by Debut of the New Denza Z Sports Car
A new Chinese sports car is on the way, and it’s targeting one of the world’s most famous models. The premium brand Denza, which was originally a joint venture between BYD and Mercedes but became fully owned by BYD in 2024, is preparing to unveil its long-awaited answer to the Porsche 911. To attract attention, the company has enlisted a former actor who played a famous secret agent.
Heir to the Concept
Denza’s flagship sports car was previewed as the striking Z concept in April last year. Now we are getting an early look at the production version ahead of its debut. In the preview image, the bright orange Z car is positioned directly behind BYD’s Executive Vice President Stella Li and former James Bond actor Daniel Craig. It is evident that the production model closely follows the concept.
This new model is set to become the pinnacle of the Denza lineup, positioned above the Z9 GT, the D9 minivan, and the B5 SUV as the brand’s most powerful offering.
Design and Hardware
From the front, sharp diamond-shaped headlights and an aggressive bumper, similar to those on the Lotus Emira, are partially visible. It’s worth noting that the production model has lost the concept’s sharp splitter, although it may appear on a more powerful version of the car.
Little else is visible, but it’s noticeable that the car has silver-black wheels and lacks the concept’s large fixed rear wing. Prototypes have already been spotted testing at the Nürburgring, indicating serious performance intentions and possibly an attempt to set a lap record.
Power Approaching a Thousand Horsepower
Powertrain details are not yet confirmed, and Denza never disclosed what powered the concept. However, all signs point to the Z receiving the same powertrain as the all-electric Z9 GT. That car uses a 100-kWh Blade battery and three electric motors, which combined produce over 952 hp. This clearly surpasses the power of the Porsche 911, which is not available in a fully electric configuration.
Denza Z Concept
Beyond pure power, Denza also points to a suite of advanced hardware, including a magnetorheological suspension and a steer-by-wire system. It is also likely to inherit some special features from the Z9 GT, such as a “crab walk” mode, slow drifting into parking spaces, and enhanced maneuverability.
Promotion Strategy and Market Ambitions
According to Stella Li, BYD is collaborating with Daniel Craig in an advertising campaign for Denza to help expand its presence in Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. The company already has rivals for the Land Rover Defender and Toyota Land Cruiser Prado in the form of the B8 and B5 SUVs, and is now targeting the pinnacle of the sports car segment.
Baldauf
The appearance of the Denza Z at prestigious venues like Goodwood and the involvement of a globally renowned star underscore the global ambitions of Chinese automakers in the premium segment. This is not just about creating a powerful car, but a comprehensive strategy for brand building and entering new markets. The success of this model could significantly change the perception of Chinese cars worldwide, especially in the high-performance sports car segment traditionally dominated by European brands. Testing at the Nürburgring emphasizes the intent to compete not only in design and technology but also in real dynamic performance.
