Denza Z A Sports Car As a Declaration of War

1,600 hp, 350 km/h (217 mph) top speed, and steer-by-wire technology: The Chinese Denza Z is aggressively challenging the established European sports car competition.

Now even sports cars. From mass-market compact cars to affordable mainstream SUVs, BYD already builds almost everything with four wheels. Only an image model was missing until now. Something like the electric Denza Z. However, this does not sail under the BYD flag but is meant to attack the established European sports car elite as a product of the premium sub-brand Denza. And the American elite, in the form of the Corvette, as well.

But why is the world's largest electric car manufacturer suddenly building a sports car? Certainly not because flat coupes are particularly lucrative. The Denza Z is more of a statement and is being presented to the public for the first time. And that on the stage of all renowned sports car manufacturers in Goodwood, with plenty of fanfare and the largest booth at the auto show. The automotive world is meant to see: BYD can deliver not only volume but also emotions.

By-Wire Technology

Steering By Knob And Braking By Cable

Originally launched in 2010 as a joint project with Mercedes-Benz, Denza now belongs entirely to BYD and takes on the role of the premium brand within the group. The Z sits at the top of the model range and is likely to be produced only in small quantities as a flagship project. However, production numbers are irrelevant in this case. The models Z Coupé and Roadster, capable of reaching speeds of up to 350 km/h, are primarily sporty image flagships designed to demonstrate that the Chinese can compete on equal footing with established manufacturers when it comes to design, driving dynamics, and technology.

Additional Competition for Porsche

That Porsche is the main target comes as no surprise. The image of the Swabian brand still extends far beyond the sports car scene. Ferrari and Lamborghini build exclusive dream cars, while Porsche combines driving dynamics with everyday usability and sells its vehicles in comparatively high volumes. Anyone looking to establish themselves in this segment must measure up to the Swabians—not with eccentric designs but with a look that will still work ten years from now.

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And with contemporary technology that involves a lot of effort. The foundation is a 1000-volt architecture, a highly integrated drive unit, and carbon-ceramic brakes. Thanks to the high-voltage system and the new Blade battery, Denza promises extremely short charging times. In just nine minutes, the second-generation 76 kWh Blade battery can be charged from 10 to 97 percent. Even at extreme sub-zero temperatures, it reportedly takes only three minutes longer, according to the manufacturer.

The driving power is distributed to the wheels as needed by three electric motors, while two actuators in the rear-wheel steering support the steering response. The centerpiece, however, is the new steer-by-wire system. It completely eliminates a mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels. The steering wheel can even be folded away to create more space during automated driving.

Classic 2+2 Seater for the Joy of Driving

The Z was not designed as a robot car. On the contrary, instead of a futuristic lounge, Denza opts for a surprisingly classic sports car cockpit with deeply integrated carbon bucket seats, a slim instrument display, and a large central screen. The concept follows more of a European model rather than that of an uncompromising supercar. The Denza Z is designed as a 2+2-seater and is later planned to be offered as a spider. This positions BYD closer to the Porsche 911 or Gran Turismo than to a radical two-seater.

Steer-by-wire, chassis, drivetrain, and brakes work together on a unified software platform. Notably, BYD does not mention an external development partner for the chassis or steering. This aligns with their strategy of developing more key technologies in-house and consolidating them within their own group instead of purchasing from ZF or Bosch.

In other areas, however, Denza relies on European expertise. The design is overseen by Wolfgang Egger, who previously worked for brands such as Alfa Romeo, Audi, and Lamborghini. His creations include automotive legends like the Alfa 8C Competizione, as well as mass-market models like the Seat Ibiza or Audi A4 and A6. His role at BYD and Denza is likely to give the brands a distinctive identity.