Automotive

What it’s like to spend a day at BYD’s All-Terrain Circuit

It’s a showcase of extremes and a reminder that driving dreams evolve with technology.

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I never realized I’d love learning and testing cars, at least not until a rally driver sat beside me during a slalom run, speaking words that would calm even the most restless heart.

“Don’t worry about the cones,” he said as I wobbled through my first lap. And when I drifted into something close to perfection, he whispered “you’re good” more times than I deserved.

Those words stuck more than the speed, and definitely more than the skid marks.

This wasn’t in my bingo card. After winning at the 24th Henry Ford Awards, I thought I’d already said my parting words to automotive coverage.

I poured myself into a passion project tied to my life as an endurance athlete, and when that wrapped, I thought I’d simply move on.

Yet here I was, in Zhengzhou, China — invited by ACMobility — to witness BYD’s first all-terrain circuit, one of the first in the country built exclusively for new energy vehicles.

Arriving at a playground built for new energy vehicles

It was a cold Thursday morning when I boarded a bus to the circuit. The ride stretched over an hour, the kind that lulls you into a half-sleep, half-reverie.

My head bobbed against the window, eyes occasionally opening to marvel at the changing landscape outside. Blue skies meeting industrial romance.

When we finally arrived, I was greeted not just by the sheer expanse of the All-Terrain Circuit but also by the stars of the day: the BYD eMax 9 and Sealion 8, parked like models awaiting their cue.

Before diving into the schedule, I warmed myself with a familiar oatmilk latte from the BYD Café and gawked at the base version of the Yangwang U9 — one of the world’s fastest production car — gleaming under the lights as if to remind us that speed, too, can be art.

We were told the facility housed eight experience zones, each a playground for machines and a test of our courage. And with that, the adventure began.

The world’s tallest artificial dune, now a test track

The first stop was the Indoor Sand Dune, a 29.6-meter vertical drop with a 28-degree slope, certified by Guinness World Records as the highest and largest dune-climbing facility in existence.

Constructed with 6,200 tons of sand, it was designed to mimic the Alxa Desert. Watching the Yangwang U8 command the terrain was nothing short of cinematic. Its wheels tore through the sand with authority, moving like a predator that knew no fear.

We didn’t get to try it ourselves, but my mind drifted to the dunes of Ilocos back home. I wondered how it would feel to tame our own desert with a machine like this, if the U8 ever makes its way to Philippine shores.

What driving through water looks like in the future

The Yangwang U8 returned to center stage at the Wading Pool, a 70-meter stretch of water that felt more like a flood zone than a testing ground.

Through the underwater glass, we watched the vehicle maneuver forward, reverse, and even turn while afloat, all thanks to BYD’s E4 platform.

It was an eerie yet comforting sight, technology meeting something similar to a calamity head-on. In a country like ours, where typhoons strike as often as heartbreaks, such a feature could be a lifeline.

For a moment, I wasn’t just watching a demo; I was imagining families safe inside, crossing flooded streets with grace instead of fear.

Riding shotgun in one of the fastest production cars in the world

Then, came the Yangwang U9. On paper, it’s a beast with 1,290 horsepower and 960 kilowatts. In reality, it was an experience that rewrote my understanding of speed.

I strapped myself in, buff and helmet in place, choosing the Moonlight Stone colorway with interiors in regal purple, which perfectly matched my lavender Nike jacket.

The acceleration was like a trail run on steroids. The heartbeat I feel when descending a mountain trail — reckless yet alive — was the same beat that coursed through me as the U9 devoured the 1,758-meter track with its nine curves and long straight stretch.

The seats hugged me like a co-conspirator, keeping me steady even as the world outside blurred. I didn’t even realize how fast we were going until I glanced at the dashboard.

Fear and euphoria danced together in my chest. Now, I get the high and adrenaline from racing cars.

Learning to let go while machines take over

The off-road testing area spanned 27 scenarios, though time only allowed us to try the Fangchengbao Bao 5 in the junior section.

Still, it was enough to excite me. The car climbed 27-degree slopes, crawled down stairways (and not feel anything), and tiptoed over rocks as if they were pebbles.

I had to fight the instinct to control everything. But these machines were designed to carry you safely even when your nerves frayed.

It was a strange kind of intimacy and learning to surrender. I realized that sometimes, letting go is the only way forward.

Drifting in circles I had no business being in

At the heart of the circuit lay a 15,300-square-meter dynamic paddock, our next stop.

