A Chinese electric vehicle has now claimed the title of the fastest production car globally, surpassing its gasoline-powered rivals. The Yangwang U9 Xtreme, produced by the same company behind the BYD Seal, recently set a new speed record of 308.4mph at the Papenburgh high-speed oval in Germany, outperforming the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ which achieved 304.8mph in 2019.
This remarkable feat also solidifies the Yangwang’s position as the fastest production electric car in the world. BYD’s Executive Vice President, Stella Li, expressed pride in the research and development team’s accomplishment, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to innovation and pushing boundaries in vehicle design.
Renowned GT racer Marc Basseng, who drove the Yangwang during its record-breaking run, highlighted the collaborative effort and technical expertise that contributed to the achievement. Despite setting a new benchmark, Basseng believes there was potential for even greater speed, showcasing his dedication to excellence both on and off the track.
While celebrating the shift towards electric vehicles, some manufacturers, like Bentley, have opted to retain petrol engines amid what is termed as ‘the ICE age’ – referring to the internal combustion engine era. Bentley, initially planning to phase out ICE engines by 2035, has revised its strategy due to the current market demand and customer preferences, aligning with Porsche’s similar decision to continue producing petrol engines.
Bentley’s CEO, Frank-Steffen Walliser, cited the luxury market dynamics and customer preferences as key factors influencing the decision to prolong the use of petrol engines, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to eventually transitioning towards electrification while prioritizing customer satisfaction.
