Wild Denza Z9 GT 'Xtreme' emerges
You like fast estates? Get a load of this
The Denza onslaught continues. Just a month after the first images surfaced of a 2,000hp Z supercar, there’s now this from BYD’s premium offshoot: the Z9 GT ‘Xtreme’. While the name isn’t confirmed for now, it does seem very apt for a vehicle that looks like this. The standard GT already has a distinctive appearance, somewhere between a fastback and a true estate; it’s not a Chinese EV that will blend into the background like some others. This test mule ups the ante even further, very similarly modified to the Di-Aero P2000+ - just on a five door executive car.
It’s hard to know where to start with such a jaw-dropping build, though the wing seems like a good place to start. The swan neck design drastically extends the length of the car, the endplates rival the Manthey Porsches in the background for outrageousness, and it’s as wide as a carriageway. Totally preposterous, and therefore quite cool as a result. And probably very effective, working in conjunction with a substantial diffuser and new ducting around the wheelarch.
There’s plenty more besides, with side skirts seemingly pinched straight from a race car and front end totally dominated by gaping intakes and aero devices. While the GT Xtreme looks some way from finished for the moment, the intent is pretty clear with the add-ons: it’s designed to go very, very fast around a circuit. Which probably isn’t on the minds of most folk spending more than £100,000 on a large EV, but if it’s a good enough approach for Porsche, it’s good enough for BYD. And only one can be fastest…
Speaking of which, the Taycan Turbo GT (with Manthey Kit, of course), lapped earlier this year in 6:55 with Lars Kern behind the wheel. Aiding the Denza in that endeavour - you’d have to assume the executive car record is the one in mind - will likely be even more powerful. Than the 1,156hp standard car, such is the world we live in right now. Initial reports are suggesting anything up to 2,000hp; given the GT is underpinned by three motors from the factory, there is likely to be some scope to turn them up. Perhaps it’ll be kept below the 1,600hp of the Z Racing flagship, to maintain the hierarchy.
Either way, it’s abundantly clear that Denza seems very serious about making some extremely fast cars. Maybe we prefer our ‘ring record holders to be lighter, smaller and petrol powered, but it’s hard not to be just a little intrigued at exactly what’s being conjured up here. You can bet that beating Porsche at its favourite game is very strong motivation for all involved. Don’t be surprised if a finished car and a lap time come even sooner than expected.
Image credit: Baldauf
Both are infinitely more useable, or rather their performance is more useable for more of the time.
As an afterthought, I wonder if whichever political party is in power will decide to tax every bhp above say 200 as a new revenue stream?
If the thought is lingering in their avaricious little minds, they will surely be licking their lips at the possibility.
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