While Tesla continues to talk up the long-awaited second-generation Roadster it revealed in concept form almost eight years ago, China’s most powerful electric supercar is about to get even more powerful.
That’s right, if 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 allows it to perform ‘tank turns’ and even jump over potholes, then you’d better get ready for the more extreme Track Edition version.
As first reported by Car 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 each wheel, outputting a total of no less than 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 in the regulatory filing, though it’s likely to be under two seconds and the Track Edition should command a significant premium over the standard U9’s price of 1.68 million yuan ($A358,595).
In addition to its ballistic four-motor EV powertrain, the Chinese homologation documents show the Track Edition will also gain 20-inch wheels with 325/35 R20 tyres all round, a carbon-fibre roof, a large fixed carbon-fibre rear wing, and a rear diffuser comprising adjustable aero blades to vary downforce and drag.
According to 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, as well as 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 standard U9 employs an 80kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack that delivers a CLTC-rated range of 450km and allows DC fast-charging capability at up to 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 chance it will 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 president Stella Li recently told Autocar, suggesting the electric performance vehicle brand would be launched in Europe after Denza in 2026.
Denza, positioned below Yangwang in BYD’s hierarchy, is due here this year.
For the record, Tesla claims its new Roadster will offer 0-60mph (97km/h) acceleration in just 2.1 seconds, a stratospheric 400km/h top speed and a long 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 new four-door production EV record of 7:04.957 at the Nurburgring, the Yangwang U9 set a new Chinese production-car speed record of 391.94 km/h at the Nordschleife in 2024, when it lapped the infamous German road course in 7:17.900.