BYD’s luxury sub-brand Yangwang has set a new global top-speed mark for a production car after the U9 Xtreme recorded 496.3kph at the ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg track in Germany on Sept 14.
The run eclipsed both Yangwang’s previous EV benchmark and the 489.4 kph high set by the fastest petrol-powered model, establishing the electric U9X as the quickest production car yet.
The record car is the production version of what was previously known as the U9 Track/Special Edition.
Now confirmed as the Yangwang U9 Xtreme (U9X), it builds on the U9 sold in China with a series of hardware upgrades aimed at sustained high-speed stability and power delivery.
Key changes include a shift to a 1,200V electrical architecture (from 800V), a lithium iron phosphate Blade Battery with a 30C discharge rate, and four ultra-high-speed electric motors spinning up to 30,000 rpm.
Key changes include a shift to a 1,200V electrical architecture (from 800V), a lithium iron phosphate Blade Battery with a 30C discharge rate, and four ultra-high-speed electric motors spinning up to 30,000 rpm.
Combined system output is quoted at more than 3,000 PS (about 2,206 kW). The chassis package features revised DiSus-X active suspension tuning to cope with higher loads, aided by track-level semi-slick tyres.
The German racing and endurance specialist Marc Basseng drove the U9X for the record attempt.
“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.
BYD executive vice-president Stella Li called the outcome a validation of the company’s R&D push.
“This is an incredibly proud moment for everyone in the research and development division. 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 like the U9X.”
Yangwang said the U9 Xtreme would be offered as a limited series of no more than 30 units.
