The number on the model's body has been changed from "2316" to "2318". It is unclear whether this implies that the model's launch will be delayed from June to August.

(Image credit: Fang Cheng Bao)

BYD's new sub-brand Fang Cheng Bao continues to warm up for its first model, after announcing the brand's official name earlier this month.

Fang Cheng Bao shared several new images of the model on Weibo on Wednesday, showing it testing in the snow.

The brand did not mention where the pictures were taken, although some car bloggers said it was in Yakeshi, Inner Mongolia, known as the snow and ice capital of China.

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BYD officially launched the Fang Cheng Bao brand on June 9, the fifth in its brand matrix, following the Dynasty, Ocean, Denza and Yangwang series.

The sub-brand will meet growing consumer demand for personalization by offering a unique range of professional-grade new energy vehicle (NEV) models, BYD said at the time.

Fang Cheng Bao's model lineup includes crossovers and sports cars, with its initial model, a hardcore SUV codenamed SF, expected to launch this year, according to a BYD press release.

In March, CnEVPost obtained several photos of the SF model showing the number "2316" emblazoned on its body.

The number 2 in the string refers to dual motors, 3 refers to three locks, 1 refers to a new platform, and 6 refers to a June launch, CnEVPost learned at the time.

It's worth noting that in the pictures released by Fang Cheng Bao yesterday, the number on the car becomes "2318". It's unclear if this means the SF model's launch will be delayed from June to August.

In the comments section of its Weibo, Fang Cheng Bao replied to a user's question about when the model would be released, saying that the launch event is on its way.

Fang Cheng Bao's brand name literally translates to "Formula" and "Leopard," symbolizing the quest for a transformative rise and exploration of the digital realm, BYD said earlier this month.

BYD has not provided pricing information on the first Fang Cheng Bao model in its warm-ups over the past few months, though CnEVPost previously learned that the model will target a market priced between 400,000 yuan ($55,700) and 600,000 yuan.

Xiong Tianbo, formerly head of BYD auto sales research institute, will be the general manager of the brand's sales division, leading the brand's product planning, channel sales, and brand building, a company insider previously told CnEVPost.

($1 = RMB 7.1795)