Car enthusiasts might have a new reason to get excited: BYD, the Chinese electric giant, is working on a direct rival to the Porsche 911.
This sporty coupe, still in the development phase, has been spotted in China, covered in BYD’s signature blue camouflage commonly used to hide cars not yet revealed to the public. But it’s not just its looks that are drawing attention; it’s also the ambition to conquer the European market. So, what do we know about this upcoming road beast?
Read more:
- America loses its only Formula 1 race winner: a brutal split with his team that could trigger an unprecedented chain reaction
- Amazon reveals its plan to bring AI into our cars, starting with a partnership with this iconic automaker
A bold and sporty design
The recently spotted prototype showcases a car with a decidedly sporty design. With a sloping roofline, a low beltline, and an angled front end, this model exudes performance and follows the hallmarks of sports car design. Even under its camouflage, the silhouette hints at the styling of BYD’s premium brand, Denza, which aims to attract a demanding audience. While some features, like the headlights or rear bumper, are still missing, the overall shape suggests a model that could rival the Porsche 911 and Taycan. Inside, early photos reveal a cabin seemingly focused on sportiness. Two sculpted front seats and a possible 2+2 configuration suggest a sporty layout, though rear passenger space appears limited due to the sloping roofline. Beyond aesthetics, however, it’s the onboard technology and performance that will make the real difference. Designed by Wolfgang Egger, a former Lamborghini designer, this car promises a blend of style and character.
A Denza legacy for Europe, but what about the U.S.?
This sports car’s positioning within BYD’s lineup is intriguing. It’s expected to join the Denza brand, once a joint venture with Mercedes-Benz but now fully owned by BYD. Denza is set to debut in Europe in 2025 with the Z9 GT, a high-end shooting brake. This sports coupe might follow, aiming to compete directly with European icons like the Porsche 911. This strategic move reflects BYD’s clear ambition to establish itself on the international stage. Europe, with its growing appetite for high-end electric vehicles, seems like a prime target. If BYD plays its cards right, this model could mark a turning point for how Chinese brands are perceived in the European market.
Performance that sets the tone
The production model’s technical specifications haven’t been revealed yet, but there are some hints. The concept version of this car, called the Fang Cheng Bao Super 9, featured a spectacular look with butterfly doors. It could share its powertrain with the Denza Z9, an already impressive SUV. If so, we’re talking about a tri-motor setup delivering a combined 710 kW, roughly 952 horsepower. This would put it in direct competition with the most prestigious sports cars. With such a powerful drivetrain, BYD isn’t hiding its ambitions: to offer a serious alternative to the segment’s benchmarks while relying on a fully electric powertrain. This would directly address the growing demand for a combination of performance and environmental sustainability.
This article explores the potential of BYD’s upcoming electric sports car, a bold rival to models like the Porsche 911. With a design crafted by a renowned expert, clear global ambitions, and promising performance, this car could shake up the high-end vehicle market. Stay tuned to follow the development of a model that’s bound to make headlines!
