BYD unveils 3,000-hp electric supercar with extreme performance specs

BYD pushes supercar limits

BYD says the Yangwang U9 “Track Edition” uses four 555-kW motors (2,220 kW total), equal to about 3,019 PS (2,977 bhp).

For comparison, the production U9 is rated at 960 kW (1,305 PS or 1,287 bhp). This Track Edition succeeds BYD’s already impressive U9, aiming to push supercar performance much further, potentially setting a new benchmark in road-legal electric hypercars.

A supercar legacy in the making

The original BYD Yangwang U9, as reported by Business Wire, featured four independent electric motors that delivered nearly 1,300 hp and accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.36 seconds. Its e⁴ platform enabled unique agility, including turning in place and even jumping over potholes.

Supported by BYD’s innovative DiSus-X suspension, capable of rapid height adjustments and leap-up maneuvers, the U9 demonstrated engineering that rivals supercar benchmarks while showcasing groundbreaking suspension technology rarely seen in production vehicles.

Track edition brings unprecedented power

Regulatory filings show that BYD’s new U9 Track Edition will pack four powerful motors, one at each wheel, producing a combined 3,019 horsepower. That’s more muscle than any electric hypercar currently on the road.

For perspective, the Lotus Evija is rated around 2,012 hp and the Rimac Nevera at 1,914 hp, still well short of the U9 Track Edition’s quoted output. This massive leap shows just how quickly Chinese EV technology is advancing, putting BYD in a league of its own when it comes to raw power.

Bodywork built for speed

Filings indicate the Track Edition includes aerodynamic upgrades typical of circuit-focused vehicles. Changes aim to increase downforce, improve stability, and manage airflow at high speeds. These include a fixed carbon-fiber rear wing, adjustable rear diffuser, and carbon-fiber roof.

Regulatory filings list optional aero components, such as an enhanced carbon-fiber front splitter and an electric/active rear wing, for additional fine-tuning. Such components are critical when harnessing over 3,000 hp, helping maintain traction and handling precision under extreme acceleration.

Performance that rewrites records

BYD also claims a 472.41 km/h (293.5 mph) top-speed run by the Track Edition at Germany’s ATP Papenburg on Aug. 8, 2025; media coverage noted this was a single-direction result rather than a two-way average certified record.

BYD did share a video showing the U9 lapping Germany’s Nürburgring in 7 minutes and 17.9 seconds. Still, that figure comes directly from the company and hasn’t been officially recognized as an accredited Nürburgring lap time.

Engineered for extreme control

The four-motor configuration enables permanent all-wheel drive and torque vectoring, distributing power both between axles and side to side. This provides precise control during high-speed cornering and rapid directional changes.

Such systems allow the car to adapt power delivery instantly, ensuring optimal grip. This is vital for a machine producing over 3,000 hp, where traction management is as important as raw output for maintaining safety and performance on track or road.

Physical dimensions for stability

According to regulatory filings, the U9 Track Edition measures between 4.97 and 4.99 meters in length, 2.0 meters in width, and 1.311–1.351 meters in height, riding on a 2.9-meter wheelbase. These dimensions create a low, wide stance designed to enhance stability at extreme speeds.

The filings also cite a curb weight of roughly 2,480 kg, about 180 kg more than the Rimac Nevera’s 2,300 kg figure. Engineers appear to have tuned the Track Edition’s proportions and mass distribution to sharpen cornering precision while maintaining formidable straight-line performance.

High-tech suspension capabilities

The Track Edition will continue to use BYD’s DiSus-X suspension system. This setup allows extraordinary maneuvers, such as maintaining stability on three wheels, features already demonstrated in the base model.

For the Track Edition, such suspension tuning will likely focus on managing extreme cornering forces. The system’s adaptability ensures that the car remains composed even under aggressive driving, which is critical for both safety and performance in competitive track conditions.

Battery and charging performance

The existing U9 uses an 80 kWh lithium iron phosphate BYD Blade battery with a CLTC-rated range of 450 km. It supports 500 kW DC fast charging, enabling a 30 to 80 percent charge in about 10 minutes.

While BYD has not confirmed changes for the Track Edition, these battery and charging capabilities provide a foundation for repeated high-performance runs without excessive downtime. This fast turnaround is essential for track environments and performance demonstrations.

Design for aerodynamic dominance

The Track Edition retains the glossy red and black paint scheme seen in the base model, complemented by functional aerodynamic elements. These choices are not merely stylistic but aim to enhance airflow and cooling.

The 20-inch wheels with 325/35 R20 tires are paired with advanced braking systems, necessary to manage deceleration from top speeds exceeding 300 km/h. Carbon-fiber construction reduces weight while adding structural rigidity where it matters most.

Challenging the petrol titans

Industry comparisons suggest the U9 Track Edition’s output could rival or surpass that of the fastest petrol-powered supercars ever made. Its all-electric configuration offers instantaneous torque delivery that internal combustion engines cannot match.

If testing confirms expected performance, the Track Edition will not only lead the electric segment but could redefine expectations for production-feasible EV performance, pending independent validation of acceleration and lap-time data.

Top speed potential

MIIT paperwork lists the Track Edition’s catalog top speed at 350 km/h (217 mph). BYD’s earlier test footage for the production U9 cited runs up to 391.94 km/h (243.5 mph) in manufacturer testing; those are manufacturer/test figures.

This trade-off is common in track-focused designs, where lap times and stability take precedence over straight-line performance. The result is a car optimized for real-world racing conditions rather than theoretical speed runs.

BYD’s broader strategy

The Yangwang U9 Track Edition reflects BYD’s strategic shift toward demonstrating technical leadership in high-performance markets. This move complements its dominance in mass-market EVs, showcasing versatility in engineering capabilities.

By pushing boundaries in the luxury and hypercar segments, BYD is positioning itself alongside the most respected performance automakers globally, moving far beyond its earlier reputation for affordable electric mobility solutions.

Chinese EV industry transformation

The launch illustrates a broader transformation in China’s automotive industry. Once known for producing low-cost vehicles, manufacturers like BYD now compete directly with established global brands in cutting-edge technology and performance.

This shift has been fueled by substantial investment in research, development, and advanced manufacturing, with results now evident in vehicles like the U9 Track Edition. The focus is on global competitiveness, not just domestic success.

Awaiting full unveiling

Despite the detailed MIIT filings, many performance figures remain undisclosed. BYD is expected to release full specifications upon the Track Edition’s official debut, including acceleration, lap times, and pricing.

Until then, the confirmed 3,019 hp output stands as the headline figure, attracting global attention and anticipation. Industry observers will be watching closely to see how the final product delivers on its immense technical promise.

Speed meets savings: Discover 14 high-performance cars that won’t break the bank.

A new benchmark for electric power

With the Track Edition, BYD is not simply updating an existing model but setting a new standard for road-legal electric performance. The combination of power, control, and engineering refinement marks a significant milestone in EV development.

This model could influence the direction of future high-performance vehicles worldwide, both electric and hybrid, as manufacturers respond to the challenge posed by over 3,000 hp in a production-ready package.

Imagine a world where every car is electric, cleaner air, quieter streets, and a whole new way we think about travel.

BYD just dropped a 3,000-hp electric beast. Which performance number makes your jaw drop, or what’s the first road you’d take it on?

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.