Currently reading: Denza previews production-ready, 1000bhp Porsche 911 rival

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

Part of a tie-up with long-time James Bond actor Daniel Craig, it shows the production-ready coupé largely remains faithful to the Z concept from last year's Shanghai motor show.

It's expected to serve as the crown atop the Chinese premium brand's line-up when launched in the UK, positioned above the Z9 GT shooting brake, D9 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 electric 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.

Denza Z prototype charging

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.

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"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'."

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Charlie Martin Autocar
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As part of Autocar’s news desk, Charlie plays a key role in the title’s coverage of new car launches and industry events. He’s also a regular contributor to its social media channels, creating content for Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook and Twitter.

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Peter Cavellini 25 March 2026

And another thing, what's crab and Tank turn got to do with everyday driving?, maybe for parking? bit tedious doing that me thinks,no, unless it's ten seconds faster round the green hell and cheaper than the Porsche Turbo I'm not interested.

scrap 19 November 2025

Thankfully, electric sports cars aren't selling right now. 

Sadly, UK consumers are more than happy to kill the European automotive industry by buying Chinese alternatives. 

DVB78 20 November 2025

indeed, although thats mainly the fault of European/UK Governments who are allowing the Chinese to flood the market, while at the same time hampering the European manufacturers with ever stricter regulations and their NUT Zero crap

DVB78 20 November 2025

that is mainly the fault of European governments, the EU and UK who are allowing the Chinese to flood the market, while at the same time imposing ever tighter regulations and restrictions on domestic manufacturers, through their Nut Zero nonsense

Peter Cavellini 19 November 2025

How much and explain how "flash charge" works and will the rest of the Planet be able to accommodate it?

LP in Brighton 19 November 2025

Flash charge sounds potentially dangerous. And somehow I don't see a Chinese maker offering a 2 tonne plus EV building a credible competitor to something as refined and sophisticated as a 911.  But who knows!

Andy_Cowe 19 November 2025
LP in Brighton wrote:

Flash charge sounds potentially dangerous. And somehow I don't see a Chinese maker offering a 2 tonne plus EV building a credible competitor to something as refined and sophisticated as a 911.  But who knows!

The 911 is made by Porsche, who offer multiple 2 tonne plus EVs, with Autocar having a story about the latest this very day.

 

I am doubtful a strong 911 competitor will appear with the first try, but making SUVs is not the reason.