BYD wants to compete in the big leagues with the new electric coupe Denza Z

BYD's luxury arm, Denza, has thrown down the gauntlet with the unveiling of its first concept coupé, the Denza Z. Shown at the Shanghai International Auto Show, this sleek, four-seater EV showcases the brand's latest technological advancements and signals its intent to compete in the high-performance sports car market, with apparently the Porsche 911 directly in its sights.

The Denza Z has a low and athletic profile, immediately conveying a sense of energy. Its sharp headlights and prominent front lip contribute to an assertive front-end design. The overall aesthetic is dynamic and refined, with Denza confirming that both hardtop and convertible versions will be available.

As a two-door coupé, the Denza Z has a compact body. The cabin design tapers after the central pillar, creating a powerful stance over the rear wheels. Details like frameless windows, hidden door handles, and large wheels add to its modern appeal. Unlike traditional gasoline-powered sports cars, the Denza Z uses a steer-by-wire system. The company states this system uses advanced artificial intelligence to provide smoother handling for everyday driving while maintaining precise responsiveness for track performance. Adding to the futuristic feel is a foldable steering wheel, which the company suggests will enhance safety by creating more space during collisions.

Underneath the stylish exterior, the Denza Z will feature the Disus-M suspension system, an enhanced version of Denza's existing Disus-Z technology. This intelligent system uses magnetorheological dampers to make real-time adjustments based on road conditions. With suspension responses occurring in less than ten milliseconds, Denza claims this technology will offer superior stability and support when cornering at high speeds on a track.

The full specifications and pricing details are still under wraps, but Denza anticipates the starting price for the Z will be above RMB 300,000, which translates to approximately $42,000. Powering this new EV is likely to be BYD's recently revealed high-speed motor, which has already found its way into the BYD Han L and Tang L models.

The Denza Z is an ambitious step for BYD's luxury brand into the competitive world of high-performance electric cars. By combining a striking design with advanced technologies, Denza hopes to carve out its own niche in the EV market and challenge established players. It might be enough for the Chinese auto market, but it will take more than clever tech to compete with the likes of Porsche on its home turf.

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