Rugged DNA·Smart Drive Future｜ZNA Posted“ZNA LAB”Off-Road Technology Brand

On July 22, at the "Rugged DNA·Smart Drive Future" Off-Road Technology Brand Launch Event, ZNA officially unveiled its new off-road technology brand—"ZNA LAB". This brand establishes a comprehensive off-road technology architecture spanning four dimensions: powertrain, chassis, intelligence, and safety. It aims to push the boundaries of off-road, drive the all-scenario evolution of off-road experiences, and empower users with the confidence to conquer all terrains through technological innovation and reliable, rugged strength. Together, we embark on a journey where "the more you explore, the more you conquer."

Four Dimensions of Innovation, Redefining Off-Road Technology Standards.

Rugged Off-Roading, Unstoppable Evolution. ZNA LAB embodies 32 years of ZNA’s profound off-road heritage. It integrates the technical strengths of the global multi-platform "α·star" and AHT All-Scenario Electric Hybrid Technology. Through innovations across four dimensions—powertrain, chassis, intelligence, and safety—it forges superior off-road capabilities, making off-roading more efficient, safer, and more fun.

Engine is the heart of the Off-Road. In the dimension of power，ZNA delivers a Rugged Off-Roading solution offering fuel, hybrid, and pure electric power options. This versatile powertrain lineup perfectly balances performance and efficiency, empowering adventures while meeting daily practicality.

The hybrid system delivers formidable performance at 800N·m + 320kW, rivaling a 4.0T V8 engine. Combined with the world’s first longitudinally-mounted dual-motor multi-gear transmission, BorgWarner’s next-generation MLOCK intelligent transfer case, and the industry’s largest factory-equipped cooling system, it ensures sustained power output even under extreme conditions—like full-throttle, long-distance dune bashing—guaranteeing one thrilling adventure without compromise.

Superior Chassis: Conquer Any Terrain, Anywhere.
Engineered for ultimate passability, ZNA’s chassis features a commanding 36° approach angle and 37° departure angle, effortlessly tackling shell craters and cross-axle terrain. With 900mm wading depth, it navigates shallow streams and urban floods alike. Class-leading suspension travel ensures stability without rollovers, providing unwavering support during off-road recovery. The one-touch tank-style turning function reduces turning diameter by up to 2 meters—enabling U-turns within just three lanes and effortless maneuvering on narrow mountain trails. Turn with agility, conquer with confidence.

Zhao Chaowen, Platform Director of ZNA Technology Center, explains the off-road technical strength

Beyond Mechanical Prowess: Intelligence Redefines Off-Road Possibilities
ZNA’s intelligent off-road technology features 10 Terrain Modes, mastering sand, mud, and beyond—empowering novices and elevating experts. The 540° Panoramic Imaging with transparent chassis, transparent hood, and smart distance alert functions delivers X-ray vision, eliminating blind spots for smarter adventures.

Safety: The Ultimate Luxury, The Foundation of Off-Roading
The α·star platform meets C-NCAP (2024) 5-Star safety standards, creating an ironclad protection system: The body: 70% ultra-high-strength steel (1500MPa peak), torsional rigidity >20,000 Nm/deg. Frame: 97% high-strength steel, 190mm longitudinal beam height (#1 in class). Armored Undercarriage: Triple full-coverage shields prevent water/snow ingress and rock impacts.
Every model achieves Nissan Global Quality Standards, validated by 12+ million km of all-terrain endurance testing.

Beyond off-road mechanics, ZNA expands your wilderness experience—turning adventure into poetry. To address off-grid power challenges, it features 6kW high-power V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) capability and three smart discharge modes: 10kW stationary generation, driving power export, and locked-vehicle power export. Power stays always on for outdoor cooking, karaoke, or movies. ZNA’s factory-engineered ecosystem further excels with 28 optimized storage points, a factory-installed powered flatbed cover, and best-in-class towing certification—instantly transforming your vehicle into a mobile off-grid basecamp.

From professional racetracks to everyday life, ZNA builds a complete off-road ecosystem.

At the launch event, ZNA Team drivers Song Haitao and Zhou Hao, alongside owners Wang Qian, Han Qing, and Lu Meng, shared their off-road journeys with ZNA.Driver Song Haitao highlighted how ZNA’s body rigidity and 4WD system deliver unparalleled track composure: "During the 2023 Takhlimakan Rally’s ‘Devil’s Stage’—a relentless mix of dunes and cross-axle terrain—our factory-spec model instantly locked spinning wheels via e-locking differentials. With decisive torque distribution, it scaled steep slopes like a ‘desert gecko.’ Especially in 4L mode: torque multiplication eliminated momentum climbs. Steady throttle control was all it took to conquer obstacles."

