Abu Dhabi temporarily closed a 10-kilometre stretch of a major desert highway to regular traffic to allow Chinese carmaker BYD to attempt a world speed record. Its electric hypercar, the Yangwang U9 Xtreme, eventually clocked 503.17 kmph, becoming the first production car to cross the 500 kmph barrier in a verified single-direction run.
Of this, seven kilometres formed the longest straight stretch available for the high-speed runs. The achievement was officially recognised on November 6, according to an official statement by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). The attempt was organised in cooperation with local authorities, who helped secure a 10-kilometre section of the E11 highway, according to BYD’s official press release .
The Abu Dhabi Media Office confirmed that several government authorities coordinated the preparations and traffic arrangements to facilitate the attempt.
Reflecting on the challenge, Basseng said, “Unlike a dedicated test track, a public road presents a different set of challenges.”
