The Yangwang U9 Xtreme, the luxury electric hypercar division of Chinese automaker BYD, set two Guinness World Records by reaching 312 mph on a closed public road in Abu Dhabi's desert. The vehicle earned records for highest speed by both a production car and a production electric car, breaking Yangwang's own previous record of 308 mph from last year.
The U9X features four electric motors, one at each wheel, producing over 3,000 horsepower. Its 1200-volt battery architecture differs from the standard U9 model and can deliver 1800 kilowatts of power even at 20 percent charge. The car recovers 700 kilowatts through regenerative braking. Each motor enables independent torque-vectoring control to minimize wheelslip. Electric dampers reduce squat and dive during acceleration and braking, while active aerodynamic elements maintain stability. Giti Tires, an Indonesia-based manufacturer, developed the tires for these speeds and forces.
Yangwang plans to build only thirty U9X models. The 4.35-mile closed road was cleaned thoroughly before the attempt, with workers sweeping for any debris and wires left behind. The record run demonstrates the capabilities of BYD's battery chemistry.