The YangWang U9 sports car from BYD uncovered more specs before the official launch scheduled for February 25. The new information mainly focuses on this beast’s powertrain, chassis, and body. It can speed up to 100 km/h in 2 seconds, jump, and dance.
YangWang is a high-end new energy vehicle (BEV + PHEV/EREV) brand under BYD, launched in early 2023. Its model line currently comprises a single car: the YangWang U8 extended range off-road SUV with a starting price of 1,096,000 yuan (150K USD). The U8 entered the Chinese market in November last year. Its cumulative deliveries reached 3,653 units, with 1,652 vehicles sold in January 2024.
YangWang plans to extend its product line this year, starting with the U9 electric supercar. It will launch on February 25. However, the brand’s officials willingly shared valuable insights on this beast before the event.
YangWang U9 new specs
YangWang U9 has four TZ220XYAK electric motors made by BYD. Each e-motor has a peak power of 240 kW (322 hp). The combined power of this supercar reaches 960 kW (1,287 hp). YangWang officials disclosed the peak torque of the system reaches 1,680 Nm at 21,000 rpm. As a result, the YangWang U9 can speed up to 100 km/h in 2 seconds.
According to YangWang, the U9 adopts the world’s first U-shaped motor design, providing a lower center of gravity. It also has high-temperature and demagnetization-resistant permanent magnets that improve motor efficiency. They can withstand temperatures of up to 200 degrees Celsius. Usually, the magnet of the e-motor can handle a temperature of around 140 degrees Celsius.
It also has a silicon carbide controller, which boosts the maximum transmission efficiency to 99.8%. For clarity, the efficiency of conventional automatic gearboxes ranges from 86% to 94%. The thermal management system of the YangWang U9 comprises dual electronic pumps on the front and rear axles. Each of them is independently controlled, cooling the motors.
The YangWang U9 is equipped with the DiSus-X chassis. Aside of dancing and jumping, this supercar can take corners faster, brake without nodding, and start without raising the front end. The DiSus-X suspension can lift each axle with a speed of 500 mm/s thanks to the maximum power of 36 kW provided by the 800V platform.
The body of the YangWang U9 adopts carbon fiber and the next-gen structure. The lightweight body coefficient reaches 0.95. As for the torsional rigidity, it is 54,425 Nm. The rear spoiler of the U9 provides downforce of up to 280 kg.
However, there is a fly in the ointment. The curb weight of the U9 is 2,475 kg. It is almost twice the weight of Porsche 911 (992). Its battery pack alone weighs 633 kg. So, it is quite heavy for the supercar.
YangWang U9 basics
The YangWang U9’s dimensions are 4966/2029/1295 mm with a wheelbase of 2900 mm. It has an LFP battery pack on board with a capacity of 80 kWh. It has 465 km of CLTC range. BYD will manufacture the YangWang U9 in its motherland: Shenzhen, China. Its price and other details will be revealed on February 25.
Previously, CarNewsChina reported that the following two YangWang models are a U7 sedan with a 135.5 kWh battery and an unnamed fastback SUV. These cars will help BYD to rival Legacy brands. This year, YangWang will also enter overseas markets. Most likely under a different name, as the second part of the YangWang has negative connotations in English slang.
Source: YangWang Weibo
I’m sure it’s a fast sportscar and all, but… That brand name… I mean,…
Yang Wang.
Why, BYD, why?
Yang is a slang word, and it means “to pull.”
Wang is a slang word, and it means “men’s genital organ.”
So you wanna Yang my Wang? I’m not so sure this brand name will go over so well, especially since it’s an electric and doesn’t have a Wang to Yang, meaning it doesn’t have a gear shifter