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WE ARE PIONEERS | Inside the mind of the U9 Xtreme record-breaking driver

What does a driver see when travelling at 500 km/h on a highway in Abu Dhabi?

Following the record-breaking 503.17 km/h run, BYD sat down with test driver Marc Basseng to discuss the challenges of pushing the Yangwang U9 Xtreme to its limits in the Middle East.

He also reflects on an extraordinary year working alongside Yangwang’s engineering team, sharing the challenges, development process and experience behind one of the most ambitious hypercar projects.

New-generation Xiaomi SU7 Ultra – What’s changed compared with the current model?

Xiaomi is reportedly preparing a more track-focused evolution of the SU7 Ultra, with several significant aerodynamic and performance upgrades.

Key changes:

• Rear wing: Fixed design replaced by a swan-neck DRS active wing with hydraulic adjustment.
• Front end: Longer front splitter, more aggressive aerodynamic elements and an additional horizontal cooling vent on the bonnet.
• Front fenders: New shark-gill-style ventilation outlets and wider wheel arches.
• Exterior colour: Lightning Yellow gives way to a lighter shade called Sunrise Yellow.
• Power: Current 1,548 hp setup reportedly upgraded to more than 2,000 hp.

Most of these changes appear focused on improving cornering speed and overall track performance, rather than simply increasing straight-line acceleration.

The previous SU7 Ultra recorded 7:04.957 at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The reported target for the new generation is around 6:50.

If achieved, that would be a significant improvement, particularly in the corners where the previous model reportedly struggled against the Porsche.

Expected launch: 2027.

Note: The 2,000+ hp figure, Nürburgring target and specifications are currently reported claims, not confirmed production figures.

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Scared to see 2030 👀

Germany’s car market just crossed a clear line: in October, pure electric cars took 37% of new registrations - more than petrol and diesel combined (24.5%). This is the third month in a row BEVs have led the ICE pair in Europe’s biggest auto market.

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