Introducing the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra: A Game-Changing EV
Move aside, Lucid Air Sapphire, Tesla Model S Plaid, and even the Bugatti Chiron. The world of hyper-fast cars has a thrilling new contender: the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra. With a reputation for crafting high-end smartphones, Xiaomi is taking the automotive sector by storm, promising to deliver a high-tech EV sedan capable of holding its own against the world’s fastest vehicles.
A Milestone Unveiling
The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra took center stage at the company’s annual gathering, where CEO Lei Jun reviewed the year and outlined exciting new ventures. This year’s event was particularly significant, following the debut of Xiaomi’s first vehicle, the successful SU7 sedan. The initial batch of 100,000 units sold out quickly, marking a triumphant entry into the automotive world.
Meteoric Rise of the SU7
When the SU7 first hit the Chinese market, it garnered an impressive 80,000 reservations within a week. This overwhelming demand set a high benchmark, making today’s reveal all the more significant.
The Genesis of the SU7 Ultra
Jun’s inspiration for the SU7 Ultra came from his fond memories of watching auto-centric movies and TV shows like "Senna," "Top Gear," and "The Fast and the Furious." Motivated by these cinematic experiences, he pursued a racing license, channeling this newfound expertise into the car’s design.
Surprise Reveal and Ambitious Goals
In a climactic moment of Jun’s three-hour presentation, he teased the SU7 Ultra’s rear view, complete with an enormous spoiler. “Our goal is to become one of the top five car manufacturers in the world,” Jun declared, setting his sights high for Xiaomi’s future.
Jun revealed Xiaomi’s ambition to become the fastest four-door EV around the Nürburgring Nordschleife within a decade, taking on giants like the Volkswagen Group and its Porsche brand.
Power Unleashed
The SU7 Ultra is equipped with a tri-motor system producing an astounding 1,548 horsepower. Two powerful rear motors generate up to 548 horsepower each, branded cheekily as “V8s,” while a “V6” motor drives the front wheels. Despite the playful nomenclature, these are all high-tech electric motors.
Energy supply won’t be an issue either, as the SU7 Ultra boasts a high-performance, racing-oriented battery capable of delivering up to 1,330 kW.
Accelerated Performance
This level of power allows the SU7 Ultra to accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in merely 1.97 seconds, 0-200 km/h (0-124 mph) in just 5.96 seconds, and 0-300 km/h (0-186 mph) in 15.07 seconds. It can reach a top speed exceeding 350 km/h (217 mph).
To put this in perspective, the SU7 Ultra offers 314 more horsepower than the Lucid Air Sapphire and boasts a higher top speed of 217 mph compared to the Air Sapphire’s 207 mph.
Built for Speed
Crafted with an emphasis on lightweight materials, the SU7 Ultra features a nearly all-carbon-fiber body, except for the trunk lid, bringing its weight down to 4,188 pounds (1,900 kilograms). This design is optimized for enhanced aerodynamics and performance, underscored by the wide body kit, front spoiler, extensive brake ducting, rear spoiler, and rear splitter.
Currently in the prototype phase, it’s uncertain whether the SU7 Ultra will enter full series production. However, Xiaomi has committed to a serious attempt at setting a Nürburgring record with this vehicle. The current benchmarks include the fastest four-door, the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT at 7:07.55, and the fastest EV, the Volkswagen ID.R race car at 6:05.336.
A Bold Vision for the Future
Jun acknowledges the challenges and uncertainties in achieving these ambitious targets. “All car companies want to challenge Nürburgring," he mentioned. "Maybe we will succeed, but it’s more likely we will fail. However, we will keep fighting until we finally succeed."
Conclusion: A New Era in EV Performance
Xiaomi’s leap from consumer electronics to high-performance electric vehicles could redefine the automotive landscape. With the SU7 Ultra, the company aims to not just compete but to lead the race towards the fastest EV sedan. Whether it secures the Nürburgring record or not, Xiaomi’s bold vision and commitment to innovation signal a thrilling future for electric vehicles.
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William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
