BYD has officially confirmed the upcoming debut of its Yangwang U9 02 test vehicle through the release of a teaser video. The brief clip revealed the prototype driving out of a garage, though the company withheld detailed design information or technical specifications for now. What BYD did highlight was the car’s staggering performance capability—an output rated at 2,978 horsepower, which it boldly described as “the world’s strongest horsepower.” The 02 prototype is still in its early stages of testing, but its announcement arrives on the heels of a string of high-profile achievements from the earlier Yangwang U9 engineering test car, known as the 01.
Back in August, the U9 test vehicle stunned the automotive world by setting a new global speed record for electric vehicles. During a closed track run, it managed to reach an extraordinary 472.41 km/h, making it the fastest production-intent EV to date. This milestone showcased not just raw speed, but the success of BYD’s advanced technological platforms. The record was made possible by five groundbreaking innovations, the most notable being the introduction of the world’s first mass-produced 1200V ultra-high voltage platform. This system ensures that electric motors can draw energy with maximum efficiency, delivering consistently high power at extreme velocities.
The powertrain itself relies on BYD’s proprietary e4 platform, which features four electric motors capable of spinning at 30,000 rpm. Each motor produces 555 kW, combining for the remarkable system output of 2,978 horsepower. With this setup, the U9 achieves an astonishing power-to-weight ratio of 1,200 horsepower per ton. To put this in perspective, that figure surpasses benchmarks set by some of the most iconic hypercars in the world, including the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut, which reaches around 986 hp per ton. This ratio explains why the U9 can not only accelerate so fiercely but also sustain its stability at record-breaking speeds.
Handling such immense power requires advanced stability systems, and BYD has equipped the U9 with its DiSus-X intelligent active body control technology. This system continuously monitors and adjusts the car’s posture, helping to maximize grip and cornering precision in real time. Tire technology has also played a critical role in achieving these records. The U9 runs on domestically developed high-performance tires capable of withstanding speeds of up to 500 km/h. These semi-slick tires, designed with an extra-wide tread, expand the contact area with the surface, ensuring the necessary traction for such extreme performance.
The Yangwang U9 has already compiled an impressive list of achievements. In October 2024, it reached 391.94 km/h, making it the fastest car in China at that time. Just one month later, in November 2024, it completed a Nürburgring lap in 7 minutes and 17 seconds, further solidifying its reputation as a high-performance machine.
As for the new Yangwang U9 02 prototype, BYD has yet to release specific details about its technical specifications, production plans, or official launch timeline. However, the unveiling of this test car underscores BYD’s ambition to dominate the high-performance EV sector. With the U9 series, the company is signaling its determination to push the limits of electric vehicle engineering and position itself at the forefront of the hypercar landscape.