BYD's premium sub-brand, YangWang, is on the verge of unveiling a specialized track edition of its U9 electric supercar, set to boast an unprecedented power output of nearly 3,000 horsepower. This remarkable figure, disclosed through official Chinese regulatory documents, positions the U9 to potentially claim the title of the most powerful street-legal production vehicle globally, surpassing even the formidable Rimac Nevera R. The announcement has ignited considerable discussion within the high-performance electric vehicle community, raising questions about the practical application of such immense power on the road or track, particularly concerning battery endurance and tire traction capabilities. Despite the skepticism voiced by industry leaders like Mate Rimac, YangWang's ambitious project highlights the rapid advancements and escalating competition in the electric hypercar segment, pushing the boundaries of what is considered achievable in automotive engineering.
The details surrounding YangWang's audacious U9 Track Edition emerged from a filing with the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). According to these documents, the vehicle will be equipped with four electric motors, each generating 555 kilowatts, culminating in a staggering total output of 2,200 kW—equivalent to just under 3,000 horsepower. Furthermore, the filing indicates a projected top speed of 217 mph (350 km/h). This prospective performance data suggests that the U9 Track Edition is poised to unseat the Rimac Nevera R, currently recognized for its 2,107 horsepower, as the world's most potent road-legal production automobile by a substantial margin of 870 horsepower.
In response to these claims, Mate Rimac, the visionary behind Rimac Automobili, publicly shared his reservations. Speaking on the Apex Automotor Facebook group, Rimac expressed doubts that the U9 could sustain such a high power output for more than a few fleeting seconds. His concerns stem from the inherent limitations of contemporary battery technology, as well as the capacity of electric motors, inverters, and crucially, tires, to effectively manage and transmit such colossal power to the ground. Rimac pointed out that even his company's Nevera R struggles with tire traction at its peak performance, implying that the U9's claimed power would likely overwhelm current tire capabilities, rendering much of it unusable in real-world driving scenarios at lower speeds.
The debate over the U9's actual usable power highlights a critical challenge in the development of extreme-performance electric vehicles: translating raw horsepower into practical, sustained performance. Industry experts, including Rimac, suggest that the U9's peak power output might only be accessible for very short bursts, potentially through a temporary boost function, and primarily at higher speeds—perhaps exceeding 150 mph—where aerodynamic forces begin to play a more significant role in providing downforce and aiding traction. To counteract the immense forces at play, the U9 Track Edition is specified with wide 325-section 20-inch tires on all four corners, complemented by a substantial rear wing designed for maximum downforce, an aggressive front splitter, and an adjustable rear diffuser, all engineered to enhance the vehicle's grip and stability.
The standard YangWang U9, which features a dual-motor configuration, already impresses with 1,287 horsepower, a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint time of 2.36 seconds, and a top speed of 192 mph (309 km/h). The forthcoming track-focused variant is expected to significantly improve upon these figures in terms of acceleration, potentially outperforming the Nevera R's 1.72-second 0-62 mph time. However, the U9's top speed, while impressive at 217 mph, falls short of the Nevera R's remarkable 268.2 mph (431.45 km/h), a testament to Rimac's engineering prowess, especially given their ownership of Bugatti. The introduction of the YangWang U9 Track Edition signifies a pivotal moment in the electric hypercar race, emphasizing a shift towards extreme power and advanced aerodynamic solutions in pursuit of unparalleled performance.
Karma Automotive, a name synonymous with luxury and innovation in the automotive sector, has officially unveiled its highly anticipated Amaris GT Coupe. This significant reveal solidifies Karma's commitment to pushing the boundaries of high-performance luxury vehicles, particularly those incorporating advanced extended-range technology. With a projected price tag of approximately $200,000 and production slated for the final quarter of next year, the Amaris GT Coupe represents a bold statement from the California-based manufacturer.
Karma Amaris GT Coupe: Performance and Design Redefined
The latest addition to Karma Automotive's prestigious lineup, the Amaris GT Coupe, made its grand debut with a collection of official photographs and detailed specifications ahead of its formal presentation at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering. This opulent two-seater is engineered to deliver an exceptional blend of power and efficiency, marking a significant advancement in the luxury coupe segment.
Underneath its sculpted exterior, the Amaris GT Coupe is propelled by a sophisticated powertrain that features a pair of electric motors mounted on the rear axle. These motors collectively generate an impressive 708 horsepower and 676 pound-feet of torque, enabling the coupe to accelerate from a standstill to 60 miles per hour in less than 3.5 seconds. The vehicle’s top speed is electronically limited to 165 mph, ensuring a thrilling yet controlled driving experience.
Powering the electric motors is a 41.5-kilowatt-hour high-voltage battery, providing an estimated all-electric range exceeding 100 miles. For extended journeys, a turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline engine acts as an onboard generator, continuously recharging the batteries. This innovative setup allows the Amaris to achieve a total driving range of over 400 miles on a full tank and charge, demonstrating a clever approach to combining electric and conventional power sources without direct mechanical linkage to the wheels.
