Xiaomi SU7 Ultra Sets New Speed Record at 2024 Guangzhou Auto Show
During the 2024 Guangzhou Auto Show, Lei Jun, the founder of Xiaomi, announced the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra achieved a top speed of 359.71 km/h. This speed was recorded during a high-speed test at the CATARC Yan Cheng Automotive Proving Ground. Lei noted that the car’s speed was limited by the test track conditions rather than the vehicle itself.
The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra is set to compete on major tracks in China next year. It will return to the Nürburgring, where it completed a lap in 6 minutes 46.874 seconds, making it the fastest four-door car on that track. The SU7 Ultra measures 5070 mm in length, 1970 mm in width, and 1465 mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 3000 mm, weighs 2360 kg, and accommodates five passengers.
The test was driven by David Pittard, the 2023 Nürburgring 24-Hour Endurance Race champion. He reached a maximum speed of 324 km/h on the track’s back straight. After the test, the vehicle was brought back to China for display at the auto show.
Despite being on the market for only 230 days, the Xiaomi SU7 has already produced 100,000 units. After the SU7 Ultra announcement, Xiaomi received 3,680 refundable pre-orders within ten minutes.
How does Xiaomi’s Hyper-Autonomous Driving system impact road safety and driving experience?
Exclusive Interview with Automotive Specialist on the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra at the 2024 Guangzhou Auto Show
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today. With the recent announcement of the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra achieving an astonishing top speed of 359.71 km/h at the Guangzhou Auto Show, what are your initial thoughts?
Specialist: It’s indeed an impressive feat, especially for a company primarily known for its consumer electronics. This figure places the SU7 Ultra among the elite in performance vehicles, showcasing Xiaomi’s ambition to carve out a significant space in the automotive market. The fact that this speed was limited by track conditions rather than the vehicle itself speaks volumes about its potential.
Interviewer: Lei Jun mentioned that the SU7 Ultra is set to compete on major tracks in China next year, including a return to the Nürburgring. How significant is its lap time of 6 minutes 46.874 seconds for a four-door car?
Specialist: That time is remarkable and cements the SU7 Ultra’s status as a performance leader in its category. Achieving such a lap time means the car is not just powerful but also well-engineered in terms of handling, aerodynamics, and braking. It’ll be interesting to see how it competes against traditional sports cars and whether it can maintain that competitive edge on various track conditions.
Interviewer: The SU7 Ultra appears to be a robust vehicle, measuring 5070 mm in length and weighing 2360 kg while seating five passengers. How does this compare to traditional performance vehicles?
Specialist: The dimensions and weight of the SU7 Ultra indicate that it’s designed for stability and space, which is fascinating in the realm of high-performance vehicles. While many performance cars prioritize lightweight structures for speed, the SU7 Ultra seems to balance comfort with power. Its performance metrics suggest that it can handle its weight effectively, likely due to advanced engineering and technology.
Interviewer: There’s been a strong market reaction as well, with 100,000 units of the SU7 sold in just 230 days and 3,680 refundable pre-orders within ten minutes of the SU7 Ultra announcement. What does this say about the demand for the vehicle?
Specialist: Such demand indicates that Xiaomi has tapped into a burgeoning market for electric performance vehicles. Consumers are increasingly looking for innovative alternatives to traditional brands, and Xiaomi’s blend of technology and performance seems appealing. The pre-orders reflect a strong interest in the brand’s capabilities and a trust in its new offerings.
Interviewer: Another significant introduction from Lei Jun is the Hyper-Autonomous Driving (HAD) system that is expected to enhance driving safety and efficiency. How vital is autonomous technology in modern vehicles?
Specialist: Autonomous technology is critical for the future of automotive safety and efficiency. The HAD system’s promise to reduce sudden acceleration and braking is particularly important as it addresses common driver frustrations and enhances overall road safety. The incorporation of real-world data for route predictions can significantly improve how vehicles interact with real-time conditions, making driving smoother and more predictable.
Interviewer: The HAD system includes a Vision-Language Model (VLM) for better obstacle recognition and navigation in complex environments. What impact do you foresee this having on the driver’s experience?
Specialist: This technology could transform driving by providing a more intuitive understanding of surroundings. By addressing obstacles and uneven surfaces more effectively, drivers can gain confidence when navigating challenging spaces. As more consumers embrace electric and autonomous vehicles, such innovations will likely become a standard expectation, enhancing overall trust in vehicle safety systems.
Interviewer: Lastly, with these advancements, what future do you envision for Xiaomi in the automotive industry?
Specialist: Given their rapid progress and the integration of cutting-edge technology, Xiaomi could very well become a major player in the automotive field. If they continue to innovate and meet consumer expectations, especially in performance and safety, they could challenge established automotive giants and reshape the market landscape. Their unique approach of merging consumer electronics with automotive design promises an exciting future.
Lei Jun also introduced the new Hyper-Autonomous Driving (HAD) system. It will undergo internal trials starting November 16, with a broader public release expected by December. The HAD system aims to improve driving efficiency and safety by providing smoother driving behavior and reducing sudden acceleration and braking. It will use real-world driving data to enhance route predictions and adjust decisions based on real-time conditions.
Xiaomi highlighted that the HAD system can handle challenging scenarios, such as narrow spaces and busy intersections. The system includes a Vision-Language Model (VLM) to better address obstacles and uneven road surfaces.