BYD Yangwang U9 Xtreme Joins Gran Turismo 7 After Record-Breaking Nürburgring Lap

Yangwang, a high-performance sub-brand of BYD, has announced that its U9 Xtreme model will join the virtual garage of Gran Turismo 7 (GT7) on the PlayStation 5. This inclusion is a testament to the model’s impressive performance, highlighted by its certified lap time of 6:59.157 at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. This time not only secured its position as the fastest production electric vehicle at the famous track but also marked a new era for Chinese automotive engineering in the global market. The U9 Xtreme's inclusion in GT7 signifies a growing recognition of Chinese engineering prowess, especially in the field of high-performance electric vehicles.

Gran Turismo 7, developed by Polyphony Digital and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, is renowned for its realistic driving simulation and extensive lineup of meticulously modeled vehicles. The game, which features over 400 cars from more than 60 manufacturers, offers players a chance to experience driving some of the world's most coveted vehicles. The addition of the U9 Xtreme to this lineup not only highlights the car's superior performance but also underscores the increasing presence of Chinese brands in the global automotive scene. This is particularly significant as only a few Chinese models have been featured in the franchise, with the U9 Xtreme joining the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra, which made its debut in June 2025.

The technical specifications of the U9 Xtreme are nothing short of remarkable. Powered by a four-motor electric powertrain, each delivering 555 kW, the vehicle boasts a total output of 2,220 kW or nearly 3,000 horsepower. Built on a 1,200 V high-voltage platform with advanced silicon carbide power electronics, the U9 Xtreme is designed for both speed and efficiency. Its motors and battery are cooled using an oil-cooled system, and the vehicle’s aerodynamic design includes a carbon-fiber front splitter and a gooseneck-style rear wing. These features, combined with bespoke 20-inch forged wheels and high-performance tires, enable the U9 Xtreme to achieve a top speed of 496.22 km/h, making it the fastest global production supercar.

The Nürburgring lap, driven by the experienced German racer Moritz Kranz, was not without its challenges. Conducted under less-than-ideal weather conditions, the lap was part of a private track session on October 10, 2025. Despite the adverse weather, the U9 Xtreme managed to break the seven-minute barrier, a feat previously unachieved by any production electric vehicle. This accomplishment not only places the U9 Xtreme at the top of the global speed charts but also establishes it as a formidable competitor in the high-performance automotive sector. The collaboration between the development team and Nürburgring officials further highlights the meticulous preparation and engineering excellence behind the U9 Xtreme.

The inclusion of the U9 Xtreme in Gran Turismo 7 is a significant step for BYD and the broader Chinese automotive industry. It reflects a growing trend of Chinese manufacturers making inroads into the high-performance vehicle market, traditionally dominated by Western brands. As the first Chinese production supercar to be officially recorded on the Nürburgring Nordschleife leaderboard, the U9 Xtreme not only enhances BYD’s prestige but also showcases China's potential as a leader in electric vehicle innovation. This development is likely to encourage further advancements and collaborations, paving the way for more Chinese vehicles in international racing simulations and competitions.