The Fullgood Dolphin SS puts a modern spin on the original Chevrolet Corvette, drawing heavily from the 1958 C1 while targeting a much younger audience. The Beijing-based startup plans to make its U.S. debut next month at AutoMobility LA, where it will showcase both the Corvette-inspired model and its retro Volkswagen Bus-inspired vehicle.
Fullgood Brings a Modern Corvette Interpretation
Fullgood Motor, known as Fugu in its home market, is the company behind the Dolphin SS. It previously developed a retro van inspired by the original Volkswagen Microbus.
The company says it plans to appear at AutoMobility LA, the official media and industry day for the LA Auto Show, bringing both models to the event.
The Dolphin SS is not an exact replica of the original Corvette. Instead, its styling takes inspiration from the 1958 model, including four round headlights and extensive use of chrome.
Fullgood has also added a hood ornament depicting a dolphin. A separate ornament supporting the third brake light takes inspiration from the Rolls-Royce Spirit of Ecstasy design.
A Modern Interior and Four-Door Version
The interior moves considerably further away from the original Corvette’s design. It features floating digital displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment system, along with a gear selector shaped like a cordless mouse.
The steering wheel adds another American-inspired detail, with the car’s name displayed inside a shield modeled after a U.S. highway sign.
Fullgood is also offering a four-door, four-seat version of the vehicle. The Dolphin SS is available with a custom body in either convertible or coupe form.
Asia has previously produced other interpretations of the C1. Japan’s Mitsuoka has created a C1 homage based on the Mazda MX-5 Miata, known as the LA1.
The Dolphin SS Does Not Have a V8
Fullgood has provided few technical specifications but confirms that the Dolphin SS produces a peak 315 horsepower.
According to YouTube channel Electric Elliot, the car is based on the platform of the BYD Qin Pro plug-in hybrid sedan that was sold in China around the start of the decade. Fullgood places its custom body over that platform.
Rather than using a V8 engine, the Dolphin SS reportedly uses the Qin Pro’s turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four paired with a single electric motor.
The vehicle also likely retains the donor sedan’s front-wheel-drive system, although Fullgood has not said whether it made any changes to that setup.
More Details Expected at AutoMobility LA
Fullgood is expected to reveal more information when the Dolphin SS makes its AutoMobility LA debut on November 19. Until then, the company has confirmed the model’s 315-horsepower output but has provided limited additional specifications.
The Dolphin SS combines styling cues from the 1958 Chevrolet Corvette with a modern plug-in hybrid powertrain, digital-focused interior and multiple body configurations as Fullgood prepares to introduce the vehicle in the U.S.
