Every supercar has a unique selling point, such as top speed or track capability. However, Chinese company BYD built a supercar that can literally leap over potholes.
The automaker released the all-electric U9 under its high-end Yangwang luxury brand. The U9 joined the U8 (an SUV) in the lineup while delivering 1,300 horsepower from four electric motors. The U9 also boasts four-wheel independent torque output control.
The speed and handling are both impressive, but the most fascinating part of this EV is its “leap” ability. The DiSus-X Intelligent Body Control System makes this possible as a video shows. The suspension, which has 75mm of travel, compresses and then launches the EV into the air.
As the BYD video shows, the U9 easily clears a massive pothole. It then leaps over a spike field without hitting any of the treacherous obstacles. Finally, the U9 leaps over a large dust field before racing off into the distance.
The wildest part of this video is that no driver controlled the Yangwang U9. This was a feat completed by autonomous technology.
The U9 does not simply focus on leaping and speed
With a top speed of 309.19 km/h (192.12 mph) and a 0-60 time of 2.36 seconds, the U9 certainly checks off certain boxes. It can go fast in a straight line, and it can leap over large obstacles.
However, BYD notes that this supercar delivers in other ways, such as efficiency. The automaker says that the Supercar has a fine-tuned thermal management system that delivers “a 100% increase in maximum cooling capacity.”
Additionally, BYD says the Blade Battery facilitates discharging and cooling functions. The U9 also features 12 sets of “active and passive aerodynamic packages to reduce drag coefficient and enhance heat dissipation efficiency.”
The interior of the U9 is where BYD aims to deliver a luxurious driving experience. The supercar has two 14-way adjustable seats that hug occupants. It boasts a Dynaudio Evidence Series high-end audio system to support whatever playlists are on the respective devices.
The U9 is available for those in select markets at a price of 1.68 million Chinese Yuan (234,050 USD).