BYD broke the 7-minute barrier at the Green Hell. Check out the technical specifications of this Chinese electric monster and its historic achievement.
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The global automotive scene has just witnessed another milestone in the race for performance and innovation in the electric segment. Yangwang, the luxury sub-brand of Chinese giant BYD, rewrote history at the legendary Nürburgring circuit with its U9 Xtreme hypercar, proving that the era of electrification is raising the limits of speed and engineering.
The Conquest of the Green Hell: Record Details
The Yangwang U9 Xtreme is not just another fast electric car; it is a statement of intent. After setting the world record for top speed for an electric vehicle in Papenburg, reaching an impressive 308.4 mph (about 496 km/h), the Chinese machine surprised again, this time at the feared Nürburgring Nordschleife, known as the Green Hell.
Driven by experienced German endurance racer Moritz Kranz, the U9 Xtreme clocked a spectacular time of 6:59.157. This achievement not only establishes it as the fastest electric car to complete the 13-mile circuit but also makes it the first EV in its category to break the seven-minute barrier, beating the previous record by about five seconds. Kranz praised BYD and Yangwang’s development, stating that the lap is a “testament to the development skills” of the team.
Cutting-Edge Chinese Engineering: What Makes the U9 Xtreme Unbeatable
Behind the breathtaking performance of the Yangwang U9 Xtreme lies a state-of-the-art technological architecture. Built on BYD’s 1,200V e4 platform, the hypercar utilizes four electric motors, one at each wheel, capable of spinning up to 30,000 rpm and generating a combined output of approximately 3,000 horsepower. This all-wheel-drive setup provides instant control and torque, essential for mastering the challenging corners and elevation changes of the Nürburgring. The previous speed record demonstrates this vehicle’s versatility, as detailed in our article Yangwang U9 Xtreme: The 496 km/h Electric Car That Dethroned the Bugatti.
To withstand such power and the thermal demands of a track like the Nürburgring, the record-setting model featured a
- redesigned cooling system
- special carbon-ceramic brakes
- custom GitiSport e·GTR2 PRO tires, developed specifically for the steep hills and high-load corners of the circuit
Attention to detail in components such as brake systems and high-performance tires is crucial for safety and for extracting maximum performance from a vehicle in these environments.
“The U9 Xtreme proved that it is not only the fastest car in the world in a straight line but also one capable of breaking lap records on the most demanding circuit.”
The Future of Electric Performance is Now
Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD, summarized the significance of this achievement well: “It is a phenomenal achievement.” This record solidifies the position of the Yangwang U9 Xtreme and BYD at the forefront of electric automotive innovation. It demonstrates that electric vehicles are not just catching up to, but surpassing, the performance of their combustion-engine counterparts in every aspect, from top speed to track agility.
While competitors like the Rimac Nevera R are also setting new benchmarks, the U9 Xtreme adds an exciting chapter to the history of hypercars, proving that Chinese technology is ready to challenge and dominate the most prestigious stages of global motorsports. This is not just a record for Yangwang, but a clear signal of what is to come in the era of electric mobility.
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Author: Fabio Isidoro
Founder and editor-in-chief of Canal Carro, he dedicates himself to exploring the automotive universe with depth and passion. A car and technology enthusiast, he produces technical content and in-depth analyses of national and international vehicles, combining quality information with a critical eye for the public.
