All posts by Francis Mitterrand

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Xiaomi SU7 Ultra is the fastest production EV

The Nürburgring Nordschleife is the most famous track in the world and a place where many manufacturers test the ultimate limits of their cars’ performance. Last year, Xiaomi did the same with the SU7 prototype, which covered the 20.8 km long track in just 6 minutes and 46.8 seconds, which was a surprise to many. Now, it has sent the racing version of the SU7 Ultra to the same place to push the limit.

Xiaomi posted a video on its YouTube channel showing the production SU7 Ultra trying to achieve the fastest lap time, but without success. Its lap time of 7 minutes and 4.95 seconds is excellent compared to the competition, but far behind the prototype. However, it was faster than the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT (7 minutes and 7.55 seconds) and the Rimac Never (7 minutes and 5.29 seconds).

The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra is powered by three electric motors with a total output of 1,548 hp (1,154 kW), which is enough to push the 1,900 kg car from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 1.97 seconds, 200 km/h in 5.97 seconds and 300 km/h in 15 seconds, with a top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph). The video shows the car reaching a GPS-verified speed of 346 km/h, making it the fastest production sedan ever, dethroning the Maserati Ghibli 334 Ultima with a top speed of 334 km/h.

The car used on the track was not the standard version of this model. Xiaomi equipped the SU7 Ultra with an optional track package that is also available to buyers, which does not disqualify the car from the production model category.

The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra is already on sale in China, starting at 529,900 yuan (~€65,000)—an astonishing value for a car with hypercar performance.

When it comes to the fastest time among production cars, the record holder is the Mercedes-AMG One, which last year completed the lap in 6 minutes and 29 seconds. However, the absolute record holder of the Nürburgring Nordschleife is the Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo with a lap time of 5 minutes and 19.55 seconds.

Source: Xiaomi via YouTube

News

Dacora Motors unveiled its first ultra-luxury car

In an automotive industry increasingly dominated by new Chinese brands, an unexpected contender has emerged—this time from the United States. Dacora Motors, a start-up founded and led by a woman, is making waves with its ultra-luxury electric vehicle (EV), marking the first American-made high-end car of its kind in nearly a century.

Dacora Motors is not just another EV manufacturer—it’s a trailblazer. Founded by Kristie D’Ambrosio-Correll, an MIT-trained engineer serving as CEO, alongside her partner Eric as CTO, the company claims to be the first car manufacturer in history founded and led by a woman. Their debut model, yet to be named, is positioned as one of the most expensive electric cars in the world, with a starting price of $500,000.

Collaborating with the legendary Italian car design firm Pininfarina, Dacora’s first vehicle draws inspiration from the Streamline Moderne aesthetic of the 1930s, blending retro-futurism with cutting-edge technology. While full specifications remain under wraps, the company has revealed impressive figures: over 400 miles of range, 800+ horsepower, and a lavish 45 inches of rear legroom.

Dacora is distancing itself from the tech-heavy, plastic-laden cabins of modern EVs. Instead, the brand emphasizes artisan craftsmanship, boasting an interior free of plastic—only hardwood, woven wool, and hand-stitched leather—chosen for their breathability, durability, and tactile quality.

Unprecedented personalization for discerning buyers
given its ultra-luxury positioning, Dacora offers unmatched customization. The interior is fully modular, allowing owners to reconfigure seating (from 3 to 7 seats), swap upholstery seasonally (wool for winter, linen for summer), and even adjust the flooring. The company describes it as “a tactile, emotional, and evolving relationship with the car over time.” There is also a semi-transparent, non-touchscreen display and tactile mechanical controls, rejecting the trend of all-digital dashboards.

Each Dacora will be hand-built in New York’s Hudson Valley, where the company plans to open a 100-acre “automotive campus” in 2026. This facility will include manufacturing, a design studio, and guest accommodations for exclusive client experiences.

Despite not yet announcing a delivery date, Dacora reports that reservations have already surpassed 150% of its first-year production capacity, signaling strong demand among elite buyers.

Dacora Motors is more than a car company—it’s a statement. By combining heritage design, sustainable luxury, and female leadership, it challenges the status quo of the auto industry. Whether it can compete with established giants remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Dacora is redefining what an American luxury car can be.

Source: Dacora Motors

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Dacora Motors unveiled its first ultra-luxury car
News

2025 Renault 5 E-Tech Five costs under 25,000 euros

After months of anticipation, Renault has officially unveiled the most budget-friendly version of its retro-inspired electric car—the Renault 5 E-Tech Five. Priced at €24,900 before incentives, the French automaker has fulfilled its promise to keep the model under the symbolic €25,000 threshold, although with some compromises in features compared to higher-end variants.

Positioned as an accessible EV, the 5 E-Tech Five is built on Renault’s AmpR Small platform, sharing its foundation with other R5 models. The basic version comes with a distinctive green exterior, full LED lighting, 18-inch steel wheels, 7-inch digital instrument cluster with 10-inch touchscreen, manual air conditioning, rear parking sensors, an electric parking brake, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. For those seeking personalization, Renault offers an optional black paint finish, a 22 kW charging cable, and an anti-theft system.

When it comes to the powertrain, the Renault 5 E-Tech Five is powered by a single electric motor with a 95 hp and 215 Nm of torque, paired with a 40 kWh battery. While performance is modest—0-100 km/h in 12 seconds and a top speed of 130 km/h—the car offers a claimed range of 310 km (WLTP) with an energy consumption of 14.6 kWh/100 km.

Charging is supported at 11 kW AC, with a 15-80% recharge taking 2 hours and 37 minutes. Buyers can opt for a 22 kW Type 2 cable as an extra, improving charging flexibility.

With this model, Renault completed its offer, spanning from €24,900 for the entry-level version up to €36,400 for the high-end 150 hp Comfort Range Roland-Garros edition. Thanks to various European incentives, buyers in some countries could drive home the retro-styled EV for as little as €20,000.

As Renault strengthens its position in the affordable EV segment, the 5 E-Tech Five is expected to boost sales further, potentially securing a spot among Europe’s top 10 best-selling electric cars this year. Renault’s move is also a clear signal to Chinese EV manufacturers, which have been expanding aggressively in Europe.

Source: Renault