Summary
- Xiaomi’s SU7 Ultra Prototype race car set a fast lap time at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in just 6 minutes and 46.87 seconds
- The retail version of the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra is now on sale in China, priced from RMB 814,900
- The Prototype lap time was set by a unique race-prepped lightweight variant, but the retail version shares the same powertrain
- The prototype has a staggering power output of 1,548 PS, similar to its main rivals, Porsche Taycan Turbo GT and Tesla Model S Plaid
- The engineering differences between a prototype race car and a stock production vehicle can significantly impact lap times
- Xiaomi plans to challenge the Nürburgring Nordschleife with the retail version in 2025, with potential improvements from the recorded prototype lap time
Article
Xiaomi recently made headlines in the automotive world by setting an impressive lap time at the Nürburgring Nordschleife with its SU7 Ultra Prototype race car. The lap time of 6 minutes and 46.87 seconds was achieved by a unique race-prepped lightweight prototype variant of the car. The retail version of the extreme high-performance Xiaomi SU7 Ultra is now on sale in China, priced at RMB 814,900. The car boasts a maximum power output of 1,548 PS, making it a strong competitor in the four-door EV market.
While the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra Prototype’s lap time is impressive, it is important to note that this is a niche track-special prototype and not a series-production sedan. The retail version of the car shares many features with the prototype, including the same powertrain and power output. However, the prototype is significantly lighter and more aerodynamically optimized, contributing to its faster lap time. Xiaomi plans to challenge the Nürburgring Nordschleife with the retail version in 2025, allowing for a better comparison with other production cars.
The competition in the electric vehicle market has been heating up, with Porsche and Tesla both setting impressive lap times at the Nürburgring Nordschleife with their flagship EVs. The retail versions of the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT and Tesla Model S Plaid have achieved notable lap times, setting benchmarks for performance in the EV segment. Xiaomi’s entry into the market with the SU7 Ultra is a strong debut, especially considering it is the company’s first-ever car project.
The difference between a prototype race car and a stock production vehicle lies in various engineering compromises and optimizations. While a race-prepped prototype can be lighter, more highly stressed, and omit safety features for performance gains, a production vehicle must cater to retail customers’ needs for comfort, safety, and reliability. The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra Prototype boasts lightweighting and aerodynamic advantages that contribute to its impressive lap time, despite being a specialized track-focused vehicle.
Looking ahead, the performance of the retail Xiaomi SU7 Ultra on the Nürburgring Nordschleife will be interesting to watch. With potential improvements in lap times due to better conditions and setup work, the retail version could achieve a competitive time similar to the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT. It remains to be seen how Porsche and Tesla will respond to Xiaomi’s entry into the high-performance EV market. Overall, the competition in the EV space is driving innovation and pushing boundaries in terms of performance and technology.
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