Voyah, Dongfeng’s premium brand, has announced that its Passion S electric SUV has successfully completed a 360-degree tunnel loop at a closed test facility in Wuhan. The feat, performed with a standard production vehicle and no special effects, marks a notable demonstration of the model’s engineering and performance capabilities.
A Tribute to an Iconic Automotive Stunt
The tunnel loop challenge pays homage to the famous tunnel advertisement filmed 16 years ago featuring Michael Schumacher and the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. While the original ad remains a topic of debate regarding its authenticity, Voyah’s demonstration was carried out using a real, unmodified Passion S, as confirmed by the company.
Technical Details of the Tunnel Loop
Executing a 360-degree rotation inside a tunnel is a demanding task, especially for a mid-to-large functional utility vehicle (FUV) like the Passion S. The vehicle retained its full battery pack and all intelligent driving hardware, with no weight-reduction modifications.
To complete the loop, the Passion S accelerated to a critical speed of approximately 130 km/h (~81 mph) and entered the tunnel wall at a precise steering angle of 16°. Maintaining speed was essential—dropping just 3-5 km/h (~2-3 mph) below the threshold would have resulted in loss of traction and a failed attempt.
Powertrain and Performance
The Passion S is equipped with a dual-motor four-wheel-drive system delivering a combined output of 475 kW (637 hp) and peak torque of 765 Nm. Its global 800V high-voltage silicon carbide platform achieves an electric drive efficiency of 93.8%.
An active grille provides intelligent temperature control, ensuring zero power attenuation during the entry, climb, and inverted phases of the loop.
Launch and Pricing
The Voyah Passion S entered pre-sales last month, with the top-spec model priced at $45,864 (~AUD 64,923). The official launch is scheduled for August 15, when final retail pricing will be revealed.
Why this matters
Voyah’s successful tunnel loop challenge with the Passion S highlights the technical capabilities and performance potential of modern electric SUVs. By using a standard production vehicle and retaining all hardware, Voyah demonstrates both engineering confidence and a commitment to showcasing real-world vehicle abilities.
Such high-profile demonstrations can help build consumer trust in the safety and reliability of electric vehicles, especially as the segment continues to grow in China and globally.
What this means for buyers
For buyers interested in the Voyah Passion S, this demonstration provides a unique look at the vehicle’s performance envelope and engineering integrity. With official pricing to be announced soon, potential customers can expect a model that not only offers strong technical specifications but has also proven its capabilities in a demanding real-world test.
Key Specs
- Top-Spec Pre-Sale Price: $45,864 (~AUD 64,923)
- Official Launch Date: August 15, 2026
- Power Output: 475 kW (637 hp)
- Peak Torque: 765 Nm
- Critical Loop Speed: 130 km/h (~81 mph)
- Steering Angle for Loop: 16°
- Electric Drive Efficiency: 93.8%
- Platform Voltage: 800V silicon carbide
