BYD’s latest electric sports car has made its public debut, hinting at a promising rivalry with the iconic Porsche 911. With design influences from Wolfgang Egger, a former designer for Lamborghini and Audi, this new electric vehicle (EV) is gearing up for its grand entrance into the automotive world.
In April, BYD gave us a sneak peek of their upcoming electric sports car when they revealed the Fang Cheng Bao Super 9 concept. Fang Cheng Bao, BYD’s fifth sub-brand launched in June 2023, aims to deliver a range of vehicles from off-road models to high-performance sports cars.
The first vehicle under this sub-brand, the Bao 5, was introduced last November. During its spring conference earlier this year, BYD unveiled three new models: the flagship Bao 8 SUV, a smaller Super 3 SUV, and the Super 9 convertible sports car.
According to CarNewsChina, BYD’s new EV sports car was recently spotted in China, marking its first public appearance. The images showcase the sporty two-door EV on a tow truck, cloaked in blue camouflage typically used for BYD prototypes. Despite the camouflage, the car’s aggressive design is evident, featuring a low stance and a sloped front end.
The prototype appears to be in the final stages of development, missing essential components such as headlights and a rear bumper. Interestingly, sources suggest that this new EV might be launched under the Denza brand, previously a joint venture between BYD and Mercedes-Benz, now fully owned by BYD.
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The new electric sports car is expected to offer four seats, similar to the Porsche 911, although the recent photos don’t confirm this detail. The car is rumored to feature a powertrain setup akin to the Denza Z9, which includes three electric motors delivering nearly 1,000 horsepower (710 kW). This Denza sports car could potentially debut in Europe following the Z9 GT shooting brake next year.
Wolfgang Egger, known for his work with Audi, Lamborghini, and Alfa Romeo, is credited with elevating BYD’s design standards. Egger’s influence is clearly seen in the Fang Cheng Bao Super 9 concept, which inspired this new prototype. The Super 9, a two-door coupe, blends advanced technology with a design reminiscent of high-end European sports cars.
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BYD’s doesn’t stop at the Chinese market. The company plans to introduce the Denza brand to Europe, starting with the Z9 GT in 2025. The electric sports car, expected to debut at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show in April, could be a significant part of this expansion strategy. Local media reports suggest that the car’s pricing could start at around ¥300,000 (approximately $41,200) in China, making it an attractive and affordable alternative to the Porsche 911.
