Earlier this week we brought you the unveiling of the Fang Cheng Bao Bao 8 (Leopard 8) and we now know that the car should launch in the third quarter of this year and be priced around 500,000 yuan (69,050 USD). Also we now know more information about the BYD brand’s flagship SUV before its unveiling to consumers at next week’s Beijing Auto Show.
The new car will form a 358 group together with the Bao 3 and Bao 5 to meet different consumer needs and improve the sales performance of the Fang Cheng Bao brand. Currently only the Bao 5 is on sale having launched in November last year.
Like the Bao 5 the forthcoming Bao 8 rides on BYD’s DMO super hybrid off-road platform which also underpins BYD’s forthcoming pickup truck. A PHEV it has combined system power of over 500 kW and Chinese media believe it to have a 2.0T engine at the heart of the PHEV system, rather than the 1.5T unit in the Bao 5. However seeing as the combined power figure for the Bao 5 with a 1.5T is 505 kW Car News China currently believes this is unlikely. Fuel consumption is 7.8 l/100 km.
Key elements of the DMO platform include a non-load-bearing frame specially designed for hybrids which is then matched with a longitudinal high-performance engine in the PHEV system. It uses cell to chassis (CTC) technology which helps reduce weight while increasing rigidity. According to BYD having CTC technology integrates the battery with a high-strength steel frame which enhances battery safety in off-road conditions. Furthermore, the Bao 8 uses the DiSus-P active hydraulic suspension system as used in the Yangwang U8.
Currently the only known dimension of the Bao 8 is the 2920 mm wheelbase but estimates for the others put the car at about 5200 mm long including the external spare tire, around 2000 mm wide and 1900 mm high.
According to BYD’s blurb the design has a ‘future starship aesthetic’ and the car seen is obviously close to the production version of the Bao 8. At the front the headlights flow into the large grille. Unusually the front hood is actually indented in the middle while the bumper is a continuation of the design seen with the Bao 5. From the side we can see the Bao 8 has a floating roof design and the car has a wide body and strong shoulders. The window ratio is 3:1 giving occupants a good field of view. Apparently the tire cover at the back is inspired by planetary rings and there are chunky rear light clusters.
The Fang Cheng Bao Bao 8 will be available in both 6 and 7 seat versions. It will come with the Eye of the Gods high-end intelligent driving system, which will support urban as well as high-speed NOA (navigation on autopilot).
Sources: Autohome, Fast Technology
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