Xiaomi SU7 Ultra Enters Gran Turismo 7: First Chinese EV in Legendary Racing Franchise

Quick Brief

• Xiaomi SU7 Ultra launches January 29, 2026 in Gran Turismo 7 Update 1.67 for PS4/PS5
• First Chinese electric vehicle featured in Gran Turismo’s 29-year franchise history
• Tri-motor system delivers 1,548 HP with 0-100 km/h acceleration in 1.98 seconds
• Polyphony Digital recreated digital model after real-world Nürburgring testing at 7:04.957 lap time

Xiaomi dismantled expectations when its SU7 Ultra secured a spot in Gran Turismo 7, a franchise historically reserved for automotive royalty. The collaboration between Xiaomi and Polyphony Digital marks a watershed moment for Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers entering the world’s most demanding racing simulation platform. Players worldwide gain access to this 1,548-horsepower electric hypercar starting January 29, 2026, through Update 1.67 on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 platforms.

Breaking Into Racing Simulation Royalty

Gran Turismo producer Kazunori Yamauchi personally test-drove the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra at Beijing, Nürburgring Nordschleife, and Tsukuba Circuit before approving its inclusion. The franchise’s stringent vehicle selection criteria typically favor established performance brands with decades of motorsport heritage. Xiaomi’s acceptance demonstrates the SU7 Ultra’s exceptional engineering credentials validated through real-world track performance rather than manufacturer claims alone.

Polyphony Digital’s development team traveled to Xiaomi EV’s facilities for technical collaboration, while Xiaomi’s vehicle dynamics engineers visited Fukuoka studios for final validation. This bidirectional exchange ensured the digital model achieves extreme consistency with the physical vehicle’s handling characteristics.

Performance Specifications That Demanded Attention

What makes the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra eligible for Gran Turismo 7?

The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra features a Dual V8s + V6s Hyper Tri-Motor system generating 1,548 horsepower (1,138 kW) and 1,770 N·m of torque. Its 800V high-voltage platform enables 0-100 km/h acceleration in 1.98 seconds without one-foot rollout. The vehicle set a 7:04.957 Nürburgring Nordschleife lap time on April 1, 2025, breaking the electric executive vehicle record.

The production model balances hypercar acceleration with practical usability 630 km CLTC range and 10-80% fast charging in 11 minutes. Double-wishbone front suspension pairs with five-link rear suspension and dual-chamber air springs equipped with high-performance adaptive dampers. This chassis configuration delivers track-focused handling while maintaining road comfort.

Real-World Track Credentials

Digital Recreation Process

Polyphony Digital deployed professional technical processes to mirror the SU7 Ultra’s physical dynamics in Gran Turismo 7’s simulation engine. The development team captured precise measurements of suspension geometry, weight distribution, aerodynamic coefficients, and powertrain response curves. Xiaomi EV’s engineering data informed the digital model’s torque vectoring algorithms and regenerative braking behavior.

The result replicates how 5,203 pounds (2,360 kg) of electric hypercar responds to steering inputs at Monza’s high-speed chicanes or the Nürburgring’s Karussel banking. Players experience the same chassis dynamics that delivered the real vehicle’s record-breaking lap times.

Strategic Significance for Xiaomi EV

This partnership extends Xiaomi’s “Human × Car × Home” ecosystem strategy into virtual motorsport culture. The company showcased the SU7 Ultra across Spain, Singapore, Japan, and Berlin throughout 2025, building global brand recognition among automotive enthusiasts. Gran Turismo 7’s player base spanning 100+ countries provides exposure to demographics Xiaomi targets for EV expansion.

Lei Jun, Xiaomi Group Founder and CEO, stated his pleasure at the selection, viewing it as an opportunity for Gran Turismo 7 players and automotive culture enthusiasts to appreciate high-performance smart vehicles from Xiaomi EV. The collaboration positions Xiaomi alongside Porsche, Hyundai N, and other performance brands featured in Update 1.67.

Update 1.67 Release Details

When will the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra become available in Gran Turismo 7?

Gran Turismo 7 Update 1.67 releases January 29, 2026 at 2:00 PM GMT+8 (1:00 AM ET). The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra appears in Brand Central alongside the 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 R (992) and 2024 Hyundai Elantra N TC. Players at Collector Level 58 and above access Extra Menu No. 52 focused on Hyundai N vehicles.

Polyphony Digital hosts a two-week official lap-time challenge at Monza Circuit exclusively for the SU7 Ultra. This competitive event incentivizes players to master the vehicle’s electric powertrain characteristics on one of motorsport’s most historic tracks.

What’s Included in the Update

• Three new vehicles available through Brand Central
• Three new race events
• Extra Menu No. 52 (Hyundai N collection)
• California Roadsides featured curation in Scapes mode
• Monza Circuit time attack challenge for SU7 Ultra

Driving Experience Expectations

The virtual SU7 Ultra translates its 1,770 N·m torque figure into immediate acceleration response from standing starts. Gran Turismo 7’s physics engine simulates how the tri-motor system distributes power across all four wheels through torque vectoring. Players navigate weight transfer during braking zones differently than combustion-powered vehicles due to aggressive regenerative braking calibration.

The adaptive damper system adjusts virtually based on track surface conditions firmening for Nürburgring’s rough tarmac or softening for Monza’s smooth asphalt. Aerodynamic downforce generated by the production vehicle’s advanced design translates to high-speed corner stability in-game.

Cultural Impact Beyond Gaming

Why does Xiaomi’s Gran Turismo 7 inclusion matter for the EV industry?

Gran Turismo’s 29-year legacy established it as automotive culture’s digital benchmark, a platform where manufacturers validate performance credibility. Xiaomi’s inclusion signals that Chinese EV engineering achieved parity with established performance brands in objective metrics. The SU7 Ultra’s acceptance required meeting Polyphony Digital’s hyper-realistic simulation standards rather than negotiated marketing partnerships.

This represents a shift from Gran Turismo’s historical focus on European and Japanese marques toward recognizing performance excellence regardless of manufacturer origin. The collaboration exposes millions of players to Chinese EV technology through interactive experience rather than passive media consumption.

Limitations to Consider

Production availability remains limited to select markets including China with planned international expansion. The vehicle’s 2,360 kg curb weight impacts efficiency compared to lighter sports cars, despite its 630 km range. Track-focused suspension tuning may compromise ride comfort in daily driving scenarios, a tradeoff inherent to performance-oriented vehicles.

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