BYD has made history again after its premium sub-brand Yangwang U9X (Xtreme) set a new record as the fastest production car in the world. On a test track in Germany, it reached 496.22 km/h (308.4 mph) or almost ₱13.6 million in speeding fines at that speed!
Last August, the U9X was also recognized as the fastest EV after reaching 490.484 km/h (304.48 mph). Production of this hypercar is limited, with only 30 units to be built worldwide. The “X” stands for “Extreme”, but BYD also intended it to show the exploration and innovation that their technology brings.
The U9X uses the same architecture as the U9 hypercar sold in China. It has a 1200-volt ultra-high-voltage system (higher than 800V), LiFePO4 Blade Battery with a high discharge rate, four high-speed motors that reach up to 30,000 rpm and provide over 3000 horsepower, as well as track-level semi-slick tires and DiSus-X suspension specially tuned for extreme speeds.
According to Stella Li, Executive VP of BYD: “This is a very proud moment for our R&D team. Yangwang is a brand that believes nothing is impossible. Thanks to the entire team and driver Marc Basseng for their skill and trust. Now, the fastest production car in the world is electric.”
Marc Basseng, a German racing driver, drove the U9X on the record-breaking run. He said: “The performance of the U9X is unique. A combustion engine would not be able to do this speed. With the electric motor, it runs much quieter and I can focus more on the track.”
