BYD claims its new EV supercar has “the world’s strongest horsepower” after showing it off for the first time. The Yangwang U9 02 test car packs nearly 3,000 hp, and it’s coming for Ferrari.
China’s EV leader is at it again. In a trailer that resembled a promotional video for a new Fast and Furious movie, BYD unveiled the new Yangwang U9 02 for the first time.
BYD boasted its new Yangwang EV supercar has “the world’s strongest horsepower of over 3,000 Ps,” or just under 3,000 hp.
The trailer builds hype as the garage doors slowly rise, unveiling the Yangwang U9 with a white “02” badge on the hood. From the back, you can see the test car is designed for maximum performance with vortex generators, a small lip spoiler, and other added elements for better aerodynamics.
BYD is keeping most details secret for now, but we do know it’s looking to break another global record. The video was accompanied by the caption “#GlobalElectricCarSpeedNewRecord.”
By chasing speed, we discovered possibility. By building our dream, we became fearless.
Stay tuned for the pursuit beyond #ThePursuitBeyond
#YANGWANG #U9X pic.twitter.com/9mQPXZ4bdH
The new test car comes after BYD announced the Yangwang U9 Track Edition model set a new global speed record for electric vehicles just last month, after hitting a ridiculous 472.41 km/h, or around 293 mph.
After the milestone, BYD said it was “the first time a Chinese domestic brand achieved a world record in this field.” Now, it looks like BYD is gunning for even more.
The Yangwang U9 Track Edition features the world’s first mass-produced 1,200V ultra-high-volt platform. It uses the same e4 platform and DiSus-X architecture, enabling it to “dance” and jump over obstacles.
I like that these cars are built to show what the possibilities will be with EVs. EVs have not taken a firm hold yet, but the more visible they become, the more adoption can happen. I am not saying masses of people will go buy electric supercars, I am saying the curiosity will make people look more at EVs and possibly buy one when they are more informed and see the capabilities. BYD already makes very affordable EVs so I think showing people that you can go to extremes and much better than ice cars speaks volumes about EVs. Even Ferrari now has started to build hybrid cars so who knows what else is in the pipeline but its certainly exciting seeing the new cars that come out.
BYD said its quad-motor system is the first in the world rated at 30,000 rpm, delivering a combined output of over 3,000 PS (2,959 hp).
With a power-to-weight ratio of 1,217 PS per tonne, the Yangwang U9 Track Edition outmuscles most hypercars today.
We should learn more about the Yangwang U9 02 soon. Check back for an official launch date, final specs, and pricing.
The Yangwang U9 starts at just 1,680,000 yuan in China, or around $233,000. Although it may sound pricey compared to most of BYD’s low-cost EVs, the EV supercar is still about half the price of a Ferrari SF90 Stradale. Not only is it faster, it’s also much more advanced, packing BYD’s highest level technology and software.
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Peter Johnson is covering the auto industry’s step-by-step transformation to electric vehicles. He is an experienced investor, financial writer, and EV enthusiast. His enthusiasm for electric vehicles, primarily Tesla, is a significant reason he pursued a career in investments. If he isn’t telling you about his latest 10K findings, you can find him enjoying the outdoors or exercising
