Here’s an even clearer look at BYD’s pick-up truck, which was spotted completely undisguised in Mexico by AutoDinamico. The upcoming rival to the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux is still without a name for now, but there are some possible options based on recent trademark filings for ‘Shark’, ‘King’ and ‘King L’, as previously reported by Australia’s carsales.com.au. Of the three, the Shark name seems very likely and fits in well with BYD’s marine-themed Ocean line-up of cars that include the Seal and Dolphin electric vehicles (EVs). The BYD pick-up truck is expected to get a fully electric powertrain later on as an alternative to a plug-in hybrid option that will be initially offered at launch.
Details are limited, but the PHEV setup is
said to feature a 1.5 litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine augmented by
a pair of electric motors – one on each axle. Exact outputs are also unknown,
with some reports claiming 496 PS, while others claim the
pick-up truck will pack 687 PS to match the Fang Cheng Bao
5, an off-road SUV from BYD’s sub-brand.
Design-wise, the Shark sports a boxy front end that is reminiscent of the current Ranger, but
without the C-shaped daytime running lights. Instead, each headlamp flanking
the branded grille has a light strip dividing the two main lighting elements.
A prominent skid plate gives the Shark a
more rugged look, while the roof rails and a sports bar suggest this to be a
higher-spec variant. As for the rear, the rectangular taillights are connected
by what appears to be a light bar across the tailgate. Previous spyshots of the
interior show the pick-up truck will have a digital instrument cluster as well
as a large infotainment touchscreen, robust-looking grab handles, a
flat-bottomed steering wheel and chunky gear selector.
