BYD on Sarah Shevon ArchivesTuesday unveiled the first supercar under its premium off-road electric vehicle brand called Fangchengbao, which promises ultimate performance and luxury with bold design treatments — the latest example of Chinese automakers going upscale and competing in the high-end segment. The all-electric concept hypercar, called Super 9, features a space shuttle-inspired cabin with carbon fiber racing seats as standard, as well as a futuristic design without a windsheld, making the two-seater an open-top model. Wolfgang Egger, head designer at BYD and formerly a chief of design at Audi, said during a livestream event that the interior was “one of the best places in the world where you can experience the highest level of emotion and speed.” Further technical specs and pricing details were not disclosed at the event, although the automaker said it will showcase the full lineup including the Bao 5, and two other upcoming offerings — a flagship plug-in hybrid off-roader and an all-electric concept crossover — at this year’s Beijing Motor Show next week. China’s EV giant officially launched its first electric sports car, the Yangwang U9, at a price tag of RMB 1.68 million ($233,352) in February and is set to begin delivery of the vehicle by the middle of this year. [TechNode reporting, BYD announcement, in Chinese]
