Car that can jump over potholes

Despite the world of tech being focused on the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, BYD has released a jaw-dropping video highlighting a feature its luxury electric supercar offers — the ability to jump over potholes.

The Yangwang U9, released in February 2024, can jump six meters forward thanks to its Disus-X suspension and hydraulic system, one of its main appeals.

The Disus-X suspension comprises an Intelligent Body Control System that BYD says enables the Yanwang U9 to achieve adjustable suspension of up to 75mm and a peak lifting speed of 500mm per second.

This creates a lifting force of over 1 tonne, enabling the U9 to leap over six metres forward.

A video released by the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer and making the rounds on social media shows the car leaping with an empty driver seat.

The video also shows the car jumping over obstacles like road spikes.

Not only does it allow for jumping, but it also assists with braking, acceleration, cornering, and road impacts by enhancing vehicle agility and comfort.

The supercar has several other high-tech features, such as the DiLink150 intelligent platform powered by 4nm 5G chips designed to track driving.

This provides intelligent racing assistance to the driver, giving them extensive track-driving services such as information on race tracks. However, upon release, it was limited to 30 racetracks in China.

It has two 14-way adjustable seats and a Dynaudio Evidence Series high-end audio system, enhancing the driver and passenger’s driving experience.

While it would be ideally suited for South African roads, the U9 was built for racetracks.

It can reach a top speed of 309 kilometres per hour, sprints from 0 to 100km/h in just 2.36 seconds, and accelerates from 0 to 400m in just 9.78 seconds.

The U9 is fitted with BYD’s Blade Battery, which allows for discharging and dual plug-in ultra-fast charging, reaching a maximum charging power of 500kW.