En un mundo donde la velocidad y la sostenibilidad parecían conceptos incompatibles, China ha emergido como un disruptor inesperado. El gigante asiático, tradicionalmente conocido por producir vehículos económicos y funcionales, ha dado un salto cuántico en la industria automotriz global con el desarrollo de tres superdeportivos eléctricos que están redefiniendo lo que creíamos posible. El Yangwang U9, el GAC Aion Hyper SSR y el NIO EP9 son tres ejemplos brillantes de cómo la innovación china está desafiando a los titanes europeos como Ferrari y Lamborghini.
EL PODER DEL YANGWANG U9: LA DANZA ELÉCTRICA
Génesis y desarrollo: BYD se atreve a soñar
El Yangwang U9 representa la ambición más audaz de BYD (Build Your Dreams), una compañía que ha pasado de fabricar baterías para teléfonos móviles a convertirse en uno de los mayores fabricantes de vehículos eléctricos del mundo. La submarca de lujo Yangwang fue presentada oficialmente en enero de 2023, y el U9 se reveló como su buque insignia, un superdeportivo diseñado para competir con los mejores del mundo.
El desarrollo del Yangwang U9 no fue un proceso improvisado. BYD lleva más de una década perfeccionando su tecnología de baterías y motores eléctricos. La compañía invirtió aproximadamente 18 meses específicamente en el desarrollo de este superdeportivo, empleando a ingenieros de primera línea tanto de China como del extranjero, demostrando la capacidad del país para atraer talento global y combinarlo con su propia experiencia.
Especificaciones técnicas: Cuatro motores de pura potencia
El Yangwang U9 es una bestia de la ingeniería moderna. Su diseño arquitectónico se fundamenta en la plataforma e4, una evolución de la e-Platform 3.0 de BYD que permite implementar una configuración de cuatro motores eléctricos independientes, uno en cada rueda.
Potencia y rendimiento:
- Potencia total: 1.300 CV (960 kW)
- Par motor máximo: 1.680 Nm
- Aceleración 0-100 km/h: 2,36 segundos
- Velocidad máxima: 309 km/h
- Tiempo en Nürburgring: 7:17 segundos
Sistema de propulsión:
- Cuatro motores eléctricos individuales (240 kW cada uno)
- Velocidad máxima de rotación: 21.000 rpm
- Sistema de control independiente en cada rueda
Batería y autonomía:
- Batería de tipo LFP (litio-ferro-fosfato) de FinDream
- Capacidad: 100 kWh
- Autonomía: 450-700 km (según ciclo CLTC)
- Tecnología de carga rápida de 500 kW
- Tiempo de carga del 10% al 80%: 10 minutos
Chasis y construcción:
- Cabina de fibra de carbono de grado aeroespacial T12 700K
- Proceso de moldeo por prensado en caliente
- Dimensiones: 4.966 mm x 2.029 mm x 1.295 mm
- Distancia entre ejes: 2.900 mm
- Peso: 2.475 kg
El secreto del éxito: DiSus-X y Yun Nian-X
Lo que realmente diferencia al U9 es su revolucionario sistema de suspensión DiSus-X, que combina tres tecnologías: el sistema de control de carrocería de amortiguación inteligente (Disus-C), el sistema de control de carrocería hidráulica inteligente (Disus-P) y el sistema de control de carrocería de aire inteligente (Disus-A).
Este sistema permite algo nunca visto en un vehículo de producción: la capacidad de ajustar la altura de la carrocería a velocidades de 50 mm/s con una fuerza de elevación instantánea de más de una tonelada, permitiendo que el coche “baile” al ritmo de la música o incluso salte para superar obstáculos, una característica que ha causado sensación en las demostraciones públicas.
La tecnología Yun Nian-X complementa este sistema con un control activo total del chasis, permitiendo maniobras como giros en el sitio y despegues verticales. Esta integración de tecnologías avanzadas es un testimonio del enfoque innovador de BYD, que no se limita a copiar a los fabricantes occidentales, sino que ha desarrollado soluciones únicas que añaden un valor diferencial.
Precio y posicionamiento: Lujo accesible
El Yangwang U9 está disponible en China a un precio de 1,68 millones de yuanes, aproximadamente 215.000 euros, lo que lo sitúa como una opción considerablemente más accesible que superdeportivos eléctricos europeos con prestaciones similares. Este enfoque de “lujo accesible” es parte de la estrategia china para ganar terreno en el mercado premium global.
GAC AION HYPER SSR: EL RAYO CHINO
Historia y desarrollo: De cero a héroe
GAC (Guangzhou Auto Corporation), el quinto mayor fabricante de automóviles de China, creó su división Aion específicamente para el desarrollo de vehículos eléctricos. El Hyper SSR (ahora rebautizado como Hyptec SSR para su expansión internacional) comenzó como una visión inspirada en el prototipo Enpulse Concept mostrado en 2020.
