On September 20th, BYD Group’s premium brand Yangwang officially unveiled its all-electric supercar, the Yangwang U9 Xtreme, with a global limited production run of just 30 units. This announcement marks a significant moment for Chinese automotive innovation, aiming to redefine performance benchmarks on a global scale.
The U9 Xtreme is an upgraded version of the existing Yangwang U9, equipped with an advanced aerodynamic package and a more potent quad-motor system. This system unleashes a combined power output of 2220 kilowatts (approximately 3019 horsepower), showcasing extreme electrification technology to propel Chinese automotive performance forward.
In a remarkable feat, the Yangwang U9 Xtreme achieved a new top speed record of 496.22 km/h at the ATP test track in Germany, positioning it at the pinnacle of global automotive speed. This achievement directly challenges established hypercar manufacturers and highlights the rapid advancement of electric vehicle technology from China.
Furthermore, the U9 Xtreme set a new lap time of 6:59.157 on the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany. This impressive time surpasses the production version of the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra, securing the U9 Xtreme the top spot among Chinese vehicles on this challenging circuit. This accomplishment is particularly significant, demonstrating the U9 Xtreme’s exceptional handling and track capability.
Distinct from the standard U9, the track-focused Xtreme variant features a larger front splitter and integrated side winglets to enhance downforce. The bonnet also incorporates a dual air-through design, further optimizing aerodynamic efficiency and front-end stability.
Equipped with a substantial carbon fiber swan-neck rear wing and a carbon fiber front splitter, the vehicle’s dimensions are measured at 4991mm in length, 2029mm in width, and 1351mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2900mm. These dimensions are typical of a high-performance supercar, designed for optimal aerodynamic grip.
The side profile retains the quintessential supercar aesthetic with pronounced front fenders and a flowing beltline that tapers towards the rear, creating a dynamic and sculpted form. The sculpted lines not only contribute to the visual appeal but also serve aerodynamic purposes, managing airflow effectively.
The new model comes standard with 20-inch five-spoke wheels, fitted with GitiSport e·GTR2 PRO high-performance semi-slick tires, jointly developed by Yangwang Auto and Giti Tire. Notably, these are the first semi-slick tires designed in China with a target speed of 500 km/h, underscoring the commitment to developing specialized components for extreme performance.
Additionally, the U9 Xtreme features enhanced titanium alloy brake calipers for improved friction and heat dissipation. The carbon-ceramic braking system has also been optimized with larger discs and improved cooling efficiency, crucial for sustained high-performance braking scenarios.
Underpinning the U9 Xtreme’s performance is the “Yi Si Fang” (e-4WD) system combined with Yun-Nian-X intelligent all-active body control technology. This advanced chassis system plays a pivotal role in achieving the car’s exceptional dynamic capabilities.
The “Yi Si Fang” system monitors road conditions in real-time, precisely controlling the torque of each wheel independently at a frequency of over 100 times per second. The distributed four-wheel drive motors enable precise torque vectoring at the wheel hub, actively generating yawing moments for enhanced cornering performance and agility.
The Yun-Nian-X system utilizes an external dual-valve structure. This sophisticated suspension technology ensures that the vehicle remains more stably grounded during acceleration, deceleration, and cornering. By actively adjusting the contact force between the tires and the road, it significantly enhances the vehicle’s grip capabilities, which is critical for both extreme speeds and circuit driving.
For the Nürburgring Nordschleife, the Yangwang U9 Xtreme’s “Yi Si Fang” electronic braking algorithm has been extensively calibrated. This calibration effectively reduces the load on the mechanical braking system, contributing to the observed consistent braking performance throughout all 177 corners of the track, with no signs of fade.
The vehicle is built on the world’s first mass-produced 1200V ultra-high voltage platform. It features four high-performance motors operating at speeds of up to 30,000 rpm, delivering a combined output exceeding 3000 horsepower. The power-to-weight ratio reaches an astounding 1217 Ps/t, with multiple performance metrics setting new global benchmarks for electric vehicles.
The U9 Xtreme also utilizes a new track-grade Blade battery. This lithium iron phosphate battery pack has undergone optimization of its cells and reduction of internal resistance. Combined with a new double-layer cooling structure, it achieves an ultra-high discharge rate of 30C and exceptional thermal management efficiency. This enhances the vehicle’s acceleration and deceleration capabilities, as well as its energy recovery performance.
