The smartphone manufacturer, converted to automobiles since the middle of this year, pushes the capabilities of its SU7 sedan even furtherlaunched in March of this year. A fairly recent entry into the sector therefore, but which did not prevent it from making a very good start. It even took the liberty of sending a specially prepared SU7 to attack the legendary Nürburgring circuit, where it shattered the times with a lap time of 6 minutes and 46 seconds. A result which positions this luxury sedan just behind models as prestigious as the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ and the Porsche 911 GT3 RS.
Obviously, this record was not enough for him. Its latest prototype, a veritable rolling laboratory, has a chassis that allows it to do some crazy things which would give Isaac Newton himself a cold sweat.
A technological monster
To perform these acrobatics, Xiaomi has equipped its prototype an impressive technological artillery. Four electric motors developing a total of 2,054 horsepower – enough to put a Formula 1 or a Tesla Model S Plaid to shame – propel the machine. The chassis concentrates all the latest innovations: active controlled suspension, four-wheel steering and electronic controls without a so-called “by-wire” mechanical connection.
In other words, instead of a cable or rod physically connecting the steering wheel to the steering or the brake pedal to the calipers, itis an electrical signal that transmits information. The same goes for steering, where sensors detect the movement of the steering wheel; this information is then transmitted to a computer which sends an electrical signal to the wheels.
The videos released by Xiaomi show the sedan leap from the ground as if by magic and spin on the spotleaning on its front wheel. A mechanical circus act whose usefulness remains to be demonstrated. However, this technology is not devoid of concrete applications. The manufacturer IM already uses it to slide its cars sideways into parking spaces, or GMC with its Hummer EV, capable of moving like a crab to help crossing.
Gone are the days when Chinese manufacturers were mocked for their clumsy copies of Western models. Their cars now compete technically with the best Europeans. Officially, the integration of these somewhat special features does not yet have a date, but it is likely that the manufacturer integrates them into the future SU7 and into its next model, from next year. An implementation which necessarily risks increasing its price if it takes place one day.
- Xiaomi has just presented a new prototype of its luxurious sedan, the SU7.
- The latter is equipped with four engines developing 2,054 horsepower and advanced technologies such as active suspension and “by-wire”.
- Its chassis allows it to jump in place or turn on itself.