El desarrollo del Hyper SSR tomó aproximadamente dos años, con equipos de diseño trabajando simultáneamente en Guangzhou y Los Ángeles, demostrando la capacidad de GAC para operar a escala global y aprovechar diferentes perspectivas de diseño. Esta colaboración intercontinental permitió combinar la audacia del diseño estadounidense con la precisión de ingeniería china.
Potencia desatada: Especificaciones técnicas
El GAC Aion Hyper SSR es un vehículo que rompe esquemas con sus impresionantes especificaciones:
Potencia y rendimiento:
- Configuración de tres motores eléctricos (uno delantero de 320 kW y dos traseros con un total de 580 kW)
- Potencia total: 1.225 CV (900 kW)
- Par motor: 1.230 Nm
- Aceleración 0-100 km/h: 1,9 segundos (versión Ultimate)
- Velocidad máxima: 251 km/h
Sistema de propulsión:
- Motor de 2 velocidades con tecnología 4-en-1 de alto rendimiento
- Sistema con chips de carburo de silicio de 900V
- Sistema de control inteligente e-drive 3.0 desarrollado internamente
Batería y autonomía:
- Batería de 74,69 kWh con química de litio ternario (NMC)
- Tecnología de baterías tipo “magazine” desarrollada por GAC
- Autonomía: 505 km (ciclo CLTC)
- Fabricante de celdas: CALB
Construcción y diseño:
- Carrocería completamente fabricada en fibra de carbono de alta resistencia
- Proceso de producción con autoclave de grado aeronáutico
- Dimensiones: 4,53 m x 1,98 m x 1,23 m
- Peso: 1.990 kg
Innovación y sostenibilidad: El enfoque diferencial
GAC Aion ha prestado especial atención a la sostenibilidad en el Hyper SSR. El vehículo utiliza materiales 3D impresos, fibras recicladas y cuero vegano biodegradable, demostrando que el lujo y el respeto al medio ambiente pueden ir de la mano. Esta perspectiva ecológica es un valor añadido que lo diferencia de muchos superdeportivos tradicionales.
Otra innovación clave es su sistema de carga, que aprovecha la tecnología desarrollada por GAC Aion, incluyendo cargadores de 480 kW que permiten recargar el vehículo del 30% al 80% en menos de cinco minutos.
Expansión internacional y precios
Inicialmente lanzado en China en octubre de 2023 con un precio que oscila entre 1.286.000 yuanes (178.110 USD) para la versión estándar y 1.686.000 yuanes (233.510 USD) para la versión Ultimate, el Hyper SSR ha iniciado ya su expansión internacional bajo la marca Hyptec. Las primeras entregas en el mercado del sudeste asiático están programadas para este año, con planes para expandirse a Oriente Medio, Sudamérica y Europa. Se espera que el vehículo se muestre en el Salón del Automóvil de París en octubre.
NIO EP9: EL PIONERO QUE MARCÓ EL CAMINO
Los orígenes: La ambición de NextEV
La historia del NIO EP9 comenzó en 2014, cuando la startup de vehículos eléctricos NextEV (posteriormente renombrada como NIO) decidió crear un superdeportivo que demostrara las capacidades de la tecnología eléctrica china. La empresa, fundada por William Li, tenía el objetivo de liderar el camino de los vehículos autónomos, eléctricos e inteligentes.
El desarrollo del EP9 tomó 18 meses, un periodo relativamente corto para un vehículo de estas características. Fue presentado oficialmente el 21 de noviembre de 2016 en la Galería Saatchi de Londres, marcando el comienzo de una nueva era para los superdeportivos eléctricos chinos.
Rompiendo récords: Especificaciones técnicas
El NIO EP9 se convirtió en un referente para la industria con sus impresionantes especificaciones:
Potencia y rendimiento:
- Cuatro motores eléctricos (250 kW cada uno)
- Potencia total: 1.360 CV (1 megavatio)
- Par motor: 1.480 Nm en el motor, 6.334 Nm en las ruedas
- Aceleración 0-100 km/h: 2,7 segundos
- Aceleración 0-200 km/h: 7,1 segundos
- Aceleración 0-300 km/h: 15,9 segundos
- Velocidad máxima: 313 km/h
Sistema de propulsión:
- Cuatro motores eléctricos con cajas de cambio individuales
- Relación de transmisión: 1:4.283
- Tracción a las cuatro ruedas con control independiente
Batería y autonomía:
- Peso de las baterías: 635 kg
- Autonomía: 427 km
- Sistema de intercambio de baterías (45 minutos)
Chasis y aerodinámica:
- Chasis de fibra de carbono (364 kg)
- Peso total: 1.735 kg
- Downforce: 24.000 newtons a 240 km/h (similar a un Fórmula 1)
- Capacidad de alcanzar 3G de fuerza lateral en curvas
Los récords que cambiarían la historia
El NIO EP9 marcó un antes y un después en la percepción global de los vehículos eléctricos cuando estableció un tiempo de 7:05.12 en el circuito de Nürburgring-Nordschleife, convirtiéndose en el vehículo eléctrico más rápido en este legendario trazado. También estableció récords en el Circuito de las Américas (2:11:30) y en el Circuito de Shanghai.
