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In a recent video, the Yangwang U9 was filmed overcoming impressive obstacles, such as a 8.2-foot (2.5-meter) water-filled hole or a strip of metal spikes. Thanks to its intelligent suspension system, the 5,500-pound (2,500 kg) vehicle manages to lift itself several inches and travel 20 feet (6 meters) in the air before landing smoothly. This feat is made possible by cutting-edge technology and a power output of 1,287 horsepower.
Impressive suspension
The secret to this performance lies in the DiSus-X system, an intelligent hydraulic suspension. This device adjusts the height of each wheel in real time, allowing the car to jump, dance in place, or even drive on three wheels in the event of a blown tire. While this technology is spectacular in videos, it raises questions about its practical utility in everyday life.
The Yangwang U9 is capable, autonomously, of identifying obstacles and jumping over them.
An autonomous and versatile car
The Yangwang U9 doesn't just jump. It is also capable of driving autonomously, detecting obstacles and adjusting its trajectory accordingly. With its four electric motors, it accelerates from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 2.36 seconds and offers a range of 289 miles (465 km).
An uncertain future for this technology
While the demonstrations of the Yangwang U9 are impressive, they remain primarily a marketing tool. The real-world utility of a car capable of jumping over obstacles is limited, and its price tag of $240,000 (236,000 euros) makes it accessible only to a wealthy clientele. However, this innovation could inspire technological advancements in other areas of the automotive industry.
It is also capable of driving on three wheels
Fierce competition in the electric market
BYD is not alone in the electric supercar market. Manufacturers like Tesla, with its Roadster, or Rivian, with its off-road vehicles, are competing with ingenuity to attract performance car enthusiasts. The Yangwang U9, while spectacular, will need to prove its worth on the track and in real-world conditions to stand out.
With the Yangwang U9, BYD shows that the future of automobiles is not limited to electric propulsion. By combining performance, autonomy, and technology, the Chinese manufacturer reveals new possibilities for what a car can achieve. The question remains whether these advancements will find practical applications in our daily lives.