China: BYD’s electric hypercar hits 293 mph to set new world record

Extreme engineering behind the speed

The U9 Track Edition builds on the standard U9 platform but adds several key upgrades. At its core is the “world’s first mass-produced” 1,200-volt ultra-high-voltage platform. This high-voltage system, combined with an advanced thermal-management setup, allows the car to handle massive power output while keeping components safe from overheating.

Each of the four electric motors can spin up to 30,000 rpm and produces 744.26 horsepower. Together, they deliver a staggering 2,958 horsepower. That makes the U9 Track Edition one of the most powerful vehicles on the planet.

The Track Edition also includes Yangwang’s DiSus-X Intelligent Body Control System, which enables extreme maneuvers such as hopping or even driving on three wheels.

For track performance, the company has upgraded the software’s “body posture control,” letting each wheel adjust independently for perfect handling. A torque-vectoring system works alongside this, making adjustments 100 times per second to prevent wheel slip and maintain traction at high speeds.

Visually, the Track Edition is more focused on aerodynamics than the standard U9. The rear wing is removed, and a carbon-fiber front splitter has been added. These changes improve airflow and stability while remaining in mass production.

High-performance tires and record-breaking potential

Yangwang collaborated with Giti Tire to develop semi-slick tires specifically for the Track Edition. These track-focused tires feature a custom tread design and optimized compound, ensuring maximum grip at extreme speeds.

The U9 Track Edition’s record puts it ahead of other high-speed EVs. The Aspark Owl’s 272.6 mph record was already faster than the Rimac Nevera, which reached 268.2 mph. With the U9 now hitting nearly 294 mph, it seems only a matter of time before an EV breaks the 300-mph barrier.

Yangwang attempted a record last year, reaching 243 mph. The new Track Edition demonstrates that today’s technology is capable of much more. Automakers are pushing the limits of speed, power, and control, and the next milestone of 300 mph for an EV could arrive sooner than anyone expects.

The U9 Track Edition is not just a showcase of engineering. It signals the rapid evolution of electric vehicles. Electric hypercars are no longer just about efficiency or zero emissions—they are now contenders in the extreme performance arena, ready to compete with and surpass traditional gas-powered supercars.