BYD's Yangwang U9 Xtreme Aims to Break 311 MPH Barrier
BYD's Yangwang U9 Xtreme to attempt to break 311 mph barrier in November
Key Takeaways
- BYD’s Yangwang U9 Xtreme is powered by four electric motors delivering 2,978 hp.
- No standard production car has ever exceeded 311 mph (500 km/h).
- Global production of the U9 Xtreme will be limited to just 30 units.
- BYD will attempt to break its own record in November.
- The car had more to give during last year’s test, with data showing the driver could have kept the throttle pinned for longer.
What Makes the Yangwang U9 Xtreme So Quick?
The Yangwang U9 Xtreme is powered by a 1,200-volt electrical architecture and four electric motors producing an extraordinary 2,978 hp.
This powertrain allows the car to accelerate rapidly and reach high speeds, making it a strong contender for breaking the 311 mph barrier.
Why Did the Driver Pull Early During Last Year’s Test?
During last year’s test, the driver, Marc Basseng, pulled early at 308.4 mph (496.22 km/h) due to the car drifting out of the center lane and into the left lane.
However, data analysis suggests that Basseng could have kept the throttle pinned for an extra 1.5 seconds, potentially allowing the car to reach speeds over 311 mph.
What’s Next for BYD and the Yangwang U9 Xtreme?
BYD will attempt to break its own record in November, with the goal of reaching speeds over 311 mph.
The company will return to the Automotive Testing Papenburg proving grounds in Germany, where it set the record last year.
How Does the Yangwang U9 Xtreme Compare to Other High-Performance Cars?
Although the U9 Xtreme has surpassed the one-way top speed record of the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+, set back in 2019 at 304.77 mph (490.48 km/h), the SSC Tuatara still holds the official two-way record of 282.9 mph (455.3 km/h).
BYD will need to find a location where it can run in both directions to challenge the SSC Tuatara’s record.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Power | 2,978 hp |
| Electrical Architecture | 1,200-volt |
| Global Production | 30 units |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current top speed record for a production car?
The current top speed record for a production car is 308.4 mph (496.22 km/h), set by the BYD Yangwang U9 Xtreme.
Q: How many units of the Yangwang U9 Xtreme will be produced?
Global production of the U9 Xtreme will be limited to just 30 units.
Q: Where will BYD attempt to break its own record?
BYD will return to the Automotive Testing Papenburg proving grounds in Germany, where it set the record last year.
