Two years after the debut of the SU7 Ultra—an electric sedan that surprised the world with a staggering 1,548 horsepower output—Xiaomi is back on the Nürburgring’s legendary “Green Hell.” Spy photographs obtained by photographer Baldauf reveal two freshly built prototypes that carry a suite of aerodynamic parts far more aggressive than the original road-going version.
Front-end overhaul: splitter, skirts and louvers
The new front bumper now hosts a wide carbon-fiber splitter that extends well beyond the wheel arches, creating a high-pressure zone under the car. Complementary aero skirts line each side, while fresh louvers sit just above the front wheels to manage airflow and reduce lift. Side skirts have been thickened, and the brake calipers appear outfitted with massive carbon-ceramic discs that glow red in the test-track photos, suggesting a possible upgrade to the cooling system. These changes collectively aim to push more air downwards, increasing grip at the twisty sections of the Nordschleife.
Rear-end evolution: twin-plane wing and carbon diffuser
At the back, the most eye-catching component is a massive twin-plane rear wing that rivals the size of the wing on a Porsche 911 GT3 RS. It is mounted on towering swan-neck struts, a layout that not only looks aggressive but also offers optimal leverage for downforce. The wing’s profile appears to accommodate an active drag reduction system (DRS) similar to the one used on the Manthey-tuned Porsche Taycan Turbo GT, allowing the driver to open a slat on demand and trim drag for higher top-speed runs. Below the wing, a new carbon-fiber diffuser mirrors the shape of Manthey’s Taycan unit, working in concert to seal the rear airflow and keep the rear wheels planted.
Potential mechanical tweaks: suspension and power upgrades
With the added downforce comes the need for chassis balance. It is reasonable to expect revised suspension geometry—stiffer springs, adjustable dampers, and perhaps a revised anti-roll bar—to cope with the increased aerodynamic load. Moreover, Xiaomi has previously showcased a quad-motor powertrain capable of delivering 2,054 hp although that configuration has never reached production. The newly aero-focused SU7 Ultra could serve as the ideal launch platform for such a beast, marrying raw power with the refined aerodynamics now on display.
Why the overhaul matters: chasing the Nürburgring record
The original SU7 Ultra once held the production-car lap record for an executive electric vehicle at the Nürburgring, only to be dethroned earlier this year by the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT equipped with Manthey’s aero kit. By unveiling a prototype that combines a larger front splitter, a swan-neck rear wing, and an aggressive diffuser, Xiaomi signals its intent to retake the crown. The visual similarity to Manthey’s kit suggests that Xiaomi’s engineers have studied the Porsche solution and are now pushing the envelope further, especially with the potential DRS integration.
Whether the final production model will retain all these elements remains to be seen, but the direction is clear: Xiaomi is prepared to fight for aerodynamic supremacy on the world’s toughest road-course.
