2024 BYD Shark ute attacks Holden’s former proving ground
Chinese brand’s all-new dual-cab 4x4 ute shown tackling technical terrain near Melbourne as Aussie launch draws nearThe head of BYD’s local importer EVDirect, Luke Todd, has posted a video on social media of the all-new 2024 BYD Shark ute undergoing development testing at Holden’s former proving ground at Lang Lang in Victoria – and has confirmed that a local launch is anticipated later this year.
BYD’s incoming Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux fighter – which will feature an advanced plug-in hybrid petrol-electric powertrain rather than a turbo-diesel engine – is shown in the video being piloted across 4x4 testing facilities at Lang Lang, with the video accompanied by typically bullish comments from Todd on his LinkedIn account that suggest a local launch is coming soon.
The ute will make its global premiere at the Beijing motor show tomorrow, April 25.
“Final testing and localisation of the most exciting ultra-low emission vehicle to come to Australia is well underway in Melbourne,” he said.
“For anyone who wants a vehicle that drives like a sports car on the highway and can handle off-road toughness with ease the wait is nearly over, this year it’s game on!”
The post comes just days after EVDirect CEO David Smitherman side-stepped committing to a 2024 local release for the highly anticipated dual-cab.
“Guarantee is a big word, right?” Smitherman said in relation to the prospect of a 2024 launch.
“We are certainly pushing it. Cars are being tested and we are certainly pushing it.”
Todd’s LinkedIn post doesn’t explicitly name the Shark as the vehicle being tested, however its size, dash layout, the terrain at hand, the nominated timeline and other factors all point to the all-new pick-up, even though a mystery road-biased SUV is shown clearly (too clearly?) on the infotainment screen.
As carsales has reported, preliminary intel suggests the Shark will be offered with either a 1.5-litre or 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine compatible with BYD’s Xiaoyun plug-in hybrid system that packages an e-motor with an 18.3kWh battery that could provide for an all-electric driving range of up to 100km.
Maximum power for the smaller engine is 143kW, while the larger 2.0-litre turbo kicks out around 245kW. Fuel economy is quoted at 7.8L/100km, while total driving range of up to 1200km is expected.
The Shark will be underpinned by an all-new DMO ladder-frame platform that was specifically designed for BYD’s plug-in hybrid tech and packages its high-tech Blade battery between the chassis rails.
Related: BYD Shark confirmed as Chinese brand’s Ford Ranger ute fighter
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