As Tesla continues to tease the upcoming release of its Roadster 2 with promises of SpaceX-inspired features, including the possibility of the car “flying,” BYD has already made waves with a hypercar capable of limited flight.
The Yangwang U9, an electric supercar from the world’s largest EV manufacturer, has demonstrated its impressive active suspension system by executing a 20-foot jump to avoid a pothole, showcasing its advanced suspension technology in action.
Elon Musk recently hinted that the Tesla Roadster 2, expected to debut in 2025, will feature a “flying” capability through the use of cold air thrusters from SpaceX, a feature that could enable the car to achieve sub-second acceleration.
Despite these ambitious claims, the Roadster 2 project has faced delays, particularly as Tesla focused on other priorities like the Cybertruck and more affordable models.
On the other hand, BYD has already introduced its Yangwang U9, a hypercar with an active suspension system that combines three key technologies: DiSus-C, DiSus-A, and DiSus-P. These systems work together to control damping, air suspension, and hydraulics, allowing the car to adjust its ground clearance and even perform vertical jumps.
In a recent demonstration, the U9 showed off its suspension’s ability to glide over obstacles, such as potholes, by jumping over them—a feature that could become useful in extreme driving situations.
While the Tesla Roadster 2 remains an exciting prospect, BYD’s demonstration of its flying-capable suspension adds a new level of competition in the world of electric hypercars. It will be interesting to see if Musk’s claims of a “flying” Roadster spark any responses to BYD’s active suspension technology.
