If Chinese tech giant Xiaomi hasn't yet made an impact in the automotive world, its latest feat at Germany's Nürburgring Nordschleife should change that.
Xiaomi's Automotive Expansion: From Smartphones to High-Performance EVs
Known for dominating the smartphone market and expanding aggressively in consumer electronics since its inception in 2010, Xiaomi is now setting its sights on electric vehicles. And with Xiaomi Auto’s latest battery-powered sedan, the SU7 Ultra, it’s clear that this carmaker means business.
Xiaomi Auto, established in 2021, made headlines in December with the announcement of its SU7, a sleek electric sedan designed to rival high-performance EVs like the Porsche Taycan. This model, packing up to 673 horsepower, hit the Chinese market by March 2024. But Xiaomi’s ambition didn’t stop there. Just months later, the company revealed the SU7 Ultra—a model set to push boundaries with its HyperEngine V8S electric motor, producing a staggering 1,548 horsepower thanks to a dual-motor configuration on the rear axle.
Record-Breaking Lap Time on the Nordschleife
To prove the SU7 Ultra’s prowess, Xiaomi took it to the iconic Nürburgring, setting a blazing lap time of 6 minutes and 46.874 seconds. While the achievement wasn't an official production record, it was completed under the Nürburgring’s supervision, showcasing what the HyperEngine V8S can do. Xiaomi’s custom-built prototype, first unveiled in June, boasts features designed purely for speed, including an all-carbon body and a stripped-down interior, resulting in a remarkably light 1,900 kg curb weight. This engineering prowess enables the car to achieve downforce levels far beyond what its production version will offer, giving it an edge over competitors like the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT.
The SU7 Ultra's Power and Precision
With acceleration specs like 0-124 mph in just 5.86 seconds, the SU7 Ultra is as swift as it is powerful. Xiaomi partnered with Prodrive, a renowned British motorsport company, to develop a racing-grade chassis equipped with Bilstein dampers and AP Racing brakes. British racing driver David Pittard handled the car during its Nürburgring run, delivering a masterclass in endurance and skill.
What’s Next for Xiaomi Auto?
Xiaomi plans to bring the SU7 Ultra to the Chinese market before the end of the year, with future ambitions to set production records on the Nürburgring in 2025. With each milestone, Xiaomi aims to become a global name in high-performance EVs, expanding its influence from smartphones to electric supercars.
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