‘Z’ electric supercar from China will challenge the likes of the Porsche 911 and Mercedes-AMG GT
Denza has released the first image of its new flagship sports car ahead of its unveiling at this summer’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Released as part of a tie-up with long-time James Bond actor Daniel Craig, it reveals the production-ready coupé largely remains faithful to the ‘Z’ concept that was shown at last year’s Shanghai motor show.
It is expected to form the crown in the brand’s line-up as it launches in the UK, positioned above the Z9 GT shooting brake, D9 luxury MPV and B5 SUV.
Technical details of the Z remain thin on the ground, but Denza said it has steer-by-wire technology, magnetorheological suspension and a driver-focused, tech-heavy cockpit that majors on advanced technology.
Features likely to be carried over from the Z9 GT include the ability to ‘crab walk’ and ‘tank turn’, and it’s possible the ‘Z’ could take that car’s tri-motor powertrain and ramp up output beyond its 952bhp.
Shortly after the concept’s unveiling, prototypes of the production car were spotted at the Nürburgring, sparking speculation that a lap record attempt and possibly a European launch were on the cards.
BYD executive vice-president Stella Li previously confirmed to Autocar that it will come to the UK.
Asked if the ‘Z’ could play an important role as a brand-building halo model for Denza in Europe, Li replied: “We’d like to invite you to Goodwood…”, before confirming the car would be displayed there in July and then head to showrooms.
The concept was called the Z, but Li said the final name for the production car remains “confidential” and could be different.
It will play an important role in cementing Denza’s premium and performance credentials in Europe, with Li touting the brand’s emphasis on technical capability as an edge over established marques.
“If you think about other brands, when they launch a new premium car, they just make the engine more powerful and the interior design more emotional; there is no fundamental revolution,” she said.
By contrast, Li touted the Z9’s ability to tank-turn, drift, drive semi-autonomously, accelerate from 0-62mph in 2.7sec and ‘flash charge’ at super-high speed as testament to Denza’s technical superiority – which will be a key marketing pillar for the brand.
“This is using technology to really redefine elegance,” she said. “For an emotional connection, this is what we have. We will make people say ‘this is the car I really want to try’.”
