Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On August 26, BYD's luxury vehicle sub-brand YANGWANG announced its U9 model set a new global speed record for electric vehicles.
The YANGWANG U9 Track Edition clocked a top speed of 472.41 km/h at the ATP proving ground in Germany, surpassing the previous benchmark. Behind the wheel was German professional driver Marc Basseng, who had also set the earlier record in June 2024 when he pushed the Aspark SP600 prototype to 438.7 km/h. Just over a year later, Basseng eclipsed his own mark in the U9.
The record-breaking U9 track car integrates BYD's e4 four-motor drive system with the DiSus-X intelligent active body control. Built on a 1,200-volt high-voltage platform, the vehicle generates over 3,000 hp (2,220 kW) with a power-to-weight ratio of 1,217 hp per tonne. Each of its four motors spins up to 30,000 rpm, delivering peak output of 555 kW per unit. This configuration not only provides immense propulsion but also enhances regenerative braking, easing the load on traditional brake components during high-speed track runs.
The e4 platform enables torque vectoring with ultra-fast responsiveness, adjusting each wheel's output more than 100 times per second based on road feedback. This four-motor distributed drive redefines handling by creating yaw moments through torque alone—allowing what BYD calls “torque steering" without depending on front-wheel angles. Unlike conventional limited-slip differentials found in combustion sports cars, this setup delivers more precise power distribution across all four wheels, translating to sharper, faster, and more stable cornering on the track.
The DiSus-X suspension system complements this with rapid, independent adjustments on all four corners, countering lift, roll, and pitch during hard acceleration, cornering, or uneven surfaces. By actively optimizing tire contact with the road, it boosts grip and stability, working in tandem with the e4 platform to provide a dual layer of control that keeps the car planted and secure at extreme speeds.
The DiSus-X system features a dual-valve setup to independently manage compression and rebound, enabling precise damping control. On the track, it continuously adjusts wheel grip and body posture, suppressing roll, dive, and squat during high-speed cornering or sudden acceleration and braking.
The commercial version of the U9 already uses silicon carbide power modules with oil-cooled motor heat management, but the track edition goes further by redesigning the entire cooling system. This upgrade significantly boosts thermal efficiency and allows the car to sustain peak output and energy recovery without performance drop-off, even under prolonged extreme loads.
