Chery and BYD Eye Hypercar Class: Key Developments in Chinese Motorsports
Chery Automotive is solidifying its ambitions in the Hypercar class through its premium brand, Exeed. This follows earlier reports from Daily Sportscar (DSC) highlighting Chery’s rising interest since November, with recent discussions taking place at the Asian Le Mans Series weekend in Sepang.
While rumors surfaced regarding Geely’s involvement, DSC confirms that they lack substantial foundation. In contrast, BYD, or Build Your Dreams, has emerged as another contender in the Hypercar arena. As the largest privately owned Chinese automaker, BYD is engaging with rule makers to explore technical development and competition options.
No formal announcements or timelines have been disclosed, but sources indicate ongoing discussions aimed at a potential Hypercar program. BYD’s expansion into the IMSA GTP category also remains a possibility, though current U.S.-China tariff tensions complicate their market entry.
BYD operates several premium brands, including Denza for luxury vehicles, Fangchengbao for performance-oriented models, and Yangwang for high-end luxury and performance cars. Notably, the Yangwang U9 Extreme has recently made headlines by achieving a top speed of 496.22 km/h (308.33 mph) during tests in Germany, further showcasing BYD’s technological prowess.
As these developments unfold, the entry of Chinese manufacturers into the Hypercar class could significantly impact the competitive landscape in motorsports.
