New spy shots of the FAW-Hongqi C131 show that the limousine is almost ready for production. The  C131 sedan will debut at the April 2012 Beijing Auto Show. The C131 (codename) is based on the platform of the Toyota Crown that is made in China by the FAW-Toyota joint venture.

The C131 is meant to compete with cars such as the Audi A6, Benz E, BMW 5 and Volvo S80. It is the first new Hongqi-branded car in 8 years. The current HQ3 is based on the Toyota Crown as well. There will be two engines: a 2.0 with 145kw and 280nm and a 3.0 with 170kw and 300nm, mated to a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox.

Via: Autohome.