How fast can an electric hypercar go when paired with the EV right tires? On September 14, 2025, the Yangwang U9X shattered the production-car top-speed record at 496.22 km/h, thanks to GitiSport e.GTR2 Pro tires. This marks the second record that Giti Tire has enabled for Yangwang in just one year—reinforcing the connection between motorsport innovation and real-world performance. What seems like a headline number for engineers and racing fans actually carries direct meaning for everyday drivers: better grip, longer life, and safer commutes.
A New Benchmark: Twice the Triumph
Just over a month after Yangwang and Giti made headlines with a 472.41 km/h run, the team returned to the German ATP proving grounds, aiming to push the limits again. The result? A new world record of 496.22 km/h—a jaw-dropping 23.81 km/h gain over their August achievement.
Behind the wheel: German pro driver Marc Basseng, who has competed at the Nürburgring 24 Hours and other world-class events. Alongside him, Giti engineers were on-site to closely monitor tire performance, ensuring each set was primed for the moment of truth. It wasn’t just about raw speed but about consistency, repeatability, and the ability to capture data that can later filter into road-going tire designs.
The Tire Behind the Record: GitiSport e.GTR2 Pro
Breaking records is never just about horsepower—it’s also about the tire’s ability to withstand unimaginable forces. The GitiSport e.GTR2 Pro was developed with next-gen materials and design to manage these challenges. Its innovations include:
Molecular Chain Optimization
By reinforcing the internal structure of the rubber, Giti ensured greater tensile and tear strength. This allows the tire to handle extreme stress without breaking down. For everyday drivers, the same principle results in tires that wear more slowly and provide consistent safety.
Ultra-High-Strength Aramid Fibres
Used in aerospace and ballistic protection, these fibres provide stiffness and durability. At 496 km/h, even the smallest deformation could cause catastrophic failure. With aramid reinforcement, the e.GTR2 Pro stayed structurally sound. On the road, this technology improves impact resistance against potholes and rough surfaces.
RaceGrip Pro Compound
Giti developed a compound blend that boosts grip by nearly 40% compared to conventional high-performance compounds. It also widens the temperature window, meaning the tire delivers traction whether it’s just warming up or already hot from extended driving. Drivers in cold or hot climates benefit from this same stability.
Anti-Standing Wave Structure
At ultra-high speeds, racing tires can form standing waves—dangerous oscillations that cause heat and instability. Giti engineered a structural safeguard to prevent this phenomenon. For everyday road use, this translates into improved stability at highway speeds and greater safety in emergency maneuvers.
Fast Warm-Up Additives
Waiting for tires to “come alive” can be a hazard in racing. Giti’s additives allow the e.GTR2 Pro to reach peak performance 60% faster, shortening the window of vulnerability. On city roads, this means your tires grip reliably from the first mile rather than needing extended warm-up.
Bionic Sidewall Design
Inspired by biological structures, this sidewall design increases cornering support without adding harshness. On the U9X, it kept the car stable during high-speed transitions. For everyday drivers, it provides a more responsive feel in corners and when swerving to avoid hazards.
Why This Record Matters Beyond the Track
For everyday drivers, a 496 km/h record might feel distant. But the truth is, the innovations tested under such extreme conditions find their way into consumer tires:
- Improved Grip & Safety: Compounds refined for record attempts are directly applied to passenger tires, ensuring shorter stopping distances and better cornering in rain, snow, or dry pavement.
- Durability & Longevity: Heat-resistant materials and optimized profiles mean longer-lasting tires with more even wear patterns.
- Efficiency for EVs: Low rolling resistance designs that improve range at record-setting speeds also help electric cars go further between charges.
- Confidence & Peace of Mind: If a tire can handle nearly 500 km/h, it provides reassurance that it can withstand any stress a typical driver might encounter.
In short, pushing the boundaries at the track translates into trust on the road.
Human Element: More Than Just Machines
This achievement wasn’t only about engineering—it was also about people. Marc Basseng’s skill and bravery were essential, guiding a vehicle at speeds few humans will ever experience. Equally critical were Giti’s engineers, who monitored every variable from tire pressure to tread wear. Their collaboration ensured not only a safe record attempt but also a wealth of knowledge for future tire development.
It’s easy to view records as statistics, but behind every milestone is teamwork, late nights in the lab, test runs in harsh conditions, and the shared dream of pushing what’s possible. That human story is what transforms a record into inspiration.
Comparison With Other Speed Records
The Yangwang U9X’s achievement places it among legends. Hypercars from Bugatti, Koenigsegg, and SSC have all claimed top-speed titles, but most rely on combustion engines. The U9X proves that EVs can not only compete but surpass traditional benchmarks.
At 496.22 km/h, the U9X isn’t just fast—it’s rewriting what drivers expect from electric power. The fact that this was achieved with street-legal, certified tires demonstrates the balance between innovation and practicality. Giti’s contribution ensures that EV supercars can chase records without sacrificing safety.
Broader Significance for EV Development
Electric vehicles bring unique challenges: instant torque, heavy batteries, and high energy demands. Tires that succeed in record-setting EVs must address all these issues. Giti’s work with the U9X highlights:
- Energy Management: Low rolling resistance improves range without compromising performance.
- Weight Handling: Reinforced structures manage the extra load from batteries.
- Thermal Stability: Advanced compounds prevent overheating from both road friction and electric torque.
As EV adoption grows worldwide, these breakthroughs are crucial for creating tires that keep vehicles efficient and safe across climates and road conditions.
FAQs: Common Questions Answered
Q1: How is this different from the earlier 472 km/h record?
Answer: The U9X’s upgraded systems, combined with refinements to the e.GTR2 Pro tire setup, allowed higher stability and an increase of over 23 km/h.
Q2: Can technologies from the e.GTR2 Pro really help everyday drivers?
Answer: Yes. Features like stronger sidewalls, advanced polymers, and low rolling resistance compounds directly improve safety, comfort, and efficiency for passenger tires.
Q3: Who certified this record?
Answer: The run was conducted at the ATP proving grounds under professional oversight, ensuring it meets international automotive testing standards.
Q4: Why does tire innovation matter so much for EVs?
Answer: EVs deliver instant torque and carry heavy batteries. Advanced tires manage this stress, improve energy efficiency, and make EV driving safer.
Q5: Will these record-setting tires be sold to consumers?
Answer: The exact e.GTR2 Pro used in the record is bespoke, but many of its technologies—like RaceGrip compounds and reinforced sidewalls—are integrated into Giti’s consumer performance and EV tires.
Key Takeaways
- The Yangwang U9X, fitted with GitiSport e.GTR2 Pro tires, set a new world record of 496.22 km/h.
- This is the second land-speed record achieved by Giti and Yangwang in just one year.
- Tire innovations—such as RaceGrip Pro and anti-standing wave design—played a crucial role.
- These same technologies trickle down into consumer tires, offering better grip, longer life, and efficiency.
- Behind every record is not only advanced engineering but also human courage and teamwork.
Conclusion: From Records to Roads
The Yangwang U9X’s 496.22 km/h run proves what’s possible when innovation, engineering, and human determination align. Giti’s e.GTR2 Pro tires didn’t just help break a record—they highlighted how extreme performance fuels everyday safety and efficiency.
For drivers everywhere, it’s a simple truth: the breakthroughs that conquer the track today will make your drive tomorrow safer, smoother, and more reliable. Whether you’re navigating snowy streets, tackling winding highways, or commuting in an EV, the same DNA that enabled a world record will be quietly working under your car, keeping you secure.
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