In late April, China’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer BYD unveiled a roadster called the Denza Z (see video). It has now sprouted a coupe variant inbound to the showrooms with a choice between two tri-motor powertrains, according to the country’s patent database.
In its most affordable form, the new Denza Z features a single e-motor at the front axle rated at 272 PS (268 hp / 200 kW) and two rear e-motors contributing 218 PS (215 hp / 160 kW) each. The nominal total thus comes to 708 PS (698 hp / 520 kW), although the company has yet to confirm that the car can maintain that output for long enough. Either way, it’s shaping up to be an electric beast with the claimed top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph).
In turn, the range-topping Denza Z Coupe slams the front axle with 680 PS (671 hp / 500 kW) and each of the rear wheels with 462 PS (456 hp / 340 kW). This implies a peak combined output of 1,604 metric horsepower, or 1,582 American hp, or 1,180 kilowatts. Bugatti’s Chiron Supersport maxes out just four horsepower short of this figure. Considering that the Denza is an EV, its top speed is equally impressive at 350 km/h (217 mph).
If you’ve been following the market for a while now, you should know what the biggest catch here is. The lightest Z Coupe weighs whopping 2,220 kilograms (4,895 pounds). The top spec adds another 20 kilos (45 lbs), and the Convertible variant is understandably the heaviest of all at 2,290 kg (5,049 lbs).
Sales are planned for later this year, with all pricing and trim details yet to be announced.