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Xiaomi SU7 Ultra arrives in Gran Turismo 7
For the first time in Gran Turismo 7's long history, a Chinese production car has officially joined the lineup. As of January 29, 2026, virtual drivers can pilot the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra — a battery-powered hypercar that underlines how quickly Chinese electric vehicle makers are closing the gap with established supercar brands.
Gran Turismo 7, developed by Polyphony Digital for PlayStation, is celebrated for its hyper-realistic physics, lighting, and audio. With a roster of more than 500 cars from names like BMW, Porsche, and Mercedes-AMG, the game has traditionally skewed toward European and Japanese manufacturers. