iCAR V27 Debuts Horizon SuperDrive with Single-Stage End-to-End AI

On March 3rd, Chery’s iCAR brand, in partnership with Horizon Robotics, held a joint technology launch to unveil the advanced driver-assistance capabilities of the iCAR V27. The V27, expected to enter the market on March 13th, is the first mass-produced model in its segment to integrate the Horizon SuperDrive™ (HSD) system, marking a shift toward high-level autonomy in lifestyle-oriented vehicles.

Next-Generation Silicon: The Journey 6P Advantage

At the heart of the iCAR V27 lies the Horizon Journey 6P chip. This flagship processor delivers a staggering 560 TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second) of computing power. Unlike traditional modular architectures, the Journey 6P is optimized for Transformer-based large models, providing the necessary "brainpower" to process data from 27 high-precision sensors. This sensor suite includes a roof-mounted LiDAR, three millimeter-wave radars, 11 cameras, and 12 ultrasonic sensors, establishing a 360-degree high-fidelity perception network.

"One-Stage" End-to-End AI Architecture

The defining technical highlight of the iCAR V27 is its "True One-Stage" End-to-End (E2E) large model. Historically, autonomous systems separated perception, prediction, and planning into distinct software silos. Horizon’s HSD collapses these into a single neural network.

According to official data released during the event, this architecture allows the system to react 42% faster than the average human driver. With a decision latency of just 160ms, the V27 can navigate complex urban environments—such as narrow alleyways and intricate multi-level intersections—with a smoothness that mimics human intuition.

Performance Meets Practicality

Beyond its digital intelligence, the iCAR V27 serves as iCAR's first foray into the Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) market.

- Powertrain: A 1.5T dedicated range-extender engine paired with dual motors (AWD).

- Output: The four-wheel-drive version produces 335 kW (455 hp) and 505 N·m of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in approximately 5.5 seconds.

- Range: Equipped with a 34.3 kWh CATL battery, it offers a 210 km pure electric range and a combined range exceeding 1,200 km.

- Capabilities: With a 220 mm ground clearance and 600 mm wading depth, the V27 balances urban "smart driving" with legitimate light off-road utility.

Market Positioning and Launch

The iCAR V27 is scheduled for a nationwide launch on March 13, 2026. By bringing LiDAR-based City NOA (Navigation on Autopilot) and 500+ TOPS computing power to the RMB 200,000 (~USD 28,500) price segment, iCAR is directly challenging premium competitors like the Tank 300 Hi4-T and upcoming models from Deepal.

The integration of Horizon HSD ensures that the V27 is not just a "boxy" lifestyle vehicle, but a sophisticated mobile terminal capable of evolving through continuous OTA updates for years to come.

(Exchange rate: RMB 6.9 = USD 1)