Pero quizás su logro más impresionante fue demostrar que un vehículo eléctrico podía competir con los mejores superdeportivos de combustión del mundo. Esto cambió el paradigma y abrió la puerta para que otras marcas chinas siguieran sus pasos.
Producción limitada y exclusividad
A diferencia de los otros dos superdeportivos chinos mencionados, el NIO EP9 fue producido en cantidades extremadamente limitadas: solo 16 unidades, con un precio aproximado de 1,48 millones de dólares cada una. Los primeros seis EP9 fueron vendidos a inversores de NIO, y los diez restantes fueron ofrecidos al público.
LA REVOLUCIÓN TECNOLÓGICA CHINA: ¿CÓMO LO HAN CONSEGUIDO?
El factor velocidad: Desarrollo acelerado
Los tres superdeportivos comparten una característica común: la velocidad en su desarrollo. Mientras que las marcas tradicionales europeas suelen invertir entre cuatro y seis años en el desarrollo de un nuevo modelo, estos tres vehículos fueron desarrollados en menos de dos años cada uno.
Este ritmo acelerado se debe a varios factores:
- Integración vertical: Las empresas chinas controlan toda la cadena de suministro, desde la extracción de materias primas hasta la producción de baterías y la fabricación final.
- Talento internacional: BYD, GAC y NIO han invertido activamente en atraer talento de todo el mundo, incluyendo ingenieros de las principales marcas europeas y estadounidenses.
- Apoyo gubernamental: El gobierno chino ha apoyado activamente el desarrollo de vehículos eléctricos con subsidios, políticas favorables y financiación para I+D.
- Capacidad de producción ágil: La industria china ha perfeccionado metodologías de producción que permiten iterar rápidamente los diseños y realizar cambios sobre la marcha.
La ventaja de las baterías: El corazón de la revolución
China controla más del 80% de la cadena de suministro global de baterías de iones de litio, lo que les otorga una ventaja competitiva fundamental. BYD, particularmente, es uno de los mayores fabricantes de baterías del mundo.
Los tres vehículos reflejan diferentes enfoques en la tecnología de baterías:
- Yangwang U9: Utiliza baterías LFP (litio-ferro-fosfato) desarrolladas por FinDreams, una subsidiaria de BYD. Estas baterías son más seguras y tienen mayor vida útil, aunque menor densidad energética.
- GAC Aion Hyper SSR: Emplea baterías NMC (níquel-manganeso-cobalto) fabricadas por CALB con tecnología “magazine” desarrollada por GAC, optimizadas para alta potencia.
- NIO EP9: Pionero en el sistema de intercambio de baterías, una solución innovadora que permite reemplazar la batería agotada por una completamente cargada en menos de 45 minutos.
Motores eléctricos de última generación
Los tres fabricantes han desarrollado motores eléctricos propios de altísimo rendimiento:
- Motores del Yangwang U9: Cuatro unidades de 240 kW con una velocidad máxima de 21.000 rpm, diseñados específicamente para ofrecer un control vectorial del par muy preciso.
- Motores del GAC Aion Hyper SSR: Tres motores con tecnología de imanes permanentes combinados con una caja de cambios de dos velocidades y electrónica de potencia con semiconductores de carburo de silicio de 900V.
- Motores del NIO EP9: Cuatro motores con cajas de cambios individuales y un sistema de control que permite vectorización del par para un manejo óptimo.
La confluencia del software y el hardware
China ha demostrado tener una comprensión profunda de la importancia del software en los vehículos modernos. Los tres superdeportivos cuentan con sistemas operativos avanzados desarrollados internamente:
- El Yangwang U9 incorpora el sistema de control DiSus-X y tecnología de conducción autónoma Yangwang Pilot.
- El GAC Aion Hyper SSR utiliza el sistema de control inteligente e-drive 3.0.
- El NIO EP9 fue pionero en tecnología de conducción autónoma, estableciendo un récord como el vehículo autónomo más rápido del mundo en el Circuito de las Américas.
EL FUTURO: DE CHINA PARA EL MUNDO
La aparición de estos tres superdeportivos eléctricos marca un punto de inflexión en la industria automotriz global. China ya no es solo un fabricante de vehículos económicos, sino un competidor serio en el segmento de lujo y alto rendimiento.
Mientras el Yangwang U9 y el GAC Aion Hyper SSR preparan su expansión internacional, queda claro que las marcas tradicionales europeas y americanas enfrentan un desafío sin precedentes. La combinación de precios más competitivos, tecnología avanzada y enfoque en la sostenibilidad podría reconfigurar completamente el panorama de los superdeportivos en la próxima década.
El legado del NIO EP9, que abrió el camino hace apenas siete años, ya es evidente. China ha demostrado que no solo puede igualar a Occidente en tecnología y rendimiento, sino que puede superarlo en ciertos aspectos, especialmente en la integración entre el hardware y el software, y en la velocidad de innovación.
