Latest news with #Rimac
Sustainability Times
19-06-2025
- Automotive
- Sustainability Times
'1,800 Horsepower Unleashed': Bugatti Tourbillon's V16 Engine Screams to 9,000 RPM in Unprecedented Hypercar Debut
IN A NUTSHELL 🚗 Bugatti Tourbillon features an innovative V16 engine, developed with Cosworth, delivering 1,800 horsepower. features an innovative V16 engine, developed with Cosworth, delivering 1,800 horsepower. 🔋 The car integrates a sophisticated hybrid system , developed with Rimac, enhancing performance with three electric motors. , developed with Rimac, enhancing performance with three electric motors. ⚡ A 24.8-kWh battery provides over 37 miles of electric-only range, showcasing Bugatti's commitment to efficiency. 🏎️ Currently in its Validation Prototype phase, the Tourbillon is set to redefine hypercars with its unique blend of power and technology. In the world of hypercars, Bugatti has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible. With the unveiling of the Bugatti Tourbillon, the storied automaker has once again redefined the limits of performance and innovation. This new model, which succeeds the Chiron, boasts an awe-inspiring V16 hybrid powertrain. Developed in collaboration with engineering specialists at Cosworth and Rimac, the Tourbillon is designed to set new standards in the automotive industry. With a combined output of 1,800 horsepower from both the combustion engine and electric motors, the Tourbillon promises to deliver a driving experience unlike any other. Revolutionary V16 Engine: The Heart of the Tourbillon At the core of the Bugatti Tourbillon lies a groundbreaking 8.3-liter V16 engine, meticulously crafted in partnership with Cosworth. This engine is a departure from the quad-turbocharged W16 engines used in previous models like the Veyron and Chiron. Instead, Bugatti has opted for a naturally aspirated configuration, allowing the engine to reach a redline of 9,000 RPM. With 1,800 horsepower at its disposal, the V16 engine is a testament to Bugatti's commitment to engineering excellence and performance. Bugatti's decision to collaborate with Cosworth highlights the company's dedication to incorporating cutting-edge engineering solutions into its vehicles. The naturally aspirated design not only provides exhilarating power but also enhances the overall driving experience by delivering an unmistakable engine note. This bold move underscores Bugatti's belief that the Tourbillon will redefine the hypercar landscape, offering a thrilling combination of power, performance, and innovation. 'Bury Them Deep': Nuclear Reactors Planted One Kilometer Underground Could Deliver Cheap and Ultra-Safe Energy for Decades Hybrid System Integration: Enhancing the Driving Experience In collaboration with Rimac, Bugatti has seamlessly integrated the V16 engine into a sophisticated hybrid system. The goal of this system is to use electric power not as a substitute but as a complement to the combustion engine. As Mate Rimac, CEO of Bugatti Rimac, explained, this approach challenges conventional thinking about electrification in high-performance vehicles. The electric motors, three in total, are strategically placed to enhance the Tourbillon's capabilities. The two electric motors situated on the front axle and one on the rear contribute an additional 800 horsepower to the V16 engine's output. This results in a combined total of 1,800 horsepower, providing an unparalleled driving experience. The rear motor, capable of reaching 24,000 RPM, also enables torque-vectoring, which significantly improves the car's handling dynamics. This hybrid system showcases Bugatti's innovative approach to achieving performance excellence while maintaining the emotional thrill of driving a high-revving V16. 'This Coding Trick Cuts 30% of Power Use': Data Centers Worldwide Could Be Transformed by This Shockingly Simple Energy Hack Battery System for Powerful Performance The Bugatti Tourbillon's electric motors are powered by a 24.8-kWh, 800-volt T-shaped battery pack. This battery system serves multiple functions, including delivering torque at low speeds, reducing engine lag, and regenerating energy to charge the battery. Notably, the battery pack is integrated into the car's carbon composite monocoque, using the vehicle's structure as its casing to reduce weight. The battery allows for an electric-only range of over 37 miles, demonstrating Bugatti's commitment to combining performance with efficiency. The rear powertrain unit, which includes the V16 engine, transmission, and electric motor, weighs significantly less than the engine and gearbox of the Chiron. This weight reduction contributes to the Tourbillon's expected top speed of over 276 mph, solidifying its status as a leader in the hypercar segment. 