New spy shots showing the mighty Hongqi L5 sedan in the great city of Sansha on the subtropical Hainan island. The vehicle is likely there for some serious testing in the summer heat. The civilian version of the Hongqi L5 will compete head-to-head with Bentley and Rolls-Royce, it will be launched on the China car market in 2014, debut is expected for the April 2014 Beijing Auto Show.

Characters in the center are in Mao’s handwriting; 红旗, Hongqi, or red flag. The government-version of the Hongqi L5 was launched for official duties during the visit of French President Hollande in late April and it  debuted in April on the Shanghai Auto Show. The L5 is the third car in the Hongqi  L-Series, after the giant Hongqi L9 (aka CA7600L) and the slightly shorter Hongqi L7.

The Hongqi L5 will be powered by a 6.0 liter V12, designated CA12GV60-01. Power is 408hp and 550nm. Transmission is a 6-speed automatic designated TB-68. Size: 5555/2018/1578, wheelbase is 3435, and curb weight is 3.15 ton. Price yet unknown, but it won’t be cheap…