Watch: YangWang Hypercar Leaps into the Air and Spins in Place

The YangWang U9 is surprisingly affordable for a 1,287-horsepower electric hypercar, priced at about $236,000. It features a ‘DiSus’ active suspension system that can propel the car into the air or allow it to perform a “tank turn” by rotating on the spot.

The whimsically named YangWang is the luxury and premium performance division of BYD, China’s largest automaker. BYD, now the world’s 9th largest automaker by volume according to Focus2Move, has achieved 1.9 million sales year-to-date as of yesterday, marking a substantial 24.33% increase from last year. According to a recent ABI Research report, BYD has also become the leading electric vehicle manufacturer globally.

Sleek Design and Performance of the YangWang U9

Released late last year, the YangWang U9 began production last month. While it boasts a sleek design with stylish scissor doors, it doesn’t aim to compete with the fastest in terms of acceleration (2.36 seconds from 0-100 km/h, or 0-62 mph) or top speed (electronically limited to 300 km/h, or 186 mph).

However, high horsepower, rapid acceleration, and impressive performance metrics are becoming somewhat mundane in the growing electric supercar market. The electric powertrain lacks the allure of traditional engines, and competition is increasingly fierce.

The car isn’t jumping high enough to be practically useful—there’s no special button to help navigate potholes or obstacles, and bouncing while driving could lead to an awkward outcome. Instead, this feature primarily showcases the capabilities of the suspension system, though it’s still impressive.

Enhanced Stability Through Active Suspension

In practical terms, the active suspension is designed to handle acceleration forces and maintain stability. It raises the rear end during acceleration, the front during braking, and adjusts the outside wheel in corners to reduce body roll, all while ensuring good tire contact with the road.

Despite its limited practical use, the system is entertaining to watch, whether it’s bouncing around like a hydraulic-equipped El Camino or spinning in place with a “tank turn,” reminiscent of Michael Jackson’s moves.

Tank turns are achievable for any electric vehicle capable of precisely distributing substantial torque to each wheel at different rates. For instance, Rivian’s off-road electric 4WDs can perform similar maneuvers, spinning so quickly on loose surfaces that you might want to keep sick bags nearby.

So fast, in fact, that Rivian chose not to include it as an option on their production models, fearing it would disrupt too much dirt and contradict the company’s ‘Tread Lightly’ philosophy, according to Green Car Reports.

It seems BYD and YangWang don’t share the same reservations, as shown by a striking video of six YangWang U8 SUVs spinning together—on pavement rather than loose soil.

It would definitely be an impressive way to maneuver these large vehicles out of a tight parking space.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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