinder, 1794 cc |
| Power | 98 kW (133 PS) |
| Torque | 168 Nm |
| Motorsport | China Offroad Championship from April 2013 |
| Overseas assembly | Iran |
This article is based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the Lifan X60.
History of the Lifan X60
Lifan showed the car for the first time at the 2010 Shanghai Auto Show as the Lifan CUV concept. The production version, renamed X60, was formally launched at the 2011 Beijing Auto Show, taking the company into the compact crossover class for the first time.
Power came from a four-cylinder 1.8-litre engine of 1794 cc producing 98 kW (133 PS) and 168 Nm of torque. The drivetrain had originally been designed for the Lifan 620 sedan, and the same engine was later fitted to the heavier X60 body.
Lifan had already used the 320 in the China Rally Championship, and after those motor sport events the company prepared the X60 for the China Offroad Championship from April 2013.
The X60 was also assembled in Iran, where it had many problems. One of the main drawbacks was the steep first-gear ratio of the gearbox, which caused vibration during initial acceleration. Because the drivetrain was originally designed for the lighter 620, it performed poorly in the heavy X60 body. The tall first gear also meant that the clutch heats up and burns when driving uphill.
Design and features
- Crossover body: Lifan’s first compact SUV, with four doors and a raised body.
- 1.8-litre engine: 1794 cc, 98 kW (133 PS) and 168 Nm.
- Shared drivetrain: the mechanical layout was originally designed for the Lifan 620 sedan.
- Off-road racing: prepared for the China Offroad Championship from April 2013.
Lifan X60 versions
- CUV concept (2010): the preview shown at the Shanghai Auto Show.
- X60 (from 2011): the production crossover launched in Beijing.
- Iranian assembly: cars built in Iran, where gearbox and clutch problems were reported.
The X60 was the crossover above the Lifan 620 and the smaller Lifan 520 and Lifan 320. More Lifan models are in the Lifan collection.
Sources
- Lifan X60, English Wikipedia: history, engine, motorsport, Iranian assembly
