Chinese automaker BYD is back in the headlines — and this time, it’s going all out. If you thought the Yangwang U9’s 1,287 horsepower dual-motor setup was wild, get ready for the Track Edition — a supercar that’s rumored to pack an insane 3,019 horsepower thanks to a brand-new quad-motor configuration. Yes, you read that right. Three thousand and nineteen.
The original Yangwang U9, launched last year, was already a serious contender in the world of electric performance cars. It clocked a jaw-dropping top speed of 244 mph on an oval test track and took on the Nürburgring Nordschleife with a 7:17.900 lap time, proving that Chinese EVs could compete with the very best. But BYD apparently decided that wasn’t enough — and is now gearing up to take track performance to a whole new level.
From Two Motors to Four — and Over 3000 HP
According to filings spotted by Car News China with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the Yangwang U9 Track Edition will swap its dual-motor system for four individual motors — one for each wheel. Each motor reportedly produces 555 kW, combining for that incredible 3,019-horsepower output.
This massive leap in power is aimed squarely at crushing lap times and redefining what’s possible for an electric hypercar.
Battery, Charging, and Speed
Interestingly, the Track Edition is expected to keep the 80-kWh lithium iron phosphate battery found in the standard U9. This means it retains 500-kW DC fast-charging capability — allowing owners to jump from 30% to 80% charge in just 10 minutes.
While the standard U9 topped out at 244 mph, the Track Edition is listed with a slightly lower 217 mph top speed. This reduction is likely due to revised aerodynamics prioritizing downforce over outright speed. An optional extended aero package will reportedly be available for drivers who want maximum grip and stability for track use.
Suspension Tech and Weight
The Track Edition will also feature BYD’s DiSus-X intelligent body control system — the same advanced suspension setup that can literally let the car drive on three wheels for short periods.
As for weight, MIIT documents list the Track Edition at just under 5,470 pounds. That’s only about 100 pounds heavier than a Lucid Air Sapphire, despite having more than double the horsepower.
What This Means for Performance Cars
A production EV with 3,019 horsepower is unheard of, even in the current age of absurd performance numbers. The Yangwang U9 Track Edition is shaping up to be one of the most extreme electric cars ever built, and possibly one of the fastest around a racetrack.
With BYD pushing boundaries like this, the competition from traditional supercar makers — both electric and petrol-powered — is going to get very interesting. The only question left is: when can we see this monster take on the track?