'Trash Into Power': Scientists Create Batteries From Industrial Waste to Store Green Energy and Rewrite the Future of Sustainability The Future of Hypercars: Validation and Beyond The Bugatti Tourbillon is currently in its Validation Prototype (VP) phase, indicating that it is approximately 90-95% complete. This stage involves rigorous testing to ensure that the final product meets Bugatti's exacting standards. The introduction of the Tourbillon marks a pivotal moment in Bugatti's journey, as it combines a large-displacement, naturally aspirated engine with a hybrid electric system. With its innovative design and engineering prowess, the Tourbillon is set to become a benchmark in the hypercar industry. Bugatti's commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance, coupled with its embrace of hybrid technology, is a testament to the brand's enduring legacy. As the Tourbillon moves closer to production, one cannot help but wonder how this remarkable vehicle will influence the future of high-performance automobiles. Will the Tourbillon inspire a new wave of hybrid hypercars that balance power, efficiency, and sustainability? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (24)
The Citizen
16-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Watch: Xiaomi's SU7 Ultra snatches EV record fat the Nürburgring
Xiaomi may be a household name because of the cellphones they produce but now the Chinese tech brand's SU7 Ultra electric sedan has beaten two of the biggest names in high-performance EVs at the Nürburgring. With a lap time of 7:04.957, the production-spec SU7 Ultra went quicker than the Rimac Nevera and Porsche Taycan Turbo GT. To put that in perspective, the Nevera previously lapped the track in 7:05.298, and the Taycan Turbo GT managed 7:07.55. This makes the Xiaomi the quickest production EV around the 'Ring so far. The car used for the lap was a full production model, though fitted with the brand's optional track package. It's still nearly 18 seconds slower than the heavily modified prototype that ran last year, but beating Porsche and Rimac in a showroom-ready car is a strong statement that the Chinese brand wanted to make. The company hasn't named the driver behind the wheel, but it did release full onboard footage of the run. That video, now on the official Nürburgring YouTube channel, shows the car hitting 345km/h on the long straight. Xiaomi claims a top speed of 350km/h, so it wasn't far off. Power comes from three electric motors delivering up to 1 138kW and 1 770Nm of torque. The 0 to 100km/h sprint takes just 1.89s. But not all that power is available from the start. Out of the box, the car is limited to around 662kW. To unlock the rest, owners need to complete a qualifying lap on a Xiaomi-approved track. Once verified, the car enables full performance through a software update. Related: China's Electric Xiaomi SU7 Snatches Sedan Record at Nürburgring Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun says this is just the beginning. With a record-breaking lap already under its belt, the SU7 Ultra shows the company isn't just testing the waters, it's diving straight in. Watch the video: Click here and browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag! The post Xiaomi's SU7 Ultra Snatches EV Record From Porsche and Rimac at the Nürburgring appeared first on CAR Magazine.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Xiaomi SU7 Ultra Shattered Rimac's Nurburgring Lap Record
Xiaomi SU7 Ultra Shattered Rimac's Nurburgring Lap Record originally appeared on Autoblog. Chinese electric cars have been on the lips of Western automaking rivals for quite some time. The rise of companies like BYD, Zeekr, and NIO has put the auto market on watch in recent years for their low-priced cars loaded with extensive tech and luxury features. However, one company that stood out as the odd one was consumer electronics giant Xiaomi. The company, known for its smartphones and wearables, launched its first car in March 2024—a $30,000 supercar-styled electric sports sedan called the SU7. Throughout 2024, the SU7 became one of China's hot-selling vehicles, delivering more than 135,000 units last year, including one used by Ford CEO Jim Farley, who admitted he 'couldn't give it up' during an October 2024 podcast appearance. The success of the SU7 has led the tech giant to go all-in on a high-performance version called the Ultra. Last October, the company published a video showing a stripped-down, race-ready SU7 Ultra prototype lapping the Nürburgring in just 6 minutes and 46.8 seconds, faster than more expensive EVs like the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT and even the multi-million dollar Rimac Nevera. Although Xiaomi recorded 3,680 pre-orders in just 10 minutes when the website opened on October 29 last year, unfortunately, the