With a plug-in hybrid system and 2.0 engine, Chinese pickup reaches 71,4 kgfm and debuts technologies to challenge the hegemony of the North American rival
BYD has made official its intention to take on the Ford Ranger Raptor with the development of a high-performance version of the Shark. The first step in this strategy is the launch of the Performance variant in Australia, which replaces the old 1.5 turbo engine with a 2.0 turbo unit, raising the level of brute force to challenge the Ford icon in absolute numbers.
The new configuration combines the four-cylinder combustion engine with an optimised electrical system on the front axle. The result is a combined delivery of 469 hp and 71,4 kgfm. With this set, the plug-in hybrid pickup completes the 0 to 100 km/h test in 5.5 seconds. In addition to the gain in agility, BYD corrected a limitation of the entry-level model: the towing capacity now reaches 3,500 kg, leveling with the main rivals in the medium segment.
SEE ALSO:
Despite the numerical superiority in power, the Chinese manufacturer admits that it is still looking for the necessary hardware for severe off-roading. Unlike the Raptor, which has mechanical differential locks and competition suspension, the Shark Performance bets on Crawl Mode — an electronic feature that limits speed to 20 km/h and manages torque to avoid traction losses.
To fill the technical gap, BYD is studying partnerships with Ironman 4×4 for suspension accessories and evaluating the use of components from the Denza Z9’s DMO platform, which already has a reduced transfer case. The biggest challenge, however, is sensory. While Ford’s rival boasts the characteristic rumble of the twin-turbo V6, the Chinese brand tries to emulate the emotional experience in its hybrid system.
