Xiaomi's Ambitious Quest to Challenge Porsche at the Nürburgring

shawn By On 25/07/2024 at 10:32

In Electric Cars

Chinese startup Xiaomi, renowned for its smartphones, is making headlines with its ambitious foray into the automotive world. The company has revealed a prototype of a high-performance version of its first car, the SU7 electric sedan, dubbed the SU7 Ultra, which boasts an impressive 1,527 horsepower.

SU7 Ultra

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The SU7 Ultra is equipped with a three-motor powertrain that delivers a combined output of 1,527 hp. This immense power allows the car to accelerate from 0-62 mph in just 1.97 seconds and reach a top speed of 217 mph, according to Xiaomi's claims. The company plans to launch the SU7 Ultra in 2025.

Xiaomi is rigorously testing the SU7 Ultra, including at the renowned Nürburgring racetrack in Germany. The company has announced plans to set an official lap time in October, aiming to challenge the record for production EVs. Currently, this record is held by the 1,914-hp Rimac Nevera, which set a lap time of 7:05:298 in 2023. Earlier this year, Porsche's 1,092-hp Taycan Turbo GT pre-production model came close with a time of 7:07.55, albeit with modifications like removing its rear seats.

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Lightweight and Aerodynamic Design

The SU7 Ultra has undergone significant weight-saving modifications, reducing its weight by around 1,100 pounds primarily through the use of carbon fiber. Xiaomi targets a production model weight of less than 4,400 pounds. Additionally, the car features an advanced aerodynamics package, providing over 4,700 pounds of downforce, which is crucial for high-speed stability and performance on the track.

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Battery and Market Details

The SU7, which debuted late last year, currently offers a 101-kWh battery. Xiaomi has hinted at plans to introduce larger battery options, potentially up to 132 and 150 kWh, which may also be used in the SU7 Ultra. The standard SU7 is available exclusively in China, priced from around $30,000 for the single-motor rear-wheel-drive model with 295 hp. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive version with 664 hp costs about $41,500. Despite the sharp pricing, which Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun mentioned results in a loss on each unit sold, the entire allocation for 2024 sold out within 24 hours of its launch.

Xiaomi's bold move into the electric vehicle market, especially with the SU7 Ultra, underscores its commitment to innovation and its desire to compete with established automotive giants like Porsche. As October approaches, all eyes will be on the Nürburgring to see if Xiaomi can set a new benchmark for production EVs.

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Xiaomi SU7 Ultra Official Advert

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