BYD's Yangwang U9 Xtreme electric hypercar crashes at 450 km/h, driver unharmed
BYD's electric hypercar Yangwang U9 Xtreme crashed on a test track at roughly 450 km/h. The driver climbed out virtually unhurt, and no serious injuries were found.
Chinese carmaker BYD has released video of a serious crash involving its track-adapted electric hypercar, the Yangwang U9 Xtreme, during a test run. The accident happened at about 450 km/h as the company worked toward its goal of exceeding 500 km/h. After a heavy impact with a safety barrier and an uncontrolled spin on the track, the driver got out of the cockpit virtually unharmed, and a medical check at hospital found no serious injuries.
About the Yangwang U9 Xtreme
The Yangwang U9 Xtreme is a track-focused modification of a standard supercar. It features what BYD describes as the world's first series-production 1,200 V ultra-high-voltage platform and a patented drivetrain. Four electric motors, with a maximum speed of 30,000 rpm, together produce nearly 3,000 horsepower.
The model had previously become the world's fastest production car, reaching 496.22 km/h. BYD now aims to break the 500 km/h barrier.
The test day
On the first run the car comfortably passed 350 km/h, and on the second it exceeded 420 km/h. The crash came on the third attempt, as the team tried to go beyond 450 km/h.
The driver was protected by the car's highly durable carbon-fibre monocoque cabin, which stayed intact even though the front and rear bodywork were badly damaged.
Attempts continue
The incident did not deter the team: on the next attempt, BYD reached 457.89 km/h with another car. Yangwang test driver Jiang Gong said the car still has untapped potential and that the goal of exceeding 500 km/h will certainly be achieved.
