Voyah sends the 2.6-tonne Passion S around a tunnel loop
Chinese carmaker Voyah has demonstrated the capabilities of its new Passion S electric SUV with an unusual stunt. The 475 kW all-wheel-drive model completed a full 360-degree loop inside a tunnel, briefly travelling upside down with its wheels on the ceiling. The feat inevitably recalls Mercedes-Benz's 2010 SLS AMG commercial starring Michael Schumacher.
Voyah carried out the stunt in a closed tunnel in Wuhan. According to the company, the Passion S used production-spec hardware and was not specially lightened for the attempt. The range-topping all-wheel-drive version has a kerb weight of around 2,580 kg.
The car entered the curved tunnel wall at roughly 130 km/h. Maintaining sufficient speed generated enough centripetal acceleration to keep the tyres in contact with the tunnel surface as the car completed the full 360-degree loop and returned to the road on all four wheels.
Voyah later released an uncut, single-take video after the original footage prompted claims that CGI might have been used. Footage of an earlier failed attempt also appeared online, showing a prototype losing contact with the tunnel surface near the top of the loop.
All-wheel-drive version produces 475 kW
The most powerful Passion S uses two electric motors. The front motor develops 175 kW and the rear unit 300 kW, giving a combined output of 475 kW and maximum torque of 765 Nm.
The electrical system uses an 800 V architecture. Buyers can choose between 81.6 and 98.1 kWh battery packs, with CLTC ranges of between 630 and 740 km depending on the version.
Voyah says its 5C fast-charging system can take the battery from 20 to 80% in 10 minutes. The chassis uses double-wishbone front suspension and a five-link rear layout, while the flagship all-wheel-drive version adds air suspension and electronically controlled adaptive dampers.
Large electric SUV starts at around €29,500
The Passion S measures 5,050 mm long, 1,998 mm wide and 1,656 mm tall, with a 3,000 mm wheelbase. By European standards, that puts it firmly in the large electric SUV class.
In China, official list prices range from 229,900 to 279,900 yuan, equivalent to roughly €29,500 to €35,900 at current exchange rates. Limited-time launch prices are slightly lower. Voyah has not announced a European launch for the Passion S.
The tunnel stunt says little about how the Passion S behaves in everyday driving, but it does provide a striking demonstration of the car's power and its ability to withstand the sustained loads involved in such a manoeuvre.
