While Tesla continues to speak up the long-awaited second-generation Roadster it revealed in concept form almost eight years ago, China’s strongest electric supercar is about to get much more powerful.
That’s right, in the event you thought BYD’s Yangwang U9 was wild enough when it debuted in 2023 with a 960kW quad-motor powertrain, a claimed 0-100km/h time of just 2.36 seconds and electric air suspension that permits it to perform ‘tank turns’ and even hop over potholes, then you definitely’d higher prepare for the more extreme Track Edition version.
As first reported by Automotive News China late last week, images and details published by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) confirm the hardcore Track Edition will pack a 555kW electric motor for every wheel, outputting a complete of at least 2220kW – or a gob-smacking 3019 metric horsepower.
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Top speed is listed at 350km/h but no 0-100km/h claim was included within the regulatory filing, though it’s more likely to be under two seconds and the Track Edition should command a big premium over the usual U9’s price of 1.68 million yuan ($A358,595).
Along with its ballistic four-motor EV powertrain, the Chinese homologation documents show the Track Edition can even gain 20-inch wheels with 325/35 R20 tyres all round, a carbon-fibre roof, a big fixed carbon-fibre rear wing, and a rear diffuser comprising adjustable aero blades to differ downforce and drag.
In keeping with the Chinese government filing, options will include an enhanced carbon-fibre front splitter and electric rear wing.
Pictured here in official MIIT images wearing red paint with a gloss black styling package, the U9 Track Edition measures 4966 or 4991mm in overall length, in addition to a broad 2029mm in width, and just 1311 or 1351mm in height, on a 2900mm wheelbase.
Kerb weight is stated at 2480kg, and total vehicle mass at 2630kg.
Few other delails have been revealed at this stage, but the usual U9 employs an 80kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack that delivers a CLTC-rated range of 450km and allows DC fast-charging capability at as much as 500kW, enabling a 30-80 per cent charge in about 10 minutes.
The regular U9 also comprises double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension, aided by BYD’s ‘DiSus-X intelligent body control system’, which allows for three-wheel drive and “synchronised body movement”.
The U9 has not been confirmed for Australian release, let alone this more extreme Track Edition version, but there’s a likelihood it’s going to be sold here given BYD has plans to launch its ultra-premium Yangwang brand in markets outside China, starting with Hong Kong.
“Our plan is that we bring Yangwang to Europe,” BYD vice chairman Stella Li recently told Autocar, suggesting the electrical performance vehicle brand could be launched in Europe after Denza in 2026.
Denza, positioned below Yangwang in BYD’s hierarchy, is due here this 12 months.
For the record, Tesla claims its recent Roadster will offer 0-60mph (97km/h) acceleration in only 2.1 seconds, a stratospheric 400km/h top speed and a protracted 1000km driving range.
But at 2220kW, the U9 Track Edition will outpower electric supercars already on sale including the GAC-Aion SSR Hyper (900kW), Lotus Evija (1499kW) and Rimac Nevera R (1550kW).
And while the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra electric super sedan recently claimed a brand new four-door production EV record of seven:04.957 on the Nurburgring, the Yangwang U9 set a brand new Chinese production-car speed record of 391.94 km/h on the Nordschleife in 2024, when it lapped the infamous German road course in 7:17.900.
This Article First Appeared At www.carexpert.com.au