Estos tres superdeportivos no son solo máquinas de alto rendimiento; son embajadores de la nueva era industrial china, demostrando al mundo que el futuro de la automoción de alta gama podría estar no en Maranello o Stuttgart, sino en Guangzhou, Shanghái y Shenzhen.
En un mundo donde la velocidad de desarrollo es tan importante como la velocidad en pista, China ha tomado la delantera. Y por lo que podemos ver en el Yangwang U9, el GAC Aion Hyper SSR y el NIO EP9, es una ventaja que no parece dispuesta a ceder fácilmente.
THE CHINESE REVOLUTION IN ELECTRIC SUPERCARS
Yangwang U9, GAC Aion Hyper SSR and NIO EP9: The New Hypercar Era
In a world where speed and sustainability once seemed incompatible concepts, China has emerged as an unexpected disruptor. The Asian giant, traditionally known for producing economical and functional vehicles, has made a quantum leap in the global automotive industry with the development of three electric supercars that are redefining what we thought possible. The Yangwang U9, the GAC Aion Hyper SSR, and the NIO EP9 are three brilliant examples of how Chinese innovation is challenging European titans like Ferrari and Lamborghini.
THE POWER OF THE YANGWANG U9: THE ELECTRIC DANCE
Genesis and Development: BYD Dares to Dream
The Yangwang U9 represents the boldest ambition of BYD (Build Your Dreams), a company that has gone from manufacturing batteries for mobile phones to becoming one of the largest electric vehicle manufacturers in the world. The luxury sub-brand Yangwang was officially presented in January 2023, and the U9 was revealed as its flagship, a supercar designed to compete with the world’s best.
The development of the Yangwang U9 was not an improvised process. BYD has been perfecting its battery and electric motor technology for more than a decade. The company invested approximately 18 months specifically in the development of this supercar, employing top-tier engineers from both China and abroad, demonstrating the country’s ability to attract global talent and combine it with its own expertise.
Technical Specifications: Four Motors of Pure Power
The Yangwang U9 is a beast of modern engineering. Its architectural design is based on the e4 Platform, an evolution of BYD’s e-Platform 3.0 that allows for a configuration of four independent electric motors, one on each wheel.
Power and Performance:
- Total power: 1,300 HP (960 kW)
- Maximum torque: 1,680 Nm
- 0-60 mph acceleration: 2.36 seconds
- Top speed: 192 mph (309 km/h)
- Nürburgring lap time: 7:17 seconds
Propulsion System:
- Four individual electric motors (240 kW each)
- Maximum rotation speed: 21,000 rpm
- Independent control system on each wheel
Battery and Range:
- LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery by FinDream
- Capacity: 100 kWh
- Range: 280-435 miles (450-700 km, according to CLTC cycle)
- 500 kW fast-charging technology
- Charging time from 10% to 80%: 10 minutes
Chassis and Construction:
- Aerospace-grade T12 700K carbon fiber cabin
- Hot press molding process
- Dimensions: 4,966 mm x 2,029 mm x 1,295 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,900 mm
- Weight: 5,456 lbs (2,475 kg)
The Secret to Success: DiSus-X and Yun Nian-X
What truly sets the U9 apart is its revolutionary DiSus-X suspension system, which combines three technologies: the intelligent damping body control system (Disus-C), the intelligent hydraulic body control system (Disus-P), and the intelligent air body control system (Disus-A).
This system enables something never before seen in a production vehicle: the ability to adjust the height of the body at speeds of 50 mm/s with an instantaneous lifting force of more than one ton, allowing the car to “dance” to the rhythm of music or even jump to overcome obstacles, a feature that has caused a sensation in public demonstrations.
The Yun Nian-X technology complements this system with total active chassis control, allowing maneuvers such as on-the-spot turns and vertical take-offs. This integration of advanced technologies is a testament to BYD’s innovative approach, which doesn’t limit itself to copying Western manufacturers but has developed unique solutions that add differential value.
Price and Positioning: Accessible Luxury
The Yangwang U9 is available in China at a price of 1.68 million yuan, approximately $215,000, making it a considerably more accessible option than European electric supercars with similar performance. This “accessible luxury” approach is part of the Chinese strategy to gain ground in the global premium market.
GAC AION HYPER SSR: THE CHINESE LIGHTNING
History and Development: From Zero to Hero
GAC (Guangzhou Auto Corporation), China’s fifth-largest automobile manufacturer, created its Aion division specifically for the development of electric vehicles. The Hyper SSR (now rebranded as Hyptec SSR for its international expansion) began as a vision inspired by the Enpulse Concept prototype shown in 2020.
The development of the Hyper SSR took approximately two years, with design teams working simultaneously in Guangzhou and Los Angeles, demonstrating GAC’s ability to operate globally and leverage different design perspectives. This intercontinental collaboration allowed for combining the boldness of American design with Chinese engineering precision.
