BYD turned Dubai’s Burj Khalifa into a giant illuminated tribute to its Yangwang U9 Xtreme electric hypercar following its record-breaking 503.17 kph run in Abu Dhabi.
The Nov 6 celebration drew around 3,000 international media representatives and VIP guests, according to BYD.
Driven by German racing driver Marc Basseng, the U9 Xtreme achieved the speed on Nov 1 along a secured section of the E11 highway in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region.
The attempt earned two Guinness World Records for the highest speed achieved by a production car and an electric production car in a single-direction run. The FIA also recognised the achievement.
The car’s tyres secured a separate Guinness title.
Giti Tire’s specially developed GitiSport e.GTR2 Pro tyres received recognition for the highest speed achieved by electric vehicle tyres.
Developed over more than three years with Yangwang, the tyres use high-strength aramid fibre reinforcement and a specialised racing profile to withstand extreme forces.
Giti Tire executive chairman Dr Enki Tan received the Guinness certificate during the Dubai celebration.
The event also saw BYD executive vice-president Stella Li receive the company’s Global Brand of the Year award in the Automobiles category from the World Branding Awards.
