BYD Yangwang U9 Xtreme EV Sets 308mph World Speed Record

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In a remarkable feat of engineering and innovation, Yangwang, the luxury sub-brand of BYD, has made headlines by shattering the global production car top speed record. The U9 Xtreme hypercar has achieved an astonishing speed of 308.4 mph (496.22 km/h) during a test run at the ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg test track in Germany, establishing itself as the fastest car in the world—electric or otherwise.

This groundbreaking achievement comes on the heels of the U9 Xtreme previously setting the record for the fastest production electric vehicle just last month. With a skilled German race driver, Marc Basseng, behind the wheel, the U9 Xtreme has not only claimed the title of the world’s fastest car but has also redefined the potential of electric vehicles.

The U9 Xtreme, which was initially known as the U9 Track/Special Edition, now officially carries the moniker U9 Xtreme in its production form, or simply U9X for short. This extraordinary vehicle is built on the technical architecture of the U9 model currently available in China but comes equipped with a host of enhancements that push it into the realm of hypercar performance.

Among its numerous innovations, the U9 Xtreme boasts an upgraded powertrain featuring 1,200V ultra-high-voltage electrics, an upgrade from the previous 800V system. This hypercar is powered by a lithium iron phosphate Blade Battery that is capable of an impressive discharge rate of 30C, in addition to four ultra-high-speed motors. These motors are designed to operate at astonishing speeds of up to 30,000 rpm and collectively generate an eye-watering output of over 3,000 horsepower.

The U9 Xtreme is further enhanced with track-level semi-slick tyres and a revised DiSus-X suspension system, specifically tuned to manage the increased stresses associated with high-performance circuit driving. This level of engineering precision underscores BYD’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the automotive world.

Stella Li, BYD’s executive vice president, expressed her pride in the team’s accomplishments, stating, “Yangwang is a brand that does not recognise the impossible, and only through this commitment to what’s coming next can you end up with a vehicle such as the U9X. I extend my gratitude to the whole team, and my thanks to the driver, Marc Basseng, for his skill and technical input. It’s terrific that the fastest production car in the world is now electric.”

Marc Basseng, a seasoned German track specialist with a rich background in sports-car racing and endurance motorsport, commented on the U9 Xtreme’s performance. “This record was only possible because the U9 Xtreme simply has incredible performance. Technically, something like this is not possible with a combustion engine. Thanks to the electric motor, the car is quiet, there are no load changes, and that allows me to focus even more on the track,” he said, highlighting the advantages of electric propulsion in high-performance scenarios.

However, the U9 Xtreme is not just about speed; it is also a limited-edition masterpiece, with only 30 units set to be produced worldwide. The name ‘U9 Xtreme’ is derived from the English word ‘Extreme’, symbolising the limits of performance and the ultimate in automotive engineering, with the emphasis on the ‘X’ representing the unknown possibilities that lie ahead.

This achievement marks a significant milestone not only for BYD and Yangwang but also for the electric vehicle industry as a whole. It serves as a powerful reminder that the future of transportation is not just about sustainability but also about performance and innovation. As we move towards a net-zero future, vehicles like the U9 Xtreme are paving the way for a new era of electric mobility that combines environmental responsibility with thrilling performance.

As enthusiasts and advocates for net-zero initiatives, we must celebrate such milestones that challenge conventional perceptions of electric vehicles. The U9 Xtreme’s success is not merely about speed; it is a testament to the potential of electric mobility to revolutionise the automotive landscape. Companies like BYD are leading the charge, proving that performance and sustainability can go hand in hand.

As we continue to witness advancements in electric vehicle technology, the U9 Xtreme stands as a beacon of what the future holds. Its record-breaking performance challenges the notion of limits, encouraging further innovations in battery technology, powertrains, and overall vehicle design. The automotive industry is at a tipping point, and the U9 Xtreme is a thrilling glimpse into what lies ahead.

In conclusion, the Yangwang U9 Xtreme’s record-breaking achievement is not just a victory for BYD but a significant step forward in the journey towards a sustainable future. As we celebrate this milestone, let us remain committed to supporting innovations that propel the world towards net-zero emissions, ensuring that speed and sustainability are no longer mutually exclusive.

As we look forward to more exciting developments in the electric vehicle arena, let’s continue to champion the efforts of brands that push the boundaries of technology and design. The U9 Xtreme is more than just the fastest car in the world; it’s a symbol of what is possible when vision, engineering, and sustainability come together.