Unleashed Power: Technical Specifications
The GAC Aion Hyper SSR is a vehicle that breaks paradigms with its impressive specifications:
Power and Performance:
- Three electric motor configuration (one 320 kW front motor and two rear motors with a total of 580 kW)
- Total power: 1,225 HP (900 kW)
- Torque: 1,230 Nm
- 0-60 mph acceleration: 1.9 seconds (Ultimate version)
- Top speed: 156 mph (251 km/h)
Propulsion System:
- 2-speed motor with 4-in-1 high-performance technology
- 900V silicon carbide chip system
- Internally developed e-drive 3.0 intelligent control system
Battery and Range:
- 74.69 kWh battery with ternary lithium (NMC) chemistry
- “Magazine” battery technology developed by GAC
- Range: 314 miles (505 km, CLTC cycle)
- Cell manufacturer: CALB
Construction and Design:
- Body completely made of high-strength carbon fiber
- Production process with aerospace-grade autoclave
- Dimensions: 4.53 m x 1.98 m x 1.23 m
- Weight: 4,387 lbs (1,990 kg)
Innovation and Sustainability: The Differential Approach
GAC Aion has paid special attention to sustainability in the Hyper SSR. The vehicle uses 3D printed materials, recycled fibers, and biodegradable vegan leather, demonstrating that luxury and respect for the environment can go hand in hand. This ecological perspective is an added value that differentiates it from many traditional supercars.
Another key innovation is its charging system, which takes advantage of technology developed by GAC Aion, including 480 kW chargers that allow recharging the vehicle from 30% to 80% in less than five minutes.
International Expansion and Prices
Initially launched in China in October 2023 with a price ranging from 1,286,000 yuan ($178,110) for the standard version to 1,686,000 yuan ($233,510) for the Ultimate version, the Hyper SSR has already begun its international expansion under the Hyptec brand. The first deliveries in the Southeast Asian market are scheduled for this year, with plans to expand to the Middle East, South America, and Europe. The vehicle is expected to be showcased at the Paris Motor Show in October.
NIO EP9: THE PIONEER THAT LED THE WAY
The Origins: NextEV’s Ambition
The story of the NIO EP9 began in 2014, when the electric vehicle startup NextEV (later renamed NIO) decided to create a supercar that would demonstrate the capabilities of Chinese electric technology. The company, founded by William Li, aimed to lead the way in autonomous, electric, and intelligent vehicles.
The development of the EP9 took 18 months, a relatively short period for a vehicle of these characteristics. It was officially presented on November 21, 2016, at the Saatchi Gallery in London, marking the beginning of a new era for Chinese electric supercars.
Breaking Records: Technical Specifications
The NIO EP9 became a benchmark for the industry with its impressive specifications:
Power and Performance:
- Four electric motors (250 kW each)
- Total power: 1,360 HP (1 megawatt)
- Torque: 1,480 Nm at the motor, 6,334 Nm at the wheels
- 0-60 mph acceleration: 2.7 seconds
- 0-124 mph acceleration: 7.1 seconds
- 0-186 mph acceleration: 15.9 seconds
- Top speed: 194 mph (313 km/h)
Propulsion System:
- Four electric motors with individual gearboxes
- Transmission ratio: 1:4.283
- All-wheel drive with independent control
Battery and Range:
- Battery weight: 1,400 lbs (635 kg)
- Range: 265 miles (427 km)
- Battery swap system (45 minutes)
Chassis and Aerodynamics:
- Carbon fiber chassis (802 lbs / 364 kg)
- Total weight: 3,825 lbs (1,735 kg)
- Downforce: 5,395 lbs (24,000 newtons) at 149 mph (240 km/h) (similar to a Formula 1 car)
- Capable of achieving 3G of lateral force in corners
The Records That Would Change History
The NIO EP9 marked a before and after in the global perception of electric vehicles when it set a time of 7:05.12 on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife circuit, becoming the fastest electric vehicle on this legendary track. It also set records at the Circuit of the Americas (2:11:30) and the Shanghai Circuit.
But perhaps its most impressive achievement was demonstrating that an electric vehicle could compete with the best combustion supercars in the world. This changed the paradigm and opened the door for other Chinese brands to follow in its footsteps.
Limited Production and Exclusivity
Unlike the other two Chinese supercars mentioned, the NIO EP9 was produced in extremely limited quantities: only 16 units, with an approximate price of $1.48 million each. The first six EP9s were sold to NIO investors, and the remaining ten were offered to the public.
THE CHINESE TECHNOLOGICAL REVOLUTION: HOW DID THEY ACHIEVE IT?
The Speed Factor: Accelerated Development
The three supercars share a common characteristic: speed in their development. While traditional European brands typically invest between four and six years in the development of a new model, these three vehicles were developed in less than two years each.
This accelerated pace is due to several factors:
- Vertical Integration: Chinese companies control the entire supply chain, from raw material extraction to battery production and final manufacturing.
- International Talent: BYD, GAC, and NIO have actively invested in attracting talent from around the world, including engineers from leading European and American brands.