SU7 Ultra that consumers got was far less racecar-like than the prototype that lapped the Ring. It featured Alcantara-trimmed seats and far less aggressive aerodynamics, including a prominent rear wing, a functional front splitter, and enlarged air intakes for the car's upgraded cooling package. However, in a new video released by Xiaomi on its social media channels, the consumer-grade, production version of the SU7 Ultra shattered Nurburgring lap records by securing the title of fastest production EV to lap the Green Hell, posting a verified lap time of 7:04.957. Although the production SU7 Ultra's lap time is approximately 18 seconds slower than the stripped-down, race-ready prototype, it still outperformed some more prestigious and expensive rivals. The $74,000 SU7 Ultra's flying lap not only surpassed the $231,100 Porsche Taycan Turbo GT, which recorded a time of 7:07.55, but it also beat the multi-million dollar Rimac Nevera, which previously held the production car lap record with a time of 7:05.298. According to Xiaomi, the SU7 Ultra is powered by a trio of electric motors producing 1,526 horsepower. The automaker claims that the SU7 Ultra can go from 0 to 60 in just 1.98 seconds and has a top speed of 217 miles per hour. In the video of the record lap, the SU7 is shown reaching 345 km/h, or 214 mph, on the long straight before the final corner of the Nordschleife. In a translated post on Weibo, Xiaomi founder, chairman, and CEO Lei Jun noted that the car used in the video was piloted by Vincent Radermecker and used the optional 'professional track package.' According to the Xiaomi website, the optional package includes a smattering of racing-grade goodies from a lion's den of aftermarket suppliers, including Bilstein EVO R coilover shock absorbers specially developed for the Ultra, ENDLESS high-performance brake pads, Pirelli P ZERO fifth-generation high-performance tires, an additional set of Pirelli P ZERO TROFEO RS semi-slick tires, as well as 21-inch U-shaped forged wheel hubs, carbon fiber rear wheel arches, and a carbon fiber roof. In his post on Chinese social media, the Xiaomi figurehead noted that this won't be the last time the SU7 Ultra will post a Ring time. 'I believe that this record will be broken in the near future,' Jun said, translated from Chinese. 'We will stay in the Nürburgring for a long time, and make progress together with the world's top peers in the pinnacle of the global automotive industry!' Although Xiaomi's time is a far cry from the Mercedes-AMG One's record for the fastest production vehicle of 6 minutes and 29 seconds, it really shows that a country that has been written off as making low-quality, disposable things in general has the capability to disrupt, and as what we seen so far, they are doing more than just knocking down doors and walls; they're building a new house on the old lot. It will be very interesting to see if a rebuttal in the form of a potentially faster car will emerge from any of the Western 'old guard.' Tesla, Porsche, Rimac, the ball is in your court. Xiaomi SU7 Ultra Shattered Rimac's Nurburgring Lap Record first appeared on Autoblog on Jun 11, 2025 This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jun 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
Motor 1
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Watch Xiaomi Set Production EV Record at The Nurburgring
Chinese tech giant Xiaomi, primarily known for its smartphones, is branching out by making cars. The SU7 is the company's inaugural model and has already spawned a high-performance Ultra version. Last October, a prototype lapped the Nürburgring in an astonishing 6 minutes and 46.8 seconds . At that point, Xiaomi promised it would return to the Green Hell and repeat the hot lap with a production-ready car. Predictably, the SU7 Ultra that customers can purchase in China was unable to match the performance of the stripped-down prototype. Nevertheless, a lap time of 7 minutes and 4.95 seconds is a remarkable achievement. It makes Xiaomi's electric super sedan faster than the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT, which lapped the challenging German track in 7 minutes and 7.55 seconds . The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra is also a tad faster than the Rimac Nevera, effectively dethroning the Croatian electric hypercar from the production EV leaderboard. The exotic two-door EV completed the lap in 7 minutes and 5.29 seconds . To clarify, all times mentioned refer to the longer configuration of the Nürburgring, which spans 12.9 miles (20.8 kilometers). The Mercedes-AMG One's record for the fastest production vehicle isn't in any danger for now. The F1-engined hypercar completed the lap in 6 minutes and 29 seconds last year. As for the outright record, it