BYD has shared images of its new ute ahead of tomorrow’s big international launch event.

ONE more day before BYD unveils its Shark utility … oh, wait a minute, they really already have.

Just how much bite the official reveal, in Mexico tomorrow, of this potentially highly NZ-relevant product will actually have now, given these images having already hit the web, via BYD’s Instagram page (so, hardly an unauthorised stunt), is a question that seems almost pointless to ask.

Maybe the brand simply couldn't wait to show off its latest offering.

Perhaps it just wants to get some pictures out in advance of sharing technical detail about the type’s new plug-in hybrid powertrain, which we know is called DMO (for ‘dual-mode off-road’), that's said to optimise off-road performance.

There’s conjecture DMO is a development of the DM-i PHEV powertrain used in the Seal U sports utility about to release here. The car’s powertrain comprises a 79kW 1.5-litre petrol engine, a 144kW electric motor and an 18.3kWh battery pack. 

BYD has yet to absolutely confirm whether the Shark will also be offered with a battery-electric powertrain, though it’s widely considered probable.

BYD talk about it being performance competitive with pure-internal combustion rivals such as the For Ranger and Toyota Hilux has yet to be fully tested.

But it is already spruiking the Shark as the kind of vehicle useful for driving in tough terrain, with a weekend announcement that “from remote towns to boundless deserts, the BYD Shark awaits your endless adventures. With its robust off-road capabilities and the DMO (dual motor) technology, leave range anxiety behind and savour the journey of exploration.”

The cabin is expected to achieve the same 15.6in infotainment touchscreen, capable of rotating to display in either portrait or landscape orientations, that also implants into the Atto 3, Dolphin and Seal electric cars BYD NZ already sells here.

The national distributor has promised to have a Shark on display at the national fieldays at Mystery Creek, Hamilton, on June 12. When it becomes available for sale is not yet clear.