by Electric Denza Z9 wagon gets autonomous drift function
Chinese sub-brand of BYD, Denza, is preparing for the international launch of its Z9 GT model. Meanwhile, owners in China have already received an interesting update. Thanks to an over-the-air (OTA) update, this powerful electric wagon can now drift autonomously, without driver intervention. It is unclear how the company managed to obtain regulatory approval for such a system, but it looks very impressive.
How does it work?
According to Chinese media, the system is extremely simple to use. The owner just needs to draw any shape on the car’s infotainment screen. After that, the Denza Z9 GT will automatically start drifting, exactly following the designated outline, leaving thick rubber marks on the road. It is a truly amazing sight, and undoubtedly, owners will quickly start competing to create the most complex figures.
Specifications and power
The Denza Z9 GT has more than enough power for drifting, even with all-wheel drive. The fully electric version is equipped with a large 122.49 kWh battery. The powertrain includes one electric motor on the front axle producing 308 hp and two motors on the rear axle, each delivering 416 hp. Total output reaches an impressive 1139 horsepower and 1210 Nm of torque. There is also a plug-in hybrid version with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and less powerful electric motors, but it is not yet known if it received the autonomous drift function.
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The only thing that could be improved in this system is adding automatic tread wear detection. When the tires wear out, the car could independently order a new set.
Predecessor from BMW
Although this is the first use of an autonomous drift function in a production car, it is not the first time we have seen a car slide without a driver behind the wheel. Back in January 2014 at the Consumer Electronics Show, BMW introduced a prototype based on the M235i Coupe. This car had its own advanced self-driving systems. It could independently complete high-speed slaloms, drive on a track without driver input, and perform controlled drifts at high speed, perfectly managing oversteer. Probably due to safety considerations, BMW never offered a similar system in its production cars.
The new feature from Denza is a logical continuation of the trend where manufacturers use electric motors and sophisticated electronics not only to improve efficiency but also to create new, entertaining capabilities. Although the practical benefit of autonomous drifting is dubious, it demonstrates how far torque vectoring control and stability systems have advanced. It is worth noting that such a function will likely remain exclusive to the Chinese market due to strict safety regulations in other countries that prohibit similar experiments on public roads. It also highlights how Chinese automakers, particularly BYD, are trying to stand out from competitors by offering unique and technologically complex “features” that capture the attention of enthusiasts.