- Government Support: The Chinese government has actively supported the development of electric vehicles with subsidies, favorable policies, and funding for R&D.
- Agile Production Capacity: The Chinese industry has perfected production methodologies that allow for rapid design iteration and on-the-fly changes.
The Battery Advantage: The Heart of the Revolution
China controls more than 80% of the global lithium-ion battery supply chain, giving them a fundamental competitive advantage. BYD, in particular, is one of the world’s largest battery manufacturers.
The three vehicles reflect different approaches to battery technology:
- Yangwang U9: Uses LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries developed by FinDreams, a BYD subsidiary. These batteries are safer and have a longer lifespan, though with lower energy density.
- GAC Aion Hyper SSR: Employs NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) batteries manufactured by CALB with “magazine” technology developed by GAC, optimized for high power.
- NIO EP9: Pioneer in the battery swap system, an innovative solution that allows replacing a depleted battery with a fully charged one in less than 45 minutes.
Cutting-Edge Electric Motors
All three manufacturers have developed their own high-performance electric motors:
- Yangwang U9 Motors: Four 240 kW units with a maximum speed of 21,000 rpm, specifically designed to offer very precise torque vectoring control.
- GAC Aion Hyper SSR Motors: Three motors with permanent magnet technology combined with a two-speed gearbox and power electronics with 900V silicon carbide semiconductors.
- NIO EP9 Motors: Four motors with individual gearboxes and a control system that allows torque vectoring for optimal handling.
The Confluence of Software and Hardware
China has demonstrated a deep understanding of the importance of software in modern vehicles. All three supercars feature advanced operating systems developed in-house:
- The Yangwang U9 incorporates the DiSus-X control system and Yangwang Pilot autonomous driving technology.
- The GAC Aion Hyper SSR uses the e-drive 3.0 intelligent control system.
- The NIO EP9 pioneered autonomous driving technology, setting a record as the world’s fastest autonomous vehicle at the Circuit of the Americas.
THE FUTURE: FROM CHINA TO THE WORLD
The emergence of these three electric supercars marks a turning point in the global automotive industry. China is no longer just a manufacturer of economical vehicles but a serious competitor in the luxury and high-performance segment.
As the Yangwang U9 and GAC Aion Hyper SSR prepare for international expansion, it is clear that traditional European and American brands face an unprecedented challenge. The combination of more competitive prices, advanced technology, and a focus on sustainability could completely reconfigure the supercar landscape in the next decade.
The legacy of the NIO EP9, which paved the way just seven years ago, is already evident. China has shown that it can not only match the West in technology and performance but can surpass it in certain aspects, especially in the integration between hardware and software, and in the speed of innovation.
These three supercars are not just high-performance machines; they are ambassadors of China’s new industrial era, demonstrating to the world that the future of high-end automotive engineering might not be in Maranello or Stuttgart, but in Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Shenzhen.
In a world where development speed is as important as track speed, China has taken the lead. And from what we can see in the Yangwang U9, the GAC Aion Hyper SSR, and the NIO EP9, it’s an advantage they don’t seem willing to easily surrender.
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Yangwang
The Yangwang U9 is a BYD-built electric hypercar known for its incredible performance and unique features. It’s praised for its rapid acceleration, high top speed, and a few unusual tricks, including the ability to “dance” by adjusting its suspension to music.
Here’s a more detailed look:
Performance:
- Powertrain: Equipped with four electric motors, delivering a total of 1,290 hp (960 kW).
- Acceleration: Can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 2.36 seconds.
- Top Speed: Reaches a top speed of 309 km/h (192 mph).
- Range: Offers a maximum range of 450 km (280 miles) on the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC).
Unique Features:
- “Dancing” Suspension:
The suspension can be adjusted to make the car bounce up and down in sync with music.
- Jump Capability:
It’s known for its ability to jump over obstacles, like small speed bumps.
- Dual Cockpit:
Features a dual cockpit design with digital displays for both driver and passenger.
- Other Features:
Includes a wireless phone charger, storage compartments, and a comfortable interior.
Design:
- Aesthetic: Features a sleek, aerodynamic design with carbon fiber accents and “Interstellar” headlights.
- Wheels: Equipped with 21-inch wheels.
- Doors: Has butterfly doors.
Price:
- High-End: The U9 is priced at around 1.7 million Chinese Yuan (approximately $230,000).
Overall:
The Yangwang U9 is a high-performance electric hypercar that stands out for its combination of speed, unique features, and a bold design. It’s a statement from BYD about the future of electric vehicles and their potential to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the automotive world. Top Gear says, the U9 has achieved a top speed of 233 mph, making it one of the fastest EV
Watch out, Aspark Owl: the Yangwang U9 wants your crown. In a recent test, the U9 topped out at 233mph, which means only the Rimac Nevera (258mph) and the Owl (272mph) stand in its route to the throne.
