Xiaomi, the tech giant known for its innovative smartphones, has taken a bold step into the automotive industry with the unveiling of the SU7 Ultra. This all-electric sedan has recently entered a regulatory filing catalog, shedding light on its core specifications and setting the stage for its highly anticipated debut at the Guangzhou auto show later this month.

Powering the Future of Mobility

Dimensions and Design: Redefining the Sedan Segment

The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra is a testament to the company's commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive design. Measuring 5,070/5,115 mm in length, 1,970 mm in width, and 1,465 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,000 mm, the SU7 Ultra boasts dimensions that are larger than its regular SU7 sedan counterpart. This increased size not only enhances the vehicle's presence on the road but also promises a more spacious and comfortable interior for passengers.Compared to the regular SU7 sedan, which measures 4,997 mm in length, 1,963 mm in width, and 1,455/1,440 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,000 mm, the SU7 Ultra's larger dimensions suggest a more premium and luxurious driving experience. This strategic move by Xiaomi aims to position the SU7 Ultra as a formidable contender in the highly competitive sedan market, catering to the needs of discerning consumers who demand both style and substance.

Powertrain and Performance: Redefining the Limits

Under the hood, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra is powered by a state-of-the-art powertrain that sets it apart from its competitors. The vehicle is equipped with Li-ion ternary batteries supplied by CATL, a leading battery manufacturer in the industry. Xiaomi has also taken the bold step of manufacturing the motors in-house, showcasing its commitment to vertical integration and technological innovation.The SU7 Ultra's powertrain boasts an impressive peak power output, with three motors delivering 288 kW, 425 kW, and 425 kW, respectively. This remarkable power output translates to a top speed of 318 kilometers per hour, making the SU7 Ultra a true performance powerhouse in the electric vehicle (EV) segment.Weighing in at 2,360 kilograms, the SU7 Ultra's impressive power-to-weight ratio and advanced powertrain technology promise an exhilarating driving experience that will captivate both enthusiasts and eco-conscious consumers alike. Xiaomi's commitment to pushing the boundaries of electric mobility is evident in the SU7 Ultra's exceptional performance capabilities.

Pricing and Availability: Redefining the Luxury EV Landscape

Xiaomi has set a bold pricing strategy for the SU7 Ultra, positioning it as a premium offering in the EV market. The company has announced that the SU7 Ultra will be available for pre-sale in China at a price of RMB 814,900 ($113,890), nearly four times the starting price of the regular SU7 sedan, which is priced at RMB 215,900.This significant price difference reflects the SU7 Ultra's enhanced features, advanced technology, and the brand's ambition to establish itself as a player in the luxury EV segment. By setting a premium price point, Xiaomi is targeting a specific demographic of consumers who are willing to pay for the exclusivity and performance that the SU7 Ultra promises to deliver.The official launch of the SU7 Ultra is scheduled for March 2025, giving Xiaomi ample time to fine-tune the vehicle and build anticipation among potential buyers. The Guangzhou auto show, which begins on November 15, will serve as the platform for the SU7 Ultra's first public appearance, allowing Xiaomi to showcase its technological prowess and garner attention from industry experts and enthusiasts alike.

Regulatory Approval: Paving the Way for Market Dominance

The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra's entry into the regulatory filing catalog in China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) is a significant milestone in the vehicle's journey to market. This regulatory approval is the final major step before the SU7 Ultra can be officially sold to the public in China, ensuring that the model meets all necessary safety and compliance standards.The public will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the SU7 Ultra's regulatory filing between November 8 and November 14, allowing for a transparent and inclusive process. This regulatory approval process is a testament to Xiaomi's commitment to responsible and transparent product development, ensuring that the SU7 Ultra meets the highest standards before reaching the hands of consumers.As Xiaomi continues to navigate the complex regulatory landscape, the successful entry of the SU7 Ultra into the MIIT catalog positions the company as a formidable player in the Chinese EV market. This achievement underscores Xiaomi's ability to navigate the intricate regulatory requirements and paves the way for the SU7 Ultra's market dominance in the coming years.

The Viking Charities Classic Car Show in Solvang, California, has become a must-attend event for automotive enthusiasts and casual observers alike. In its second year, the annual showcase has evolved into a vibrant celebration of the town's rich automotive heritage, where the lines between tradition and innovation blur, creating a captivating tapestry of vintage charm and unbridled creativity.

Unleashing the Spirit of Automotive Individuality

Embracing the Rat-Rod Revolution

As one strolls down Copenhagen Drive in Solvang, the unexpected emerges – the alluring presence of "rat-rods," a unique breed of custom-built vehicles that defy convention. Ray Venegas, a Chino Hills resident and member of the 5150s car club, explains the origins of this automotive subculture. "In the 1940s and '50s, people were putting together and racing jalopies, but then that died out, and so the 'rat-rod' guys came along, the cars with big engines and they put their own stuff on it." This ethos of unbridled creativity and defiance of the status quo has become a hallmark of the rat-rod movement, as exemplified by Mark Goodacre's car, aptly named "Defiance."

Celebrating the Eclectic and the Extraordinary

The streets of Solvang during the Viking Charities Classic Car Show are a veritable tapestry of automotive diversity, where the unexpected and the extraordinary coexist in harmonious juxtaposition. From Dave Lazarro's white 1999 Pontiac Trans Am, adorned with a Daytona 500 logo, to Holly Foley's pink 1957 Ford Thunderbird, decked out with a treasure trove of 1950s memorabilia, each vehicle tells a unique story. As Foley explains, "Some people use props on their cars for these things, and I just wanted to put some stuff up there that represents the car's year." This spirit of individualism and the desire to showcase the personal touch are what make the Viking Charities Classic Car Show a true celebration of automotive passion.

Honoring the Classics and Embracing the Unconventional

The Viking Charities Classic Car Show is not merely a static display of pristine vehicles; it is a dynamic canvas where the lines between tradition and innovation are blurred. The event's judging categories reflect this diversity, with awards spanning from stock and modified classes to specialized categories like Military Vehicles and Rat Rods. The winners, ranging from a yellow 1923 Ford T Bucket to a blue 1969 Chevrolet Nova, showcase the breadth of automotive expression that the show embraces. This inclusive approach, where the classic and the unconventional coexist, is a testament to the event's commitment to celebrating the full spectrum of automotive culture.

Fueling the Community's Charitable Spirit

The Viking Charities Classic Car Show is more than just a showcase of automotive excellence; it is a platform for the Vikings of Solvang, a community group, to make a meaningful impact. All proceeds from the event, including the gala dinner held the night before, are directed towards the Vikings of Solvang Endowment Fund, a 501(c)(3) organization that provides funding for the medically related needs of qualified individuals and healthcare organizations in the Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Barbara County. Additionally, a portion of the funds is allocated towards the Vikings' annual Christmas party for underprivileged children, ensuring that the spirit of giving extends beyond the realm of automobiles.

Solvang's Automotive Tapestry: A Celebration of Passion and Community

The Viking Charities Classic Car Show in Solvang has evolved into a multifaceted celebration of automotive passion, community, and charitable spirit. From the embrace of the rat-rod revolution to the showcasing of eclectic and extraordinary vehicles, the event has become a testament to the town's rich automotive heritage and its unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of creativity and individuality. As the Vikings of Solvang continue to steward this annual extravaganza, the streets of Solvang will continue to be a canvas for the celebration of the classic, the unconventional, and the deeply rooted connection between automobiles and the human spirit.