Chinese tech giant Xiaomi has made a resounding entrance into the automotive world, with its SU7 Ultra prototype achieving a blistering lap time of 6:46.874 at the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife. This remarkable feat, officially confirmed by Nürburgring officials, positions the SU7 Ultra as the fastest four-door car to conquer the challenging German circuit as reported by carnewschina.
The road to this record-breaking run was far from smooth. Xiaomi Auto faced numerous setbacks due to persistent rain and unfavorable track conditions, forcing multiple postponements of their planned attempts. After several failed attempts, the team finally secured a narrow one-hour window on October 28th, during which they successfully completed the lap.
Behind the wheel was David Pittard, a seasoned racing driver who recently triumphed at the 2023 24 Hours of the Nürburgring. His expertise, combined with the SU7 Ultra’s impressive performance capabilities, culminated in this historic achievement.
This exceptional performance is largely attributed to Xiaomi’s proprietary V8s motor, which delivers a staggering 1138 kW (1526 hp) and propels the car from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 1.97 seconds. With a top speed exceeding 350 km/h, the SU7 Ultra prototype showcases the immense potential of Xiaomi’s electric vehicle technology.
While the prototype’s record-breaking lap is a testament to its engineering prowess, it’s important to note that the production version, slated for launch in the first half of 2025, may differ slightly. However, Xiaomi’s CEO, Lei Jun, has assured that the core structure, triple-motor setup, and battery configuration will remain consistent.
Isn’t Xiaomi a smartphone brand?
Xiaomi, primarily known for its affordable and feature-rich smartphones, has been a dominant force in the consumer electronics market for over a decade. Founded in 2010, the Chinese tech giant quickly gained popularity by offering high-quality devices at competitive prices.
However, Xiaomi’s ambitions extend far beyond smartphones. In recent years, the company has diversified its portfolio, venturing into various sectors, including smart home devices, wearable technology, and now, electric vehicles.
Xiaomi’s foray into the automotive space began in 2021, driven by a desire to explore new growth opportunities and leverage its technological expertise in a rapidly evolving industry.
Lei Jun, Xiaomi’s founder and CEO, envisioned a future where electric vehicles seamlessly integrate with the company’s broader ecosystem of smart devices, creating a cohesive and interconnected user experience. To realize this vision, Xiaomi invested heavily in research and development, assembling a team of experienced engineers and designers dedicated to creating cutting-edge EVs.
The SU7, Xiaomi’s first production car, marked the culmination of these efforts. Launched in March 2024, the SU7 showcased the company’s commitment to innovation and performance, offering a compelling alternative in the increasingly competitive EV market. The SU7 Ultra, with its record-breaking Nürburgring lap, further underscores Xiaomi’s determination to challenge established automakers and push the boundaries of electric vehicle technology signalling an exciting new chapter for the company.
