Summary
– BYD is honing its quad-motor electric supercar, the Yangwang U9, at the Nurburgring
– The U9 is part of BYD’s move towards becoming a luxury automaker and is designed to compete with established luxury brands
– The U9 features four motors with a combined 1,287 horsepower and 1,239 pound-feet of torque and has a price of around $230,000 in China
– The U9 has impressive acceleration, charging capabilities, and suspension technology
– BYD may need to reconsider the name of the brand for non-Chinese markets to attract luxury car buyers
Article
BYD, one of the world’s largest automakers by sales volume, is known for selling affordable vehicles but is looking to expand its offerings into the luxury market. Through its Yangwang premium brand, BYD is working on launching an ultra-high-performance electric supercar called the Yangwang U9. To prove its capabilities, BYD brought prototypes of the U9 to the Nurburgring to test their performance on one of Europe’s most famous tracks, showcasing the company’s commitment to entering the luxury and performance car market.
With over 3 million cars sold globally in 2023, BYD is solidifying its position as an automotive giant. The company is looking to produce vehicles that highlight its technical capabilities, such as the Yangwang U8 and U9 supercars. By honing the U9 around the Nurburgring, BYD is following a trend set by other automakers like Hyundai in testing cars on the iconic race track to improve company image and credibility. The U9 boasts impressive specs, making it a serious contender in the high-performance car market.
The Yangwang U9 features four motors, one driving each wheel, delivering a combined 1,287 horsepower and 1,239 pound-feet of torque. While the U9 is slightly heavy at just under 5,500 lbs, it can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.36 seconds, making it one of the quickest-accelerating cars in the world. With a quarter-mile time of 9.87 seconds, the U9 offers supercar-level performance comparable to models like the Porsche 911 Turbo S. Priced around $230,000 in China, the U9 is an affordable option given its high performance and striking design features.
Equipped with an 80-kilowatt-hour BYD Blade battery pack utilizing LFP chemistry, the Yangwang U9 is estimated to have a range of 289 miles on the CLTC test cycle. However, real-world range may vary due to the vehicle’s power and active suspension system. BYD is focused on establishing the Yangwang brand, which is also used for the U8 extended-range electric SUV. One potential challenge for BYD could be the brand name, as it may need to consider a different name for international markets outside of China to appeal to luxury car buyers.
By testing the Yangwang U9 at the Nurburgring, BYD is positioning itself as a serious contender in the luxury and high-performance car market. The U9’s impressive specs, including four motors and rapid acceleration, demonstrate BYD’s commitment to producing cutting-edge electric vehicles. With a focus on technical innovation, performance, and affordability, BYD aims to challenge established luxury automakers and expand its presence in the global automotive industry. As BYD continues to refine its electric supercar and develop its Yangwang brand, the company is poised for success in the luxury car segment.
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