Exploring the Uncharted Territory of the U8 Chinese-Market Car
One of the fascinating aspects of the U8 Chinese-market car is its lack of homologation for UK roads, restricting our testing to a few laps around the Goodwood Motor Circuit. As expected, this 3.5-tonne off-roader struggled to keep up on the fast race track, leading to an unconventional testing experience.
The U8 features a unique suspension system that utilizes hydraulic actuators to adjust the ride height and spring rate, reminiscent of the Porsche Active Ride system found in models like the Porsche Panamera and Taycan. While it incorporates traditional coil springs and anti-roll bars to prevent air spring failures, the exact mechanics of the system remain a mystery. Despite its complexity, the U8’s suspension failed to mask its substantial weight, resulting in a somewhat unsteady performance on the track.
Although not reaching the claimed 1180bhp output, the U8 still demonstrated impressive acceleration capabilities, occasionally experiencing power limitations during testing. Whether due to traction control intervention or battery constraints, the engine operated quietly and efficiently when engaged.