belongs to the track-only Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo, with a blistering lap time of 5 minutes and 19.55 seconds. It's hard to imagine a street-legal car will ever get close to that. Onboard footage shared by Xiaomi shows the SU7 Ultra reaching a GPS-verified speed of 215 mph (346 km/h). That makes the SU7 Ultra the fastest production sedan ever, whether gas or electric. The title previously belonged to the Maserati Ghibli 334 Ultima , with a top speed of 208 mph (334 km/h). The defunct Italian luxury sedan was only 1 mph faster than the Bentley Flying Spur W-12 and 2 mph faster than the Lucid Air Sapphire. Photo by: Xiaomi Photo by: Xiaomi Xiaomi mentions that the car can go even faster. With enough road ahead, it can exceed 217 mph (350 km/h). It's worth noting that the SU7 Ultra that tackled the Nürburgring wasn't completely standard. Xiaomi fitted the optional track package available to customers, so it doesn't disqualify the car from being considered a production model. As a refresher, the tri-motor EV has a combined output of 1,527 hp and can hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in 1.98 seconds. At 201.3 inches long, it's bigger than a Taycan and even heavier, at 5,203 pounds (2,360 kilograms). It went on sale in China at the end of February with a base price of just 529,900 yuan (nearly $74,000). Source: Xiaomi Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Top Gear
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Power up: flat out on track in the 2,011bhp Lotus Evija
Big Reads Time to get behind the wheel of the electrifying Lotus Evija on track. Buckle up... Skip 1 photos in the image carousel and continue reading A beautiful day in Wales and a Lotus. What could be simpler? Perfect tarmac, jaw dropping scenery and a pure, lightweight, throwback sports car. Apply a few cliches about adding lightness, the genius of Colin Chapman and a liberal sprinkling of 'ride handling balance' fairy dust and you have the formula that's been on the rinse and repeat cycle in car magazines since the 1960s. Did I mention steering feel yet? Don't worry. It's coming. But first, let's throw out everything we know of how this tale goes. Today is truly a new day. The Lotus in question isn't a sports car. The Evija is truly hyper. Fiendishly complex, hysterically powerful, mind meltingly expensive and (sadly for Lotus), likely to be as exclusive as ground unicorn horn. Advertisement - Page continues below The price of £2m plus taxes is a rather fundamental limiting factor, of course, but that's nothing compared to the bleak market conditions. In 2019, when the Evija was first revealed, the world was hurtling towards EV domination and the unprecedented performance potential created dazzling new possibilities. Photography: Jonny Fleetwood You might like In 2025 things aren't so optimistic. In fact, while the mainstream is quickly retreating to hybrid, the hypercar customer has resoundingly opted out of the great electric revolution. Just ask Pininfarina or Rimac. So, right now and despite a Herculean effort by Lotus to bring the Evija to fruition, the 'maximum of 130 cars' promise seems as overinflated as its total power output. Yet even if the Evija's stated sales target is DOA, it remains a fascinating car and seeing two parked side by side in a pit garage at Anglesey – the roadtrip comes later – is a very special moment. These are the most powerful production cars Top Gear has ever tested so the clear skies are a godsend, and later the unbroken sunshine will beautifully render every detail, duct and aero device. Why two? Well, with a 93kWh battery feeding four electric motors the range is, um, compromised. Lotus claims 195 miles but on a racetrack you can cut that in half, then maybe in half again. So having a spare seems prudent. Sensible, even. Advertisement - Page continues below Skip 18 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Speaking of sensible, the Evija has a total power output of 2,011bhp. Remember the Lotus Carlton, the super saloon that prompted questions in parliament due to its irresponsible power output? Well, each one of the Lotus Evija's wheels has 125bhp more than the Carlton's total output. It can accelerate from 0–186mph in under nine seconds and hits 217mph. Zero to 60mph? Lotus simply says 'less than three seconds', but even one exploratory launch on Anglesey's straight delivers an easy GPS verified two seconds. The performance is otherworldly and a huge departure from the usual Lotus ways. Yet, rolling out of the pitlane there's a very real feeling of two worlds colliding here. The full carbon fibre structure is extremely stiff, the interior wonderfully minimalist with lovely materials and the tiny yoke-like steering wheel feels delicious. These high end hypercar calling cards in combination with the manic whirr of the electric motors and instant, ear flattening performance suggest the Evija shouldn't have a shred of Lotusness about it. Yet it does. Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox. Much of it bubbles up through the steering. Lotus elected to stick with hydraulic power steering to ensure clarity of feedback and it feels like an inspired decision. The Evija might have alien performance but initially the sensations it provides are reassuringly familiar. There's no heavy regen, either. God knows the battery could do with all the help it can get in terms of range, but I appreciate that lifting the throttle doesn't artificially induce heavy negative g. In fact, programming in a tiny bit of regen wouldn't be a bad idea as the Evija seems to freewheel when not under load. Perhaps most satisfying is that the Evija feels light and lithe. As every Lotus should. With its exotic structure and a real focus on weightsaving, the Evija has been kept to 1,884kg. Heavy compared to, say, an Aston Martin Valkyrie, but literally hundreds of kilograms lighter than other EVs of this nature. With electronically adjustable Multimatic dampers and a heave damper to handle the huge downforce generated, body control is measured and, again, has an organic feel. As I gently increase the pace the Evija stays composed but breathes with the surface and has just enough movement on its suspension to impart information and breed ever more confidence. The soundtrack increases in intensity, too. There's no fakery here. The motors almost shriek under full power and while the noise isn't spine tingling, the frenzied, runaway sense of it is perfectly in keeping with the performance, which borders on the surreal. Such is the assault on the senses that even the lack of a gearbox to control doesn't seem a mortal fault. The Evija might not quite conform to all my usual mental markers, but it's a deeply moving experience. A mix of high definition tactility and quantum performance. The Evija is brutal yet oddly balletic at times, wild yet determinedly controlled Yet, there are compromises. The sheer scale of performance on offer has led Lotus to a necessarily slightly conservative balance. On track we're concentrating on Sport and Track modes (Valet, Range, City and Tour will be addressed later), but even fully wound up the Evija's traction and stability control remains active at all times. This measure seems wise when you see the telltale light on the dash flickering at 130mph in a straight line and feel the ever present torque steer as the Pirellis are stressed right to the limit. However, you'd think the watchful eye of the electronics might allow Lotus to really exploit the power of true torque vectoring. As each wheel can be controlled independently there's a whole new world of possibility... but the Evija is neutral almost to a fault. In Sport mode there's a hint of understeer first and sometimes a tiny sliver of oversteer under power on corner exit but it's almost imperceptible. Switch to Track mode and the Evija's stability is incredible but there's almost nothing by way of adjustability. Point, shoot, hope your neck muscles can take the beating. Repeat. It's outrageous but the thrill is physical rather than an experience that conquers your heart and mind. 28 minutes 4 seconds It's funny, the only time the Evija feels slightly unruly is under full power in a straight line – where the front tyres can feel very sensitive to surface changes and cambers – and under heavy braking. There's just not quite the stability you expect and because Lotus didn't go for a 'skateboard' construction (instead building up the batteries where you'd find a V8 or V12 in a mid-engined supercar) the weight just behind your shoulders moves and shakes in ways that can feel pretty unnerving. Oh, and even six piston carbon ceramic brakes can't handle 2,011bhp and 1,884kg for too long before the pedal starts to creep closer to the floor. You might have noticed that I've avoided describing the raw performance up until now. Mostly because, well, it's hard to put into words. Relentless? Yep, but that doesn't quite do it justice. Sickening? Weirdly not. Perhaps the driving position and excellent body control help here, but the Evija is far less vomit inducing than a Tesla Plaid, for example. Extreme? Absolutely. The Evija makes something like a McLaren 750S feel very ordinary indeed. Unforgettable? Perhaps that sums it up best. Not just the acceleration but the whole car. The Evija is brutal yet oddly balletic at times, wild yet determinedly controlled – a vast leap for Lotus but still clinging to the old ways where it can. It turns out there's nothing simple about a sunny day in Wales and this Lotus. But I won't forget it in a hurry.
