► Revealed at Auto Shanghai
► Interesting looks
► Use the e3 platform
Denza has revealed its new first-ever concept sports car just weeks after its official launch in Europe. Revealed at Auto Shanghai it’s the first foray into performance for BYD’s premium-focused brand, though not the first for BYD overall – its Yangwang off-shoot makes the huge U8, but also the jumping, eye-wateringly quick U9.
Called the Z, Denza says it has a ‘Pure Emotion’ aesthetic with styling features such as a ‘Quantum Pulse’ face and Light Blade waistline. Take a glance though, and there’s clear notes of Lotus Emira, Lamborghini Gallardo – and potentially even a bit of Alpine A110. Not the worst company, mind.
Either way, it’s very different to those cars underneath, and uses a mixture of new features alongside those from the Z9 GT shooting brake we’ve already driven.
What are the specs?
The standout feature is a fully self-developed chassis-by-wire system, which uses software and sensors to control everything from the steering, braking ,powertrain and the suspension. Called DiSus-M, the suspension can adapt each corner of the car depending on road conditions. It’ll essentially scan the road ahead and then instantaneously firm up the suspension as required – a bit like Rolls-Royce’s Magic Carpet system.
The Z’s steer-by-wire system has also been developed in-house and uses no mechanical linkage between the steering wheel and front axle. And because this is a concept car, it folds up too.
Finally, the Z also uses the same e3 platform as the Z9 GT – a key part of Denza’s brand offering. That means it gets a three-motor independent drive powertrain and rear-wheel, dual-motor independent steering. In real terms, that means it’ll be incredibly powerful, possibly available as a hybrid, and have party tricks such as the ability to crab walk and ‘swing’ itself into tighter car parking spaces. How useful those features are, though, remains to be seen.
The e3 platform also benefits from Vehicle Motion Control which is essentially ESC and Cell-to-Body integration, which provides a stiffer, more compact skateboard chassis on which to build.
When can I buy it?
The Z is just a concept car for now, with Denza unable to comment on a production-spec car. Throw in the fact Denza isn’t bringing every car of its worldwide range to Europe, and we wouldn’t bet on seeing the Z on UK roads. Still, it’s good brand building for BYD’s luxury arm.