Just over six months ago, Chinese electronics manufacturer Xiaomi, best known for its mobile devices, unveiled its first electric car, the SU7. The model quickly sold out, with the annual inventory depleted in just one day.
Now, Xiaomi is introducing an extreme sport version of the electric sedan, the SU7 Ultra, currently as a prototype but expected to enter production with minor modifications.
Xiaomi has set an ambitious goal for the SU7 Ultra: to debut on Germany's Nürburgring track in October and break the lap record for electric sedans. The company aims to hold this record for the next decade. Currently, the record is held by the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT, which completed the lap in 7 minutes and 7.5 seconds with 1,108 horsepower.
To achieve this, Xiaomi has equipped the SU7 Ultra with a significantly higher power output of 1,548 horsepower from three electric motors—two at the rear and one at the front. This marks a substantial increase compared to recent high-performance electric vehicles in China, such as the Zeekr 001FR with 1,265 horsepower and the Yangwang U9 from BYD with approximately 1,300 horsepower.
The SU7 Ultra can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 1.97 seconds, reach 120 mph in 5.96 seconds, and hit 180 mph in 15 seconds. Its top speed is "over 220 mph," according to the manufacturer.
These impressive performance figures are partly due to a drastic weight reduction of nearly 500 kg compared to the standard SU7, achieved through extensive use of carbon fiber for the exterior body panels and by eliminating various comfort systems in the passenger cabin, including air conditioning.
Xiaomi claims an impressive downforce of 2,145 kg for its SU7 Ultra, with about one-third generated by a massive rear spoiler, and the rest by unique front and rear air deflectors and bumpers, along with exceptional wheel arch designs.
Stopping power is provided by AP Racing, featuring 6-piston calipers, 42 mm thick front discs, 32 mm rear discs and high-temperature-resistant brake pads capable of stopping the car from 60 mph to a standstill in just 25 yards.
The SU7 Ultra is equipped with an advanced LFP battery system from CATL, operating at 900 volts and capable of a maximum discharge of 1,330 kW. Even at 20% battery, it maintains a discharge capability of 880 kW. While the manufacturer has not disclosed battery capacity or range, it boasts an ultra-fast charging time of just 12 minutes.
The SU7 Ultra retains the same 3-meter wheelbase as the standard version but is 26 cm longer (526 cm), 10 cm wider (206 cm), and 4 cm lower (140 cm). Interior images have yet to be released.
The ambitions of Chinese automakers seem boundless, particularly for a company that only recently started producing cars and already aims to set records at Nürburgring. Xiaomi's bold claims are almost audacious.
With these unprecedented specifications for a family sedan, Xiaomi may very well snatch the title from Porsche. Whether it will hold this title for a decade, given the current pace of industry advancement, and whether Xiaomi will still be manufacturing cars in ten years, remains to be seen. The answers will unfold in the coming years.