Gasgoo Munich- SAIC Shangjie recently released winter test photos of its Z7 electric coupe, sparking widespread online discussion. While discussions focused on the vehicle's design and testing details, some users questioned the authenticity, speculating that the visuals might be AI-generated. The automaker has since responded to the controversy.
Image Credit: Shangjie
Addressing concerns regarding authenticity, Shangjie confirmed that all released images are actual on-site photographs. The company explicitly denied using any AI-generated content.
The company explained that the blurriness and obstructions were intentional to protect proprietary design details. The test vehicles were professionally camouflaged, and specific features were obscured; a standard practice in the automotive industry during the prototype testing phase.
The Z7 winter test program is a comprehensive performance evaluation in extreme cold, rather than a showcase.
Freezing temperatures severely test core components such as batteries, braking systems, and handling stability. The goal is to verify performance, identify and resolve potential issues, and prepare for mass production and market launch.
Public information indicates the Z7 is a pure electric coupe jointly developed by Huawei and SAIC, currently in the R&D phase. This winter testing marks a critical milestone in the vehicle's development, reflecting the company's focus on safety and reliability. Shangjie has not disclosed the specific location, duration, or test data, but stated that it will release more details in the future.
