Xiaomi’s first electric vehicle (EV) SU7
Capturing high-performance model-driving
Will the lost trust be restored?
The Chinese electric vehicle industry is threatening competitors with its strong cost-effectiveness. The recent growth is beyond surprising and threatening. However, quality problems appearing everywhere show that there is still a long way to go. A representative example is the Xiaomi SU7, which attracted attention even in China with its unprecedented price.
The model was priced at less than $30,000 and recorded over 90,000 contracts in one day. However, after full-scale delivery began, design defects occurred in essential parts, including brakes, causing disgrace. However, it has become a hot topic as it has been discovered that Xiaomi is preparing a high-performance model based on SU7. The model is receiving more attention as it is known to compete with Porsche and Tesla.
Tested at the Nürburgring in Germany
Reinforced brakes confirmed
According to reports from foreign media such as Carscoops and Auto Evolution, on June 11, 2024 (local time), a Xiaomi SU7 derivative model prototype was captured at the Nürburgring circuit in Germany. Racing car-style camouflage wrapping hints at high performance, including side numbering and a central stripe. The overall design layout is mainly similar to the standard model, but unique elements of the high-performance model can be seen here and there.
The narrower empty space in the wheelhouse means that the ride height has been lowered, suggesting that a dedicated suspension specialized for high-performance driving has been applied. Inside the lightweight wheel, the application of which is not yet known, is a monoblock caliper believed to have 6 pistons at the front wheel, 4 pistons at the rear wheel, and a huge brake rotor.
Even the basic model has decent specs
The high-performance version produces 1,000 horsepower
A lip spoiler was added under the front bumper, and a sporty fixed wing was added to the rear. It is fixed to the existing active spoiler and features an angle close to horizontal as if considering the change in downforce that will occur when the active spoiler operates. The SU7 Max, the highest specification among the current models, boasts an acceleration performance of 2.78 seconds to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) from a standstill based on a combined total output of 663 horsepower and a maximum torque of 838 Nm.
The industry predicts that the SU7 high-performance model will produce a combined total output of more than 1,000 horsepower and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than 2.5 seconds. Electric sedans with similar performance include the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT and Tesla Model S Plaid. The Taycan Turbo GT recorded a Nürburgring lap time of 7 minutes and 7.55 seconds thanks to powerful power performance with a combined total output of 1,108 horsepower and Porsche’s long-term know-how. This is the second fastest record in the mass-produced electric vehicle category, following the Rimac Nevera.
Competes with Porsche and Tesla
Will the fundamental issues be resolved?
It is unknown whether Xiaomi will challenge the Nürburgring lap time record with the high-performance version of the SU7. However, competition with the Taycan Turbo GT and Model S Plaid seems inevitable. Meanwhile, the standard model released previously had frequent problems with brakes quickly overheating due to issues such as heat dissipation pad design setting errors and poor ventilation.
This problem was pointed out in local Chinese media through a circuit driving test conducted by a professional car racer. One YouTuber caused a stir when he crashed into a circuit wall due to a failed brake. Attention is being paid to whether the Xiaomi SU7 high-performance version will be able to solve this problem and have solid basics.
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