The Kick-Plate simulated icy roads, throwing the car into sudden skids while professional drivers demonstrated how NEV safety systems took over with precision.

It was held in a controlled emergency situation, simulating scenarios we pray never happen but feel grateful to be prepared for.

Later, I took the Denza Z9 GT onto the Low Friction Circle, a 44-meter-diameter track laid with 30,000 basalt bricks covered in water. I had no business drifting — let alone in front of a crowd of seasoned drivers — but BYD’s millisecond-level control and Drift Mode made it possible.

For a few seconds, I found flow, spinning in rhythm with the machine. Until the instructor told me to “maintain,” and pressure snapped me out of it, spinning me like I was in a film getting in an accident.

My knees were shaking when I stepped out, equal parts embarrassed and exhilarated.

How a slalom course became my favorite part

What surprised me most was how much I loved the slalom. Maybe it’s because obstacles have always defined my life, on and off the Spartan course.

Driving the BYD Seal EV through cones and curves felt oddly personal. I wasn’t the best.

I hit cones and I apologized to the rally driver guiding me. Yet when I drifted through U-turns and roundabouts, something familiar sparked in me.

It reminded me of growing up on highways filled with those very curves, sneaking in practice at midnight when no one was watching.

This time, though, the sun was setting, and the moment felt bigger. The course ended not just with applause but with reflection. Life, like a slalom, is about moving through obstacles with grace, even when you stumble

The bigger dream behind the Zhengzhou circuit

The BYD Zhengzhou All-Terrain Circuit is more than a playground. It’s a vision of what driving could become in an age of new energy vehicles.

It democratizes technology, making once-distant innovations something you can touch, feel, and experience.

Soon, another BYD circuit will rise in Shaoxing, with a sprawling off-road area set 500 meters above sea level.

Alongside CAMF, BYD is also launching the “New Track Scheme,” a program meant to cultivate 100 professional racers and introduce racing culture to more people.

As I left the circuit, lavender jacket still smelling faintly of rubber and adrenaline, I realized that this wasn’t about cars alone.

It was about rediscovering joy in places I never thought I’d find it. Maybe that’s what the road ahead is about. Not just speed or power, but new ways of dreaming.

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Automotive

VinFast debuts two-wheeler models, opens 21 e-motorcycle showrooms

Evo, Feliz II, Viper officially launched

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August 3, 2026

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VinFast is pouncing on its growing presence in the Philippines, expanding with 21 electric motorcycle showrooms housing its new two-wheeler offerings.

The electric vehicle company just launched three two-wheeler offerings in the market: the VinFast Evo, Feliz II, and Viper.

Such milestone marks an important step in VinFast’s expansion in one of Southeast Asia’s largest two-wheeler markets.

The introduction of the three VinFast two-wheeler models offer drivers a modern, cost-effective, and sustainable mobility alternative.

Evo, Feliz II, and Viper each offer distinct characteristics designed to meet a wide range of mobility needs and riding styles.

Evo has a top speed of 80 km/h and a range of up to 150 km with two fully charged batteries. The Feliz II emphasizes practicality and versatile performance, with a top speed of 90 km/h.

Rounding out the lineup is Viper, featuring a sporty design, maximum power output of 5,200W, and a top speed of 90 km/h.

The aforementioned 21 pioneer dealerships will begin operations in major cities nationwide. This allows VinFast to offer products and authorized services directly to consumers.

The network is expected to grow further in the coming period, progressively expanding with VinFast’s presence in the country.

Just over a month ago, VinFast’s early booking program drew thousands of customers nationwide.

The strong market response can be attributed to VinFast’s battery-swapping approach, contributing to the appeal of the e-scooters.

Following the launch, the public can expect immersive experience activities across the new dealerships throughout August 2026.

Customers will be able to see and test ride the three models. They can also learn about battery technology and sales policies, and explore flexible ownership options.

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Automotive

Xiaomi debuts SkyNomad Series featuring new Kunlun platform

Intelligent, reconfigurable large-space SUV

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August 1, 2026

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Xiaomi EV is ushering in a new era with the launch of the Xiaomi SkyNomad Series in China, the first model built on the new Xiaomi Kunlun Platform.

The new EV is positioned as an intelligent, reconfigurable large-space SUV built around on three core strengths: expansive interior space, completely flat cabin floor, and reconfigurable seating.

It is paired with the Xiaomi Kunlun HyperRange, Xiaomi Armor Scale Battery, and Xiaomi Kunlun Total Safety.

