BYD electric hypercar sets new speed record in Abu Dhabi
The Yangwang U9 Xtreme clocked 503.17 kmph during a high-speed test on a closed stretch of highway.
Chinese automaker BYD has set a new production-car speed benchmark after its Yangwang U9 Xtreme hypercar exceeded 500 kmph, according to the Times of India.
The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) officially recognised the achievement on November 6. The record attempt took place on a 10-kilometre closed section of the Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed International Road (E11) in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi.
German racing driver Marc Basseng drove the vehicle during the test. To reach the speed of 503.17 kmph, engineers adjusted the rear wing angle for more downforce, modified suspension software for better damping, and fine-tuned tyre pressures.
The team also optimised motor and battery temperatures for the run. The Yangwang U9 Xtreme is a product of Yangwang, the luxury electric vehicle brand under BYD. It features four independent electric motors producing a combined 3,019 PS.
The hypercar uses a 1,200-volt electrical architecture and BYD's Blade Battery technology. It also includes the DiSus-X active suspension system and semi-slick tyres developed with Giti Tire.
BYD intends to limit the global production of the U9 Xtreme to 30 units.
