Yes, this Jetour did indeed become a boat as it floated across 1.2 km of the mighty Yangtze.
When most people think of off-roaders, what usually comes to mind is something that can tackle a forest trail, a muddy jungle path, or perhaps a stretch of desert. But Jetour’s upcoming Zhongheng G700 has just redefined what “off-road” really means, as it has become the first SUV in history to traverse the Yangtze River.
Yes, you read that right. This boxy Jetour did in fact float across roughly 1.2 kilometres from the Heisha Zhou Ferry Terminal in Wuhu to the Nanlong Ferry Terminal on the opposite bank.
And just to emphasise, the G700 did indeed turn into a boat for that stretch. Its maker currently tout for this SUV to have maintained a stable floating posture throughout the crossing, contending with river currents of between 5 and 10 km/h while cruising steadily at around 7 km/h before reaching land once again.
Now the fact that it floats at all is apparently thanks largely to what Jetour claims is a seamless, hole-free painted body construction. While there is no bilge pump onboard either, its novel 6-axis gyroscope has been touted to continuously adjusts the vehicle’s body balance, in order to maintain stability throughout the crossing.
As for what keeps it moving in the water meanwhile, the G700 is powered by a PHEV powertrain consisting of a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors and the world’s first 2-speed DHT hybrid transmission. The setup produces a total output of 751 hp and 795 Nm, with a claimed 1,400 km combined range on land. (No word yet though on its range in water).
Interestingly enough too, the G700 lists a wading depth of 900 mm among its off-road credentials. That is on par with some Land Rovers and Range Rovers, but feels somewhat unnecessary for a vehicle that can already float its way across a river…
Set to make its official debut on October 19, the Jetour Zhongheng G700 is expected to take on rivals such as the GWM Tank 500The vehicle will be available in its home market four configurations, with pre-sale prices ranging from 349,900 (RM 230,000) to 429,900 yuan (RM 285,000).
There is thus far no word yet whether the G700 will be making its way over here, though Jetour is has previously said that it intends to launch a slate of new models over the coming years over here. Still, if it never officially arrives, one could always embark on the most epic of road trips by simply sailing one back from China.
