The global automotive landscape witnessed a defining moment: a new speed standard for production vehicles has been set, and the protagonist is, unequivocally, electric. On September 14, at the renowned ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg track in Germany, the Chinese hypercar Yangwang U9 Xtreme, under the expertise of driver Marc Basseng, shattered expectations by reaching an impressive 496.22 km/h (308.4 mph). This achievement is not just a new record; it’s a resounding statement about the future of high-performance automotive engineering.
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The Dawn of a New Era for Automotive Performance
This spectacular triumph was not limited to eclipsing the previous record for electric vehicles. It reclaimed the coveted title of the world’s fastest production car, previously held by the iconic Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+, which recorded 489.4 km/h (304.1 mph). The overtaking is not just numerical; it symbolizes a seismic transition where electric propulsion takes the lead in the realm of speed and performance, challenging long-standing paradigms of internal combustion engines.
Yangwang, BYD’s luxury sub-brand, represents the forefront of innovation for the Chinese giant, which has revolutionized the global automotive market with its disruptive strategy and rapid technological adoption. The U9 Xtreme, more than just a fast car, is a testament to BYD’s technological capability and audacious ambition to redefine the limits of what is possible in high-luxury electric mobility.
Cutting-Edge Engineering: The U9 Xtreme’s Technological Symphony
The Yangwang U9 Xtreme is a meticulous evolution of the already powerful Yangwang U9 sold in China, incorporating crucial enhancements to achieve this record-breaking speed. To master the laws of physics and establish it as the fastest electric hypercar, the U9 Xtreme integrates an impressive technological arsenal:
- A 1,200-volt electrical system, an advanced architecture that allows for ultra-fast charging and more efficient and constant power delivery to the motors, surpassing the 800V of the standard version.
- Four ultra-high-revving electric motors, capable of spinning at a breathtaking 30,000 rpm, generating a combined output exceeding 3,000 hp. This raw power ensures instant acceleration and unparalleled performance at high speeds.
- Energy stored in BYD’s revolutionary Blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. Renowned for its superior safety and exceptional 30C discharge rate, it is capable of releasing the massive energy needed to sustain maximum power in critical moments.
- Competition-grade semi-slick tires and a DiSus-X active suspension system, precisely calibrated to manage G-forces and extreme aerodynamic stresses at record speeds, ensuring the car remains “glued” to the track with absolute stability and control.
Marc Basseng, the acclaimed German driver with vast experience in sports car and endurance racing, expressed his fascination with the machine: “This record was only possible because the U9 Xtreme simply has unbelievable performance. Technically, something like this is not conceivable with an internal combustion engine. Thanks to the electric motor, the car is quiet, there are no torque interruptions or load changes, and this allows me to focus even more on the track, exploring every millimeter of its potential.”
Beyond Speed: The Yangwang U9 Xtreme as an Emblem of Electric Mobility
For BYD, this achievement transcends the mere pursuit of a number on the speedometer. Stella Li, the company’s executive vice president, articulated the importance of the moment: “This is a moment of indescribable pride. It’s fantastic that the world’s fastest production car is now electric.” This achievement not only reinforces the growing dominance of electric hypercars but also validates the vision that high performance can coexist harmoniously with zero emissions, paving the way for a new era of super sports vehicles.
The exclusivity of the Yangwang U9 Xtreme is evident in its production limited to just 30 units, solidifying it as a highly coveted collector’s item. Its name, a fusion of “Extreme” (limit, maximum) with the “X” symbolizing the unknown and the exploration of new frontiers, encapsulates Yangwang’s philosophy of driving innovation through the continuous overcoming of technical and design limits.
This world record not only reaffirms the meteoric rise of high-performance electric vehicles but also solidifies BYD’s position as an innovative and leading force in the global automotive landscape. While the Yangwang U9 Track Edition had already broken the previous record for EVs, the U9 Xtreme now raises the bar for all production cars, regardless of powertrain, marking a historic chapter in automotive evolution.
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Author: Fabio Isidoro
Founder and editor-in-chief of Canal Carro, he dedicates himself to exploring the automotive universe with depth and passion. A car and technology enthusiast, he produces technical content and in-depth analyses of national and international vehicles, combining quality information with a critical eye for the public.