Chinese automaker's electric hypercar sets new speed record, whizzes past 500 kmph

China's electric carmaker BYD has achieved a major milestone, with its Yangwang U9 Xtreme hypercar crossing the 500 kmph barrier to set a new production-car speed benchmark.

The car clocked 503.17 kmph during a high-speed test in Abu Dhabi, an achievement officially recognised by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) on November 6.

According to the FIA, the record-setting attempt took place on Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed International Road (E11) in Abu Dhabi's Al Dhafra region. A 10-kilometre stretch of the highway was closed with the cooperation of local authorities, with a seven-kilometre straight section used for the high-speed runs. German racing driver Marc Basseng was behind the wheel of the Yangwang U9 Xtreme during the attempt.

To achieve the speed, engineers adjusted the rear wing angle to increase downforce over the rear axle and modified the suspension software to improve rebound damping over uneven road surfaces. Tyre pressures were also fine-tuned to maintain stability at extreme speeds. The team further optimised battery and motor temperatures to ensure the car operated under ideal conditions during the final attempt.

The Yangwang U9 Xtreme is developed by Yangwang, the luxury electric vehicle brand of Chinese automaker BYD. The hypercar is powered by four independent electric motors, producing a combined output of 3,019 PS, with each motor capable of reaching speeds of up to 30,000 rpm. It has a power-to-weight ratio of 1,217 PS per tonne and uses a 1,200-volt electrical architecture designed to handle the high power demands of the vehicle.

The car also features BYD's Blade Battery technology, an advanced torque-vectoring system and the DiSus-X active suspension system, which independently adjusts the suspension at each wheel to improve stability and handling. It runs on specially developed semi-slick tyres made in collaboration with Giti Tire.

BYD plans to limit production of the U9 Xtreme to just 30 units worldwide.