Xiaomi SU7 Ultra Nürburgring Lap Record Analysis

Summary

The video highlights Xiaomi's groundbreaking achievement with the SU7 Ultra, an electric executive vehicle that set the lap record at the Nürburgring for production electric cars. The presenter explores the evolution of Xiaomi from a phone maker to a performance car manufacturer, showcasing the SU7 Ultra's 1500 horsepower, torque vectoring, and impressive design. With insights into the development process and racing strategies, including the crucial role of skilled driver Vincent Radker, the video dives deep into the car's capabilities, emphasizing Xiaomi's bold move in the automotive industry and setting the stage for future innovations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Xiaomi’s SU7 Ultra has set a new lap record for electric executive vehicles on the Nürburgring, showcasing its impressive performance as a production-spec car.
• 😀 Last year, Xiaomi set a lap record with a prototype version of the SU7 Ultra, but this year’s achievement is with a production model that can be purchased by customers.
• 😀 The SU7 Ultra boasts 1500+ horsepower, three electric motors, and torque vectoring, making it a powerful competitor against high-end electric cars like the Porsche Taycan.
• 😀 Xiaomi’s achievement is significant as they are the first Chinese car manufacturer to set a production car lap record on the Nürburgring.
• 😀 The SU7 Ultra's racing package includes Bilstein Evo R suspension, Endless brake pads, and Pirelli Trofeo RS tires, all designed to enhance track performance.
• 😀 The development and testing of the SU7 Ultra are showcased in a documentary, which highlights the challenges, setbacks, and successes during the process of breaking lap records.
• 😀 The car’s performance in the Nürburgring is aided by advanced torque vectoring and traction control, making the driving experience stable and controlled, even in high-speed corners.
• 😀 Vincent Radeker, a Belgian racing driver with a history in Formula cars and BTCC, was chosen as the driver for the lap record attempt due to his expertise in saloon cars.
• 😀 The documentary reveals that having a specialist driver who knows the track intimately is crucial for achieving optimal lap times, as shown by the contrast between the local test driver and Radeker's lap performance.
• 😀 Xiaomi’s success with the SU7 Ultra on the Nürburgring is seen as a significant milestone in the electric vehicle world, with the potential for further improvements like breaking the sub-7-minute mark for four-door EVs.

Q & A

What makes the Shyomi SU7 Ultra's lap record at the Nurburgring significant?

The Shyomi SU7 Ultra set a new lap record for electric executive-class vehicles at the Nurburgring, which is a remarkable achievement for a production-spec vehicle. It is the first Chinese car manufacturer to have a production car lap record at the Nurburgring, with over 1500 horsepower and a torque-vectoring system.

How does the SU7 Ultra's performance compare to the Porsche Taycan?

The Shyomi SU7 Ultra beats the Porsche Taycan, which was previously the second-fastest electric vehicle at the Nurburgring. Despite the Porsche Taycan being a strong competitor, the SU7 Ultra offers more horsepower and is priced at less than half of the Taycan, making it an impressive value proposition.

Why was the SU7 Ultra's lap record achievement even more impressive considering the car's origin?

Shyomi, originally a phone manufacturer, transitioned into the automotive industry and broke lap records with a production car. This is particularly impressive given the company's relatively short time in the automotive sector, highlighting their rapid development and technical achievements.

What challenges did Shyomi face while developing the SU7 Ultra for the Nurburgring lap record?

According to the documentary, Shyomi faced several setbacks during the development of the SU7 Ultra, including multiple design iterations and various technical challenges. These hurdles were detailed in the documentary, showcasing the persistence of the engineering team despite the difficulties.

Who was the driver for the SU7 Ultra's lap record, and what is his background?

The lap record was driven by Vincent Radaker, a Belgian driver with an extensive background in motorsports, including Formula racing and BTCC. He is also known for his work as a development driver for Tesla and played a significant role in fine-tuning the SU7 Ultra's software and chassis.

What is the significance of having a specific lap record driver for the Nurburgring?

Having a specialist driver familiar with the Nurburgring is crucial because the track's complexity demands an experienced driver to handle its unique conditions. A professional driver like Vincent Radaker brings the expertise needed to extract the car's full potential while navigating the challenging corners and high-speed sections.

What were some of the technical features of the SU7 Ultra's lap record attempt?

The SU7 Ultra features three electric motors with over 1500 horsepower, torque vectoring, and advanced suspension components like Bilstein Evo R. The car also uses endless brake pads and Pirelli Trofeo RS tires, which contributed to its stability and performance on the Nurburgring.

Why is the Shyomi SU7 Ultra's torque vectoring system important for its lap record?

The torque vectoring system in the SU7 Ultra is essential for stability and control, particularly during high-speed cornering. It helps optimize the distribution of power to the wheels, which improves traction and reduces understeer or oversteer, resulting in a more controlled lap around the Nurburgring.

What role did the weather conditions play in the testing and performance of the SU7 Ultra?

Weather conditions played a significant role in the testing of the SU7 Ultra. On a rainy track day, the driver chose not to push the car too hard, considering the wet conditions. The car's performance on a dry track remains a key point of curiosity for future testing to determine how much faster it can go under optimal conditions.

What is the significance of the Shyomi SU7 Ultra being a production car with a lap record?

The SU7 Ultra being a production car with a lap record is important because it demonstrates that high-performance electric vehicles can be both accessible and capable of competing with high-end, limited-production cars. Unlike concept cars or prototypes, the SU7 Ultra is available for purchase by consumers.