The SkyNomad’s cabin electronics run on a four-in-one domain control model built on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 platform. It features Dual 5G and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity.

The launch unveiled two models: the first is the flagship 7-seater extended-range SUV Xiaomi SkyNomad N90 Max (RMB 299,900) while the other is the 5-seat AWD SUV Xiaomi SkyNomad N70 Max (RMB 259,900).

These EVs have a battery capacity range of 52 to 76kWh. On CLTC, the N70 Max can reach up to 505 kilometers of EV-only range. Dual-motor all-wheel delivers 310kW of peak power.

Design born for space

The Xiaomi SkyNomad’s design philosophy is based on prioritizing function, while form complements it.

Every design feature traces back to a specific spatial need. And the spatial logic shows up directly in the body, through squared-off proportions.

Three lines define the upright stance: a flat roofline for maximized second and third-row headroom, a continuous waistline, and a rising sill line to lift the visual center of gravity.

A rounded-rectangle motif carries theough the headlights, taillights, door handles, and side cameras for a cohesive design language that features over 140 aerodynamic optimizations.

Smart electric doors open by touch or voice, while rear doors open to nearly 90° for easy passage.

Xiaomi Kunlun built for space

Where the Xiaomi Kunlun architecture comes in is for optimizing packaging across three axes to minimize structural intrusion in the cabin.

The front cabin integration includes a five-in-one EREV system, integrated water-cooling module, mid-mounted HVAC unit, and PTC-compressor two-in-one, compressing the front cabin length to just 1,265mm.

Springs and shock absorbers, on the other hand, are separated into a split layout. This releases 15mm of wheel-arch height for the third row.

Moving the shock absorbers outward optimizes the overall wheel-arch packaging for a full-cabin spatial experience.

Lastly, the rear electric drive unit comes with a highly integrated rear coaxial electric drive to free up 145mm of vertical space.

An integrated-linkage independent suspension uses an H-arm structure to lower the floor by an extra 37mm. Additionally, the large battery pack control module relocated inside reduces floor thickness by 180mm.

The N90 Max comes with 2,760mm of total occupant space and 1,831L of cargo space.

The cabin also includes 34 storage compartments, including an 18.4L front passenger glove box and extended door-panel storage.

Elevated cabin experience

Inside, the SkyNomad’s cabin has an elevated and homelike atmosphere. A cabinet-style center console extends 1,530mm horizontally for a wider visual and physical footprint.

Hidden mechanical air vents keep the dashboard clean while retaining precise manual adjustment. There’s also an accessory port for 27W fast charging, along with mounts for phones, action cameras, and more small devices.

There is a customizable head-up display, 25-speaker audio system, and 6.9-inch rear control screen for full control from the back seat.

Moreover, the front and second row backseats use a 12-layer comfort structure, with the front seats coming with 16-point massage ventilation and heating.

Built on a flat floor, every model comes with extra-long seat slide rails with up to 900mm of travel for both second and third rows.

These rails use aerospace-grade 7-series reinforced aluminum alloy, validated through 15,000 cycles.

The entire interior varries OEKO-TEX certification, applying to infant-grade safety standards.

Extensive personalization options

The Xiaomi SkyNomad comes in three colorways: Volcanic Gray, Mountain Green, and Valley Blue.

Meanwhile, owners can choose from Cream Beige and Mocha Brown for the interior.

The N90 Max wheel options include standard 21″ Prism-shaped Rims, plus optional 21″ Beam-shaped Rims, and 21″ Starbust-shaped Rims Stealth Black Edition for a sportier look.

The variable space inside is designed around real usage patterns. There are plenty of seating configurations, which can all be accessed through the Xiaomi HyperXiaoAi AI assistant.

The independent first and second row seats can face each other. The second and third rows can slide all the way back for even more leg room like a first-class cabin.

Moreover, one touch can turn the second and third rows into a bed. The front seats can be rotated as well to extend the bed’s length.

For transporting plenty of cargo, one touch can activate Ultimate Storage Mode as well.

Safety features

Through Xiaomi Kunlun Total Safety, the SkyNomad’s engineering comes with a system spanning materials, structure, airbags, battery, and the variable-space design itself.

