Chinese car manufacturers are conquering the international market at record speeds. Now, in the literal sense of the word. On September 14 of this year, at the Automotive Testing Papenburg test track in Germany, the Yangwang U9 Xtreme accelerated to 496.22 km/h, improving its August result by more than 20 km/h.
However, it seems that such speed has only been achieved in one direction. The Chinese manufacturer mentions official certification, but does not disclose details.
Officially, the crown of the fastest car in the world remains with the Koenigsegg Agera RS, which recorded 447 km/h in both directions in 2017 on a public road section.
In 2019, the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ became the first production car to break the 300 mph barrier. At the Ehra-Lessin track near Wolfsburg, the 16-cylinder supercar reached 490.48 km/h, though also only in one direction. Nevertheless, the 1600-horsepower Chiron is considered the fastest production car on the planet in public consciousness.
The Yangwang U9 Xtreme, abbreviated U9X, was originally known as the U9 Track/Special Edition. The model is based on the already available U9 in China but with a number of refinements. In particular, the powertrain operates as part of a 1200 V system (instead of the base 800 V). Four motors produce over 3000 hp combined, the wheels are fitted with semi-slicks, and the DiSus-X suspension is specially tuned for increased loads when used on the track.
Behind the wheel of the hypercar was Marc Basseng - a German driver with extensive endurance racing experience. He noted that with an internal combustion engine such an achievement is technically unattainable. Thanks to the electric motor, the car operates silently, with no jolts during gear shifts, allowing the driver to focus even more on the track.
The U9 Xtreme will be released in a limited edition of 30 units.
Source: Motor1