YangWang is BYD's premium electric vehicle brand, of which the U9 is the second model after the U8 off-road SUV. Previously, the U8 attracted attention for its ability to swim like a boat, while the U9 supercar attracted attention with its Disus X suspension system and hydraulic system that allows the car to jump or spin in place.
Recently, a video of the YangWang U9 self-driving on a test track at 120km/h appeared. The first obstacle the car encountered was a 2.5m long hole filled with water. As the car approached, the suspension system activated, causing the car to bounce up and over the hole. According to BYD, the jump was more than 6m long.
The next obstacle was a row of spikes 4m long and about 3.5cm high. Just like the previous case, the Disus X suspension system helped the U9 jump over it. Finally, there were 4 colored dust strips also 4m long and the result was also a successful pass.
BYD did not provide further details about the test, such as which advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) were used. Previously, BYD announced ADAS development partnerships with DJI, a Shenzhen-based technology company, or Horizon Robotics, a Beijing-based technology company.
Many people think that BYD's actions are simply marketing for the product and are difficult to apply in practice because they are related to the durability of materials, especially the suspension system. In addition, without a driver, it will be difficult to perform balancing operations.
YangWang was launched in April 2023, with a dry weight of 2,475kg, nearly double that of the Porsche 911 sports car. The car is equipped with 4 motors, 4-wheel drive allowing the car to rotate in place, by the 2 wheels on the left rotating in the opposite direction to the right.
YangWang U9 was designed by Wolfgang Egger - who was previously the chief designer for European brands such as Alfa Romeo, Audi, Lamborghini and started working for BYD in 2017. U9 was developed on BYD's e4 platform with 4 electric motors developed by BYD for a total capacity of 960 kW (1,287 horsepower); travel range is 450 km/1 charge.
