In exclusive racetrack testing, Richard Hammond became the first journalist from the “west” to sit behind the wheel of the Chinese electric hypercar YangWang U9 Extreme. The vehicle, which has an incredible 2,978 horsepower, currently stands out as the fastest production car in the world, capable of reaching a speed of 472.41 km/h. Giving such an electric “beast” in the hands of Hammond, who a few years ago with Rimec’s (similar, but more than half as weak) Concept_One car went off the track and barely survived, some have already called it a brave move.
“He’s going for all the records”
But Hammond “survived” this ride, and among other things, he stated that the feeling of acceleration goes beyond normal parameters, describing the experience as a momentary “relocation” of the body from one place to another, while the internal organs try to catch up with the acceleration of the vehicle. The technical side of the car reveals fascinating data: each of the four electric motors on the wheels delivers over 740 horsepower, while the entire system operates at a voltage of 1,200 V. Despite the weight of two and a half tons, the vehicle uses an advanced active suspension system that allows it to lean in corners like a motorcycle, thus compensating for the weight of the batteries and maintaining stability.
The legendary British auto journalist emphasized that this model represents a clear signal of the Chinese auto industry, which, according to him, “simply comes for all the records” with impressive technological supremacy. One of those records already “fell” last year, when the Yangwang U9 Xtreme lapped the Nürburgring in under seven minutes, dethroning Rimac Nevera.
Although he admitted a certain amount of fear in view of the aforementioned incident with the Croatian supercar, Hammond concluded that the YangWang U9 Extreme successfully combined raw power and advanced aerodynamics. The rear wing and sophisticated control systems are not just aesthetic additions here, but a necessity at speeds where any mistake can be very costly. His video review ends with the statement that this car is not just an evolution, but a true revolution that will force the entire automotive world to reconsider the current standards of speed and power.