Chinese automaker BYD, known primarily for its affordable vehicles, is making a bold move into the high-performance luxury car market with its new electric supercar, the Yangwang U9. This premium model, produced under BYD’s Yangwang brand, was recently spotted undergoing rigorous testing at the Nurburgring, Europe’s most iconic race track. The U9 is being honed to not only boost BYD’s image but to seriously compete with established supercars on a global stage.
The Yangwang U9 is a formidable electric vehicle, boasting a quad-motor setup that produces an astonishing 1,300 horsepower and 1,239 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0-62 mph in a mere 2.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 192 mph. This puts it in direct competition with the likes of the Rimac Nevera, a renowned electric hypercar.
Testing at the Nurburgring is a strategic move by BYD, similar to Hyundai’s approach to enhance its performance credentials. The U9’s presence on this demanding track demonstrates BYD’s commitment to fine-tuning the car’s handling and performance. Videos released by CarSpyMedia show the U9 tackling the track’s challenging corners with precision and its brakes glowing red-hot, indicating the rigorous testing it is undergoing.
The Nurburgring lap times are a prestigious benchmark in the automotive world. BYD’s decision to test the U9 at this track suggests it may be aiming to set a new lap record, potentially challenging the Rimac Nevera’s current time. This effort signifies BYD’s ambition to be recognized as a serious contender in the high-performance electric vehicle market.
Priced at $233,000, the Yangwang U9 offers a more accessible alternative to supercars like the Rimac Nevera, which has a base MSRP of $2.4 million. Despite its lower price, the U9’s specifications and performance capabilities make it a worthy rival in the electric supercar segment.
The development and testing of the U9 at the Nurburgring are crucial steps in BYD’s strategy to elevate its brand and appeal to luxury car enthusiasts. As BYD continues to push the boundaries of electric vehicle performance, the automotive world eagerly watches to see if the Yangwang U9 can secure its place among the fastest cars on the planet.