Denza is taking its Z9 GT on a 15,000km journey from Rome to Hong Kong. Called the ‘Marco Polo Drive of Peace,’ the project is inspired by the Venetian explorer and retraces his steps along the Silk Road. The trip will span 43 days, traveling across Italy, the Vatican, Croatia, Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and China.
The project was conceptualized by M31 Capital founding managing partner Patrick Zhong and Columbia University Center of Sustainable Development director and economist Jeffrey Sachs. The two created the project to promote sustainability, electric mobility, and global connectivity while encouraging discussions on culture, technology, and sustainable development.
Leading the drive, the Z9 GT will be put to the test as the electrified performance wagon covers the long journey from start to finish. Along the way, the Z9 GT will make pit stops at BYD Flash Chargers, which can charge the EV’s battery from 10% to 97% in just nine minutes.
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The Z9 GT is built using Denza’s e-cube platform, which features core technologies such as three-motor independent drive, rear-wheel dual-motor independent steering, vehicle motion control, cell-to-body battery integration, and dual-chamber air suspension.
Through its battery and three electric motors, the wagon has a mind-blowing combined output of 1,140hp and 1,150Nm of torque, and can do 0-100kph in just 2.7sec. Let’s say that driving this car through long sections of roads between scenic routes will be anything but boring.
“When we travel today, from Rome to Hong Kong, we take a flight, watch a movie, have a good meal, sleep a little bit, and then land. But when Marco Polo traveled, you had to do this step by step,” said Patrick Zhong. “Being on the road allows you to experience the majestic splendor of the world in slow motion. You appreciate the multi-dimensional nature of this place and experience the world for real. We’re very lucky to be able to do that on this trip—truly a journey of peace, culture, and sustainable development.”
