For the first time in Gran Turismo history, a Chinese car company, Xiaomi, has joined the franchise. As the Gran Turismo series begins to cater to Beijing, many are questioning the future direction of this iconic car racing series.
To the commoners, Xiaomi is a Chinese tech giant known for premium gadgetry at affordable prices. When a Chinese tech giant like Xiaomi ventured into the automotive business, this was uncharted territory worth conquering, and a car like the SU7 Ultra is proof of it.
First launched in 2024, the SU7 is Xiaomi's first mass-produced vehicle that incorporates Xiaomi's gadgetry know-how into a high-performance EV sedan. It was offered with a choice of Standard, Pro, Max, and, this, the Ultra.
The SU7 Ultra features a tri-motor all-wheel-drive system that produces a total output of 1,527 horsepower. It accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in just 1.98 seconds and can reach a top speed of over 350 kph, showcasing supercar-level performance for a high-performance Chinese electric saloon.
In addition to its impressive speed, the SU7 Ultra boasts high rigidity and a lightweight design, thanks to carbon-fiber body panels and a cell-to-body construction. It generates up to 285 kg of downforce and has a stopping distance of 101 feet when braking from 100 kph to a complete stop.
The SU7 Ultra lapped the legendary Nurburgring Nordschleife in 6m22.091.
I visited the Yas Marina Circuit in the UAE, the venue for the F1 season finale, to showcase the impressive performance of the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra. Honestly, this level of performance made me anxious about how China has produced such an outstanding super saloon that could outshine Western counterparts. Let’s take a closer look.
My moment with the SU7 Ultra made me post a 2m04.350s lap time around the Abu Dhabi track. Not my best result, but I got the taste of the performance this Chinese super saloon delivered. Call me worried.
From producing high-quality gadgets at affordable prices to making waves in the automotive industry with the fastest super saloon in the Green Hell, Xiaomi is on a roll. The SU7 Ultra is a clear indication of what's to come from China. No wonder the folks from Gran Turismo urged to bring the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra to GT7. Whether we like it or not, it's a real headline-grabber.
That is the Chinese food for thought for the night.
No comments:
Post a Comment