On September 14, 2025, at the ATP test track in Papenburg, Germany, the Chinese electric hypercar Yangwang U9 Xtreme (U9X) reached an astonishing 496.22 km/h (≈ 308.4 mph). This achievement makes it the fastest production car in the world, officially dethroning the legendary Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ (490.48 km/h in 2019).

Cutting-Edge Technology That Breaks Limits

The Yangwang U9 Xtreme impresses not only with its speed but also with its engineering breakthroughs:

• 1,200-volt electrical system – far beyond the 400–800V architecture found in most EVs.

• Blade Battery (LFP) – BYD’s proprietary technology, known for durability and high discharge performance.

• Four electric motors with a combined output of over 3,000 horsepower (≈ 3,019 PS).

• Advanced aerodynamics – large front splitter, dual intakes, massive rear wing, and a double-layer diffuser for stability near 500 km/h.

• Specialized tires – GitiSport e·Gtr2 Pro, developed to withstand extreme loads at record-breaking speeds.

Dimensions & Limited Production

The U9X measures almost 5 meters in length, 2.03 meters wide, and 1.35 meters tall, with a wheelbase of 2.9 meters, ensuring stability on the track.
Only 30 units will ever be produced worldwide, turning it into a collector’s masterpiece.

Double Victory: Nürburgring Lap Record

Besides the top speed record, the U9 Xtreme also set an impressive lap time at the Nürburgring Nordschleife — 6:59.157 minutes — becoming the first production EV to break the 7-minute barrier.

U9 Xtreme vs Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+

A Historic Partnership Between DS and the French Presidency

During the European Heritage Days on 20–21 September 2025, the long-standing relationship between DS Automobiles and the French Presidency took center stage at the Élysée Palace. Two iconic models – the futuristic PRESIDENTIAL DS N°8, built for today’s French President, and the legendary DS 21 Pallas once used by General Charles de Gaulle – were displayed in the Cour d’Honneur, symbolizing both tradition and innovation.

PRESIDENTIAL DS N°8 – A Modern Symbol of French Excellence

Created to mark the 80th anniversary of the 1945 Armistice, the PRESIDENTIAL DS N°8 makes the French Head of State the first in the world to ride in a 100% electric presidential car. With a range of up to 750 km, the vehicle embodies France’s vision for sustainable mobility.

Specially designed for ceremonial duties, it features:

• A bespoke Sapphire Blue paint developed exclusively for the Élysée.

• Illuminated DS LUMINASCREEN grille in blue, white, and red.

• Flag holders, exclusive tricolor emblems, and customized fittings for parades.

• Exquisite craftsmanship with straw marquetry, Dream Satin Blue textiles, hand-stitched Nappa leather and Alcantara® upholstery, and a FOCAL premium audio system.

• Advanced French-built technology: NMC batteries from ACC’s gigafactory in Billy-Berclau Douvrin and an Emotors electric drive unit from Lorraine.

This unique creation reflects the finest French savoir-faire, bridging luxury, innovation, and national pride.

DS 21 Pallas – De Gaulle’s Presidential Car

On display alongside the N°8 was the DS 21 Pallas, used by General Charles de Gaulle between 1965–1967. With discreet presidential adaptations such as flag mounts and sun visors for the rear seats, the car was primarily used for De Gaulle’s journeys between the Élysée and his residence in Colombey-les-Deux-Églises.

After decades in private ownership, the car was sold at auction in 2023 for €59,040. Its presence at the Élysée during the European Heritage Days is a tribute to DS’s enduring role in French presidential history, especially as the brand celebrates the 70th anniversary of the original DS.

Visitors and the European Heritage Days

Nearly 10,000 visitors registered to explore the Élysée Palace during the 42nd edition of the European Heritage Days. Guests followed a route through the historic salons, the ballroom, the winter garden, the grand staircase, and finally, the Cour d’Honneur, where DS’s presidential cars stood as living symbols of France’s cultural and political heritage.

Farewell to the Civic Type R: Honda Bids Goodbye to a Hot Hatch Legend

Honda is saying farewell to one of its most iconic models — the Civic Type R. After nearly three decades on the European market, the legendary hot hatch will no longer be sold in Europe.

The decision comes as stricter EU emission standards and Honda’s shift towards electrification make it increasingly difficult to keep a high-performance gasoline-powered model like the Civic Type R in production. While enthusiasts are saddened by the news, Honda has chosen to honor the legacy of the Type R in a unique way.

Honda Dream Drives: A Map for Enthusiasts

To mark the end of the Civic Type R era, Honda has launched an interactive map highlighting over 120 of the most exciting driving roads across 25 European countries. The Honda Dream Drives guide has been developed with the help of driving experts, Type R owners, and fans across Europe.

From the dramatic North Coast 500 in Scotland to the legendary Stelvio Pass in Italy and Romania’s Transfăgărășan Highway, the routes are carefully selected to capture the true spirit of driving pleasure. Drivers can filter the map by themes such as scenic, mountain, or coastal, and navigate directly through Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or Google Maps.

“Dream Drives is the perfect way to celebrate the past, present, and future of Honda’s driving spirit — fully in line with the ethos of the Type R,” said Nick Pearson, Head of Corporate Communications at Honda Motor Europe.

The interactive map is available at hondadreamdrives.com, accessible via mobile and desktop.