A Chinese automaker’s ambitious attempt to replicate a famed automotive ascent at the country’s iconic Tianmen Mountain ended in failure and structural damage to the landmark’s famed stairway.
The Chery Group’s electric Fulwin X3L vehicle was attempting to climb the perilous 999 steps of Heaven’s Gate, a prominent feature of Tianmen Mountain in China’s Hunan province. The incident occurred on November 12.
During the ascent, a safety rope intended to secure the vehicle became entangled in its right front wheel. This caused the Fulwin X3L to lose traction and slide uncontrollably.
The vehicle veered off course, hitting a guardrail and subsequently breaking part of the iconic stairway’s fencing. A preliminary investigation by Chery Group confirmed the sequence of events.
The failed stunt by Chery mirrored the “Dragon Challenge” achieved by Land Rover in 2018. During that event, a Range Rover Sport successfully navigated the 99 curves of the mountain road before a professional driver, Ho-Ping Tung, ascended the 999 steps.
Those steps rise approximately 150 meters (492 feet) to an arch at the summit, situated over 1,500 meters (4,921 feet) above sea level, with an imposing 45-degree incline.
The Fulwin X3L, an extended-range electric vehicle, is powered by a 1.5-liter turbo combustion engine that charges a 32.66 kWh LFP battery. Observers have noted its design bears a resemblance to the Land Rover Defender.
For the challenge, Chery utilized a two-motor version of the Fulwin X3L, boasting 422 horsepower and 505 Nm of torque. This configuration allows the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour (62 mph) in 4.7 seconds.
The vehicle is equipped with nine driving modes, including 360-degree rotation and crab mode. It features 225 millimeters (8.9 inches) of ground clearance, a 22-degree approach angle, and a 30-degree departure angle.
Following the rope entanglement and subsequent slide, the Fulwin X3L was immobilized for two hours as the cable had cut the vehicle’s power delivery. Chery has indicated it awaits a potential next attempt.