That means it’s already snuck into the electric car world’s top three, putting it way past the likes of the Pininfarina Battista (222mph) and the Lotus Evija (218mph). The Tesla Roadster might be in with a shot someday too, if it ever goes from hopes and dreams to an actual production car.
What makes the U9’s feat even more impressive is that Yangwang claimed its top speed was ‘only’ 186mph back when it was first revealed. Talk about underestimating your shiny new car’s potential, right? Anyway, we should’ve seen this coming given that it’s powered by a quartet of electric motors, with the all-important figures being 1,288bhp and 1,240lb ft.
It certainly looks the part, no? From the tightly profiled C-shaped headlights to the LMP-racer-like rear wing and the generous touches of carbon across the exterior, you’d be forgiven for thinking this is a two-something-million-quid hypercar. It’s not: Yangwang says the U9 will cost the equivalent of £183,000 when it goes on sale later this year. Woah.
Chinese manufacturer GAC has presented the Aion Hyper SSR electric hypercar to Europeans for the first time in Milan.
The tri-motor Hyper SSR – short for Super Sport Race – packs some eye-watering performance figures, thanks to a claimed 1208bhp and 8851lb ft of torque.
Measuring 4538mm long, 1988 mm wide and 1238mm high, the Hyper SSR is a similar size to the 2011bhp Lotus Evija.
GAC claims it can travel from 0-62mph in just 1.9sec, putting it on par with the Rimac Nevera, which boasts an equally breathtaking 1877bhp and 1741lb ft. Top speed is 155mph.
According to China’s CLTC testing regime, the Hyper SSR gets 314 miles (506km) of range from its 74.68kWh battery.
Aion doesn’t list the weight of the car, but it features a carbonfibre body and carbonfibre brakes, so it should be relatively light.
Carbonfibre also features on the wheels, while a large, retractable active rear spoiler boosts downforce at higher speeds. The design also includes frameless gullwing doors.
Inside, the Hyper SSR features a hexagonal steering wheel, with GAC opting to remove stalks, similar to Tesla with the new Model 3 saloon. It has few buttons, though chrome metalwork helps up the interior ambience.
It’s equipped with sports seats, which the brand says suits everyday and high-performance driving, while active cruise control and dual-zone climate control are also included, as well as eight speakers.
The GAC Aion Hyper SSR electric hypercar has been shown for the first time in Milan. The Chinese hypercar is already on sale in its home market, costing the equivalent of £140,000. GAC boldly claims that Lamborghini and Ferrari’s hypercar monopoly has been “broken by China.”
We’re not so sure, but what can’t be denied is that the GAC is quick; with three motors, 1,225PS (901kW) and 1,200Nm (8851lb ft) of torque, it can launch you towards the horizon like a Shenzhou rocket hitting 0-62mph in 1.9 seconds on its way to a 155mph top speed.
GAC claims a 314-mile range from the SSR’s 75kWh battery. Carbon fibre bodywork, wheels and brakes suggest the GAC could be pretty light for an EV, although there’s no official figure, and it comes with a McLaren-style active spoiler.
Standard equipment includes sports seats and active cruise control, a 14.6-inch infotainment screen, an 8.8-inch driver’s display, and – best of all – frameless gullwing doors. The GAC isn’t all about savage performance, though. It also displays a softer side, claiming to be environmentally sustainable, using materials such as yarn and vegan leather in its production.
Lamborghini and Ferrari can rest easy now because the SSR hasn’t yet been confirmed for European sale
NIO
the all-electric Nio EP9 set a Nordschleife record of 6min 45.9sec. Two days later, the same car arrived at Bedford Autodrome to give CAR an exclusive first drive in the world’s fastest and quietest torture rack on wheels. The seat is a naked non-adjustable carbonfibre bucket, and the meat in this hard-baked composite sandwich is 6ft 8in of Kacher – and that’s before the helmet and HANS system are in place. This should be fun.
Nio is not a household name, but the Chinese-backed company has four bases around the world: China, Germany, USA and the UK. The UK arm is responsible for the EP9, and for the NextEV Nio Formula E team, which took Nelson Piquet Jr to the inaugural championship. Before I can drive, I’m playing ballast with former racing driver Tommy. In front of me, a full-width Euston Station-type rectangular display awakes. Further left three more monitors glow. Six green lights above the windscreen signal that the high-voltage system is active.
To fully deflate my ego, Tommy seasons the warm-up lap with a few hard-to-believe numbers. The wide-body racer is claimed to hit 0-62mph in 2.9 seconds, 0-125mph in 7.1 and top 196mph. True, a Bugatti Chiron is even quicker but for a purely electric vehicle, the Nio’s one megawatt (1360bhp) power output and massive 1092lb ft are simply sensational.
In the pits, climbing out and getting back in this car are two more gymnastic embarrassments. But never mind the cramped cabin. What boggles the mind now is the variety of alien noises: intermittent driveshaft clatter, yelping transmission whine, tyres drumming in all four wheelhouses and the high-pitched hissing of electric motors, two up front, two in the rear. The EP9 provides electromobility in its purest form: on/off, forward/reverse. No gears to select but neutral, no driving programmes to choose from, no torque vectoring, no trickeries like rear-wheel steering or active anti-roll bars.
