BYD's advanced sub-brand Yangwang has unveiled a special Track Edition of its U9 electric supercar, which recently achieved an astonishing top speed of 293.54 mph (472 kph). This remarkable feat was accomplished by German driver Marc Basseng at the ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg test track, solidifying its position as the fastest electric production car on Earth. This speed surpasses previous records held by electric vehicles such as the Rimac Nevera R (268 mph) and the Aspark Owl (272 mph), and even puts traditional hypercar manufacturers like Bugatti and Koenigsegg on notice.

Marc Basseng, who previously hit 233 mph in the 'standard' U9 just a year prior, expressed his surprise at breaking his own record so quickly. The Track Edition, while built on the same platform as the standard U9 sold in China, boasts significantly enhanced performance. It is powered by four electric motors delivering an astounding 2,958 bhp, a substantial increase from the standard U9's 1,287 bhp. Furthermore, the vehicle utilizes what is described as "the world’s first mass produced 1200V ultra high voltage vehicle platform," showcasing cutting-edge electric vehicle technology.

Beyond raw power, the U9 Track Edition incorporates advanced control systems. It features independent torque vectoring, capable of monitoring the road and adjusting power delivery over 100 times per second. The 'DiSus-X Intelligent Body Control System', known for allowing the car to "dance and leapfrog," also functions on track to maintain optimal flatness through corners and during acceleration or braking. Visually, the Track Edition distinguishes itself by losing the standard car’s giant rear wing, while gaining a new carbon fibre front splitter and bespoke semi-slick tyres from Giti.

The achievement at the ATP Papenburg test track is particularly notable given the track's characteristics. While Papenburg is a highly regarded facility for high-speed testing, it features straights that are considerably shorter compared to the legendary Ehra-Lessien run in Germany, which boasts over five miles of straightaway. Papenburg's straights offer at best 2.7 miles before demanding hard braking for its sharp bends. Despite these constraints, the Yangwang U9 Track Edition managed to achieve 293 mph, an impressive 12 mph faster than a 1,600 hp Bugatti Mistral, which reached 282 mph on the same track. This performance highlights the U9’s exceptional power delivery and stability even in challenging conditions.

Eyewitness accounts from footage of the run suggest the Chinese hypercar was still accelerating when it ran out of track, indicating even greater untapped potential. This initial attempt by Yangwang suggests a strong future for the brand in the hypercar segment, with speculation arising about future attempts to break the 300 mph barrier and challenge records like the Chiron Super Sport’s 304.77 mph. The Yangwang U9 Track Edition's astonishing speed in such limited distance has indeed put the established hypercar world on notice, hinting at a new era of electric performance.