Safety features include:

  • high-strength steel and aluminum alloy (90.4% of the EV’s body)
  • 2,200 MPa ultra-high-strength steel in 16 critical locations
  • 2,200 MPa embedded roll cage for roof-crush load of nearly 14 tons
  • 2,200 MPa anti-collision beams
  • 13-in-1 integrated hot-formed door ring
  • 2,000 MPa integrated hot-formed front floor frame
  • 12 airbags across all rows
  • 9 collision sensors including added front and C-pillar sensors
  • triple-redundant door handles
  • dual emergency pull handles
  • emergency wading up to 750mm
  • 26 standard driver assistance safety features
  • 39 anti-pinch points
  • Sentry Mode
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Automotive

GAC launches new trio of MPVs

New models deliver tailor-made experiences for every user, journey

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August 1, 2026

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GAC has officially launched a new trio of multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) in the Philippines: the GAC GN6, GAC E8 HEV, and GAC GN8 PHEV Executive.

The three new models form a purpose-built lineup engineered to deliver tailor-made experiences for every user and every journey.

The lineup is designed around three foundational pillars: flexible space, thoughttul engineering, and reliable performance.

Having three models also cater to a wider range of consumers, from the entry-level segment to the luxury flagship tier.

GAC GN6: flexible comfort, smart space

Price: PhP 1,298,000 (with PhP 100,000 introductory discount)

The entry point to the GAC MPV family, the all-new GAC GN6 represents flexible mobility.

It is powered by a 1.5L turbocharged gasoline engine paired with a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission, with up to 176.6 PS and 270 Nm of torque.

A 190mm center aisle allows easier movement between the first and third rows. The GAC GN6 also comes with 324L of luggage space with all seven seats in use.

In case additional cargo space is needed, the third row seats fold flat to expand the capacity to 1,100L.

The cabin includes a 10.25-inch LCD instrument cluster, a 14.6-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and dual-zone automatic climate control with rear controls.

Safety features include: six airbags, electronic stability control, 360-degree HD panoramic camera, and advanced driver assistance systems.

GAC E8 HEV: Premium comfort, hybrid efficiency

Price: GL – PhP 1,858,000 / GX – PhP 1,998,000 (PhP 1,778,000 / PhP 1,918,000 introductory prices)

Meanwhile, the GAC E8 HEV is designed for a more premium MPV experience that combines an efficient hybrid powertrain with first-class passenger comfort and flexible space.

The hybrid system pairs a 2.0L hybrid dedicated engine, producing 140 PS and 180 Nm, with an electric motor generating 182 PS and 300 Nm.

Managed by a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission, the system delivers a combined driving range of more than 1,000 kilometers from the 60L fuel tank.

Built on a 2,930mm wheelbase, the E8 HEV features a low 375mm step-in height to make entry and exit easier.

The interior offers up to 18 seating configuations. Second-row occupants benefit from One-Touch Zero Gravitt seats with power leg rests, ventilation, and massage functions.

The third row Magic Storage seats, meanwhile, can fold flat for up to 1,917L of cargo space. Users can also configure it for Tea Break Mode.

Other features include: acoustic laminated glass, dual sunroofs, power-sliding doors, wireless phone charging, 14.6-inch touchscreen, and ADiGO intelligent driving technologies.

GAC GN8 PHEV Executive: Flagship luxury, comfort

Price: PhP 3,488,000 (with PhP 150,000 introductory discount)

At the top of the MPV hierarchy is the GAC GN8 PHEV Executive.

This seven-seat flagship is created for executive chauffeuring, VIP travel, and flagship family comfort.

Measuring 5,247mm long and riding on a 3,070mm wheelbase, the GN8 PHEV Executive combines a 2.0L turbocharged Miller-cycle engine with a permanent-magnet synchronous motor. The system produces a combined 373 HP and 630 Nm of torque.

Its 25.5 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery provides an electric driving range of up to 120 kilometers. The total combined range is up to 1,038 kilometers. DC fast charging can replenish the battery from 30% to 80% in about 45 minutes.

Inside, the vehicle offers a cabin designed to function as a private luxury lounge or mobile boardroom.

It has a Zero Breeze Air Conditioning system with more than 1,600 micro-vents, while hidden six-directional seat vibration dampers help absorb road movement for a smoother and quieter ride.

Second row captain’s seats feature four-way power leg rests, position memory, heating, ventilation, fold-out tray tables, and massage functions.

The flagship cabin also includes soundproof glass for the first and second rows. There is a 16-speaker audio system, a streaming-video rearview mirror, tri-zone automatic climate control, PM2.5 air filtration, and more.

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