Electric Cars

When Ambition Meets Gravity: A Failed Automotive Endeavor

The Inspiration: Range Rover's Legendary Ascent

In 2018, the automotive world witnessed an extraordinary display of off-road prowess when a Range Rover Sport successfully navigated the 999 steps leading to China's Heaven's Gate. This remarkable achievement quickly became a global sensation, generating millions of views and cementing its place as an iconic promotional campaign for the British marque.

A Bold Replication Attempt by Chery

Driven by the desire to capture similar public attention, Chinese automaker Chery endeavored to replicate this daring feat. They chose their new hybrid off-roader, the Fulwin X3L, for the challenge. This vehicle, reportedly capable of impressive horsepower and exhibiting design cues reminiscent of Land Rover and Range Rover models, was intended to showcase Chery's engineering capabilities at the same iconic location.

The Stunt Unravels: An Unplanned Descent

However, Chery's promotional stunt at the base of Heaven's Gate took an unfortunate turn. Video footage from the scene captured the bright yellow Fulwin X3L struggling to ascend the ancient staircase. After reaching approximately halfway, the vehicle lost traction and began an uncontrolled slide backward, ultimately colliding with a protective barrier and scattering debris over the cliff's edge. This dramatic failure quickly went viral, though not in the manner the company had envisioned.

The Aftermath: Company Response and Explanation

In the wake of the highly visible setback, Chery promptly issued a public statement. The company described the November 12th test as being "interrupted due to an unexpected incident," acknowledging the widespread attention it had received. Chery attributed the mishap to a safety-rope malfunction, claiming the rope detached and became entangled with one of the SUV's wheels, leading to a loss of power and the vehicle's uncontrolled slide down the steps.

The Cultural Significance of Heaven's Gate and Chery's Unmet Obligation

Heaven's Gate, with its ancient staircase and the 1,700-year-old Tianmen Cave, holds profound historical and cultural significance in China. Given the sacred nature of the site, Chery's incident, regardless of the cause, necessitates a sincere apology and responsible handling of the situation. The event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of meticulous planning and respect for cultural heritage when conducting public demonstrations.

Mazda is embarking on a significant journey towards an electrified future, having recently initiated on-road trials for its first purpose-built electric vehicle prototype destined for the American market. This strategic development represents the automaker's most assertive foray into the EV sector to date. The vehicle, observed undergoing evaluation near Mazda's research and development facilities in Irvine, California, is reportedly utilizing the brand's innovative Skyactiv EV Scalable Architecture. This signals a departure from adapting existing internal combustion engine platforms, opting instead for a completely new foundation. Production is anticipated to commence in 2027, with the U.S. sales launch projected for 2028, positioning this new model to align with previously announced electrification timelines.

The initial prototypes observed during testing feature a design reminiscent of the CX-70, suggesting that the forthcoming electric model will be a mid-size crossover. This choice strategically targets a significant segment of American consumers, capitalizing on the robust demand for such vehicles. Mazda's engineering teams are prioritizing the preservation of the brand's renowned 'jinba-ittai' (rider and horse as one) driving philosophy, ensuring that the electric transition does not compromise the engaging driving experience synonymous with Mazda. To achieve this, engineers are actively benchmarking the ride quality against established models like the CX-5.

Underpinning this ambitious shift, Mazda has committed an substantial investment of approximately ¥1.5 trillion (around $10 billion) towards electrification initiatives through 2030. This substantial financial commitment underscores a long-term dedication to electric mobility, moving beyond tentative steps. Unlike the earlier MX-30, which faced challenges in the U.S. due to its limited range, this new EV is being developed on a contemporary platform. This advanced architecture is designed to support competitive battery capacities, modern charging capabilities, and a scalable packaging approach that can be adapted for a variety of future electric models.

While many automotive manufacturers accelerated their transition to all-electric lineups years ago, Mazda adopted a more measured approach. This deliberate pace was influenced by considerations regarding the full lifecycle carbon emissions associated with battery production and the evolving realities of global power grids. The company had previously highlighted complexities surrounding electrification, including the environmental impact of battery manufacturing and the reliance on fossil-fueled electricity generation. However, stricter U.S. emissions regulations and growing consumer interest in electric crossovers have spurred Mazda into more decisive action. North America remains Mazda's largest market, and introducing a mid-size electric crossover is a strategic move to tap into the strongest sales volumes and profit potential within the U.S.

Moving forward, Mazda will concentrate on finalizing critical specifications for the new EV, including its driving range, battery capacity, motor output, and fast-charging capabilities. Industry observers widely expect Mazda to deliver range figures that are competitive with other mainstream electric crossovers already available. Manufacturing for the new model is scheduled to begin in Japan, with deliveries to the U.S. market expected to follow in the subsequent year. As Mazda continues to refine this prototype, the ongoing testing phase clearly indicates a significant evolution in the brand's strategy, demonstrating a firm commitment to developing a comprehensive electric vehicle portfolio founded on dedicated, cutting-edge architecture, rather than merely offering small-volume compliance models.