Since pedal modulation is both physical and delicate, you must think braking points before flooring the throttle. As soon as the floodgates open, the torque flattens you in the seat like a mighty breaker. Although the pedal effort required to make the Alcon discs perform could easily kick-start a truck engine, the deceleration is phenomenal.
One more familiarisation lap, and then I may increase the power from 362bhp to 510bhp per axle, still about 500bhp short of the Nio’s no-holds-barred potential. Everything is happening a lot faster now, corners approach in timewarp speed, working the steering becomes physical. Ignore the numbers on the displays. Maximum stopping power is 3.3g, maximum lateral acceleration 2.5g. The data recorder says I’m well off the pace, but I feel like a hero.
The oddly sized 320/705 R19 Avon tyres are a secret compound that sticks to the pavement like fresh chewing-gum. The grip is simply out of this world, but so is the ride, which keeps shaking up the vertebrae hierarchy; the ride height and the body movements are kept in check by a hydraulic system. The adjustable downforce has a lasting slam-dunk effect, while the directional stability is that of a full-size slot-racer. Let’s be very clear: the Nio EP9 is a hardcore racecar, totally electrifying, in no way road-legal, a visitor from a different galaxy. Visibility ranges from okay (straight ahead) to non-existent (rear three-quarter).
The monitor tells us that the range dropped from 295 to 167 miles in five laps, while the state of charge fell from 100 to 55 per cent. No big deal – charging takes a claimed 45 minutes. The bad news is that the cells have to come out. Since they weigh 317kg each, this exercise requires two strong men, an engineer with a laptop and a pair of transport cradles
Millionaires wanting to play the high-voltage game must fork out £1.23m before tax for starters, plus pocket money for incidentals like spare batteries, special toolkits, a high-voltage charger and the qualified personnel to operate this PlayStation. Nio’s biggest shareholders have taken delivery of their personalised trackday specials and a second batch of 10 more cars are claimed to have already been sold. Next is the still highly provisional re-engineered and road-ready EP9 evolution model, of which up to 250 units would be built.
Nio wants to keep all options open, using the EP9 mainly to boost brand awareness.
Every time a quick electric car launches, it’s deemed a Tesla rival. Not least by us. Sorry. But there’ll be none of that here, for this fully electric Nio EP9 lives in a whole different ballpark.
Looking not unlike a Koenigsegg – the styling is exciting, if a bit uninventive – it has similarly scintillating numbers on its spec sheet.
Like the Koenigsegg One:1, it comes with one whole megawatt of power, which translates into 1,341bhp. You’ll know this is comfortably more than a Bugatti Veyron or LaFerrari.
That’s enough for 0-124mph in 7.1 seconds – quicker than a Mazda MX-5 will complete 0-62mph – while its top speed is 195mph, unusually high for an EV. It’s also the fastest EV around the Nürburgring, with a 7m05s lap time. We suspect that wasn’t a difficult record to claim.
Perhaps more pertinently, it will apparently charge up in a mere 45 minutes, endowing it with a 265-mile range figure before you need to plug it back in again. Quite what performance that’s allied to we don’t know. A few 7.1sec blasts at full throttle will probably cut that number significantly…
The Nio EP9’s maker, NextEV, also claims 3G ability. Nope, not for your phone signal, but in corners. That’s quite some G-force to contend with.
The chassis is built to Le Mans LMP1 standards and employs lots of carbon to keep strength high and weight low, though it’s still a relatively portly 1,735kg. Decent for a car stuffed full of batteries, perhaps, but plenty for a supercar to haul along.
Which perhaps makes its performance yet more impressive, even if its 0-62mph time – 2.7secs
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A huge 14.6in touchscreen infotainment system is positioned in the centre and an aviation-inspired 8.8in digital driver display sits on the dashboard behind the steering wheel.
Aion claims the supercar is environmentally sustainable, with no use of animal products. Some materials are 3D-printed, while others are created using recycled yarn, and there’s biodegradable vegan leather.
The design of the Hyper SSR was created as part of a joint venture between GAC’s headquarters in Guangzhou and base in Los Angeles.
The Hyper SSR is still currently just a concept, but GAC claimed it will soon go into production. It follows the firm’s previous sports car concept, the Enpulse roadster, which was revealed in 2020 as an EV similar in size to the Toyota GR Supra.
GAC previously stated its goal of destabilising Europe’s supercar elite (think Ferrari and Lamborghini), saying the monopoly “has been ended by China”.
lead
According to Car News China, the Hyper SSR was launched in China late last year with a price tag of ¥1,286,000 – equivalent to around £140,000 in the UK. The most expensive specification, the Ultimate Track Version, costs ¥1,686,000 yuan, or £184,400.
The Croatian-built Nevera meanwhile is priced at £2.4 million. That said, it’s still not certain if the Hyper SSR will come to Europe in any capacity.
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