The Amaris GT Coupe's design language seamlessly marries performance with luxury. Its sleek silhouette is enhanced by 22-inch forged aluminum Constellation wheels and a body constructed from a harmonious blend of aluminum and carbon fiber, ensuring both structural integrity and a lightweight profile. The cabin, designed for two occupants, redefines automotive luxury. The rear section is thoughtfully dedicated to luggage, highlighting the coupe's practical side while maintaining its exclusive character.
Inside, the Amaris boasts a futuristic cockpit dominated by three integrated screens: one for the instrument cluster, a central infotainment display, and a dedicated screen for the passenger. The passenger-side display intelligently activates only when a passenger is detected, showcasing a focus on intuitive user experience and energy efficiency. The interior ambiance is further elevated by premium materials such as sumptuous leather, elegant suede, carbon fiber accents, and sleek piano black finishes. A unique electro-chromatically adjustable glass roof offers instantaneous control over light and privacy, transforming from transparent to opaque with the simple press of a button.
With production scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of the coming year, the Karma Amaris GT Coupe is poised to become a significant contender in the ultra-luxury performance vehicle market, embodying Karma Automotive's vision for the future of sophisticated, high-performance mobility.
The unveiling of the Karma Amaris GT Coupe serves as a powerful reminder that the automotive landscape is in a constant state of evolution. It showcases the resilience and innovative spirit of companies like Karma Automotive, which, despite facing historical challenges, continue to push forward with compelling new products. As a journalist covering the industry, it's inspiring to witness how manufacturers are integrating cutting-edge technology and sustainable solutions into high-performance vehicles, proving that luxury and environmental consciousness can coexist harmoniously. The Amaris, with its impressive blend of power, range, and lavish design, exemplifies a future where sophisticated engineering and thoughtful design converge to create truly extraordinary driving machines.
Lucid's ambitious rollout of its Gravity SUV has encountered unexpected delays, with initial delivery numbers falling short of projections. Despite these hurdles, largely attributed to persistent supply chain bottlenecks, the electric vehicle manufacturer remains optimistic. Company officials and its interim CEO have confirmed that significant progress has been made in addressing these constraints, signaling a robust increase in production volumes is imminent, particularly in the latter half of the current year. This strategic adjustment aims to steer the company back towards its yearly targets for the highly anticipated electric SUV.
Lucid Gravity Faces Production Challenges, Promises Enhanced Output
In a recent announcement, electric vehicle manufacturer Lucid confirmed that the production of its highly anticipated Gravity SUV has encountered initial setbacks, resulting in deliveries currently numbering in the triple digits. The company officially commenced the vehicle's production in the early days of December 2024. This lower-than-expected output is primarily due to supply chain complications, a challenge that has affected various sectors of the global automotive industry.
Interim CEO Marc Winterhoff openly addressed the situation during a recent earnings call, stating that Lucid is "not where it wants to be" concerning Gravity's production pace. However, he emphasized that the company's teams have diligently worked to mitigate these issues. According to Lucid spokesperson Nick Twork, many of these supply chain constraints have been successfully addressed, and manufacturing efficiency has seen considerable improvements throughout the year. As a testament to this progress, Lucid has reported building more Gravity SUVs in the past few weeks than in the entire first half of the year, underscoring a significant acceleration in production.
A notable factor contributing to the production challenges has been the availability of Chinese-sourced rare earth magnets, critical components for the vehicle's drive units. Despite these obstacles, Lucid has reaffirmed its production targets for 2025, adjusting the previous goal of 20,000 units to a slightly revised range of 18,000 to 20,000 units. With the Lucid Air sedan recording 4,780 registrations in the first half of 2025—a 52% year-over-year increase—the company is banking on the Gravity to significantly contribute to meeting its updated overall production objectives.
Winterhoff's strategic outlook hinges on the expectation that Lucid will achieve full operational momentum in the second half of the year. This involves a more consistent supply of crucial components from various suppliers, an increased dispatch of vehicles from the factory, and ultimately, more Gravity SUVs reaching the driveways of waiting customers.
From a journalist's perspective, Lucid's candid acknowledgment of its production challenges, coupled with a clear strategy for recovery, is a crucial step in maintaining investor and consumer confidence. The electric vehicle market is intensely competitive, and transparency regarding production hurdles, especially for a flagship model like the Gravity, allows for realistic expectations. The company's focused efforts on resolving supply chain issues, particularly concerning critical materials like rare earth magnets, highlight a proactive approach to operational stability. While the initial figures might seem modest, the reported surge in production during recent weeks offers a tangible sign of improvement. This period will be a critical test for Lucid's manufacturing prowess and its ability to scale, ultimately determining its trajectory in the rapidly evolving EV landscape and its quest to solidify its market presence with the Gravity SUV.