Xiaomi denies getting help from Prodrive to develop SU7 Ultra

Xiaomi set its sights on the high-performance electric vehicle market when it unveiled its latest creation, the SU7 Ultra. However, high pace of the development, and impressive specifications prompted rumors of outside help employed by the company.

Some claimed Prodrive was heavily involved in getting the SU7 Ultra from a sketch to reality, but Xiaomi now confirmed it was developed entirely in-house. Built on Xiaomi's SU7 electric architecture, the Ultra proves the company's cutting-edge engineering skills. The car's rigid cage body structure, made from ultra-high-strength steel with a yield of up to 2,000 MPa, ensures maximum safety and minimizes deformation under extreme conditions. There's also an FIA-spec roll cage integrated into the body frame.

One of the most talked about features of the SU7 Ultra is its advanced CTB (Cell-to-body) battery technology. Developed in collaboration with CATL, this technology integrates the battery pack directly into the car's body, lowering the internal floor by 0.67 inches while achieving a remarkable volume efficiency of 77.8%. With a maximum capacity of 150 kWh, this high-performance track-specific battery has an astounding maximum output of 1,330 kW. This allows the SU7 Ultra to deliver consistent power even at low charge levels, a crucial factor for endurance racing.

Xiaomi's prowess in electric motor technology is clearly evident in the SU7 Ultra's powertrain. The car is equipped with three motors – two second-generation V8s motors and one V6s motor – delivering a combined output of 1,138 kW (1,526 horsepower). The V8s motor, making its debut in the SU7 Ultra, has a peak rotational speed of 27,200 rpm and a power output of 425 kW (570 hp), with an efficiency of 98.11%. This impressive tri-motor powertrain propels the SU7 Ultra from 0 to 62 mph in a mere 1.97 seconds and reaches 124 mph in just 5.96 seconds, with a top speed exceeding 217 mph.

The SU7 Ultra is set for some rigorous testing at the Nürburgring, one of the most challenging racetracks in the world. This testing will showcase the car's capabilities and, of course, will contribute to the development of future Xiaomi EVs. While the SU7 Ultra's performance figures might seem far removed from everyday driving, the technologies developed for this supercar will eventually trickle down to Xiaomi's mainstream models, improving their performance and reliability.

Xiaomi's entry into the high-performance EV market with the SU7 Ultra is the clearest sign yet of the company's ambition to become a major player in the automotive industry. While the track-ready SU7 Ultra might not be accessible to everyone, its technological advancements and performance benchmarks will undoubtedly influence the future of electric cars. Plus, Xiaomi has already confirmed that the road-going version will go on sale next year. With its homegrown technology and impressive performance, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra has no choice but to make a significant impact on the automotive landscape.

Via