Drivers Song Haitao and Zhou Hao share their stories on the track

Professor Wang Qian from Henan University of Technology shared his journey of modifying his Navara for "off-road + camping" life: "We installed a modular liftable tent system in the truck bed, secured via factory-preinstalled roll bar mounting points—completely non-invasive installation. The rear integrates a pull-out kitchen and outdoor power station, utilizing external power ports for energy expansion. ZNA dealerships also offer modification registration services, providing substantial support for legal compliance.

Professor Wang Qian from Henan University of Technology shares the process of Navara modification

As a long-term ZNA user and avid off-roader, Han Qing has owned models including the Paladin, Oting, Rich series, Navara, and X-Terra. With ZNA’s product evolution, his latest off-road companion is the all-new Z9 pickup: "The Z9 series embodies ZNA’s decades of off-road expertise—featuring 10 terrain modes, 500N·m diesel torque, and a 3x low-end torque boost. My Z9 now rides on a 2-inch lift with 285 professional-grade off-road tires, taking its capability to the next level.

Heavy off-road enthusiast Han Qing shares modification experience

Veteran off-roader Lu Meng conquered the Badain Jaran Desert in the new Paladin and twice traversed the uninhabited Hami Desert Corridor in his Navara and Terra. He stated: "When work pressures mount, driving your beloved truck through the desert—rolling over ridges and climbing knife-edge crests—shakes off heavy burdens. From the original Paladin to Navara, Terra, new Paladin, and now the Z9, it boils down to this: ‘They always bring you back as reliably as they brought you there.’

Senior off-road player Lumen shares off-road stories

These user stories epitomize ZNA’s proven reliability and rugged off-road prowess. Grounded in technology and connected through products, ZNA will further build a "co-creation, sharing, and shared adventures" off-road ecosystem—anchored by motorsport, modifications, and community—journeying with users to conquer majestic landscapes and pursue their ultimate horizons.

"The Deeper the Adventure, the Stronger the Passion: Rugged Reliability, Relentlessly Evolved"

As pioneers of China’s off-road culture, ZNA’s DNA is forged in legendary toughness. In 2004, the Paladin became China’s first domestically produced vehicle to finish the Dakar Rally, marking a historic milestone. From 2004-2006, it completed Dakar three consecutive times, climbing to 19th overall—cementing its status as a national icon. In 2008, the ZNA team achieved 7th place in the Trans-Orient Marathon Off-road Rally, then China’s best international result. Starting in 2013, the Rich dominated diesel-class championships at the Taklimakan Rally and China Grand Rally. By 2015, the next-gen Rich swept the top four positions in Taklimakan’s production class. In 2018, the Navara claimed overall production-class victory at Taklimakan with four stage wins, followed by a 1-2-3 podium sweep in the T2 category at the 2019 Silk Way Rally’s international legs. Through these triumphs, ZNA proves Chinese off-road excellence doesn’t just reach the world stage—it conquers it, stage after stage.

Beyond the racetrack, ZNA empowers users’ off-road lives with its Rugged DNA. Whether through adventure-ready SUVs like the Paladin, the versatile Rich series for family, work, and exploration, the Navara redefining global premium pickup standards, or the Z9 pioneering the electric-petrol era—ZNA steadfastly anchors product development in hardcore off-road capability. By delivering high-quality, diversified experiences, it accelerates toward becoming a ruggedized, new-energy-powered, globally oriented force.

From racetrack glory to user trust on off-road trails, ZNA embodies its brand ethos: Reliability, Innovation, Passion. At its 32-year milestone, ZNA advances with user-centricity—embracing a new identity as the Rugged Off-Road & Pickup Specialist. Bolstered by the ZNA LAB technology brand and the α·star platform’s superior off-road capabilities, it will launch more hardcore pickups and SUVs, covering all scenarios from expedition overlanding to urban light off-roading. Through diverse products, ecosystems, and community events, ZNA empowers every user to conquer the unknown and pioneer the future of Chinese off-roading.

Technology drives off-road advancement; Reliability safeguards every journey. On every trail, ZNA travels with you!"