BYD Hypercar Yangwang U9 Xtreme Crashes Hard Days Before 311 MPH Attempt
Marcus Vance
2 minutes read
Every BYD Hypercar fan knows the drill: enormous numbers and even bigger ambitions. This time, the Yangwang U9 Xtreme lost control on a closed track and slammed into a barrier, just days before its planned 311 mph (500 km/h) attempt. Photos from CarNewsChina show serious damage, yet the driver reportedly walked away.
Carbon Cell Holds the Line
Impact energy has to go somewhere, and this crash shows exactly where it went. The rear axle assembly was torn clean away, yet the passenger compartment reportedly stayed largely intact. BYD credits its Super Carbon-Fiber Cabin for high torsional rigidity and occupant protection. Earlier this year, the car was already making headlines during its 3000 HP BYD Yangwang U9 Xtreme record push, when it hit 308.3 mph (496.22 km/h).
Four independent motors, rated at a combined 2,977 horsepower, make this platform a torque-vectoring masterpiece on paper. Surgical throttle modulation at each corner is essential at these speeds. Track-spec semi-slick tires and a heavily revised DiSus-X suspension are meant to keep biting front-end grip intact under pressure.
| ⚙️Engine / Powertrain | Quad-motor electric powertrain (e4 platform), 80.0 kWh battery |
| 🐎Power Output | 2,977 HP |
| ⚡Peak Torque | Not disclosed (est. 1,500 Nm / 1,106 lb-ft) |
| ⏱️0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) | 0-60 mph in 1.9s (est.) |
| 🚀Top Speed | 308.3 mph (496.22 km/h), record run |
| 🔄Drivetrain / Gearbox | Four-motor AWD with independent torque control |
| 💰Starting Price / Est. | $3,000,000 (est.) |
What This BYD Hypercar Crash Means
Still, BYD has not disclosed the speed at impact or the cause of the loss of control. Even so, no battery fire was reported, which matters for a high-voltage machine of this caliber. On paper, the 308.3 mph record still stands, but the 311 mph barrier now sits behind a rebuild and a fresh round of data analysis.
Expect the next attempt to slip, not vanish. The engineering ambition behind the U9 family is real, and you can review the official specifications at BYD. Follow more track and performance coverage at Auto News Magazine.
Marcus Vance
Senior Track & Performance Editor at Auto News Magazine. Veteran automotive journalist specializing in chassis dynamics, apex telemetry, track-day specials, and high-revving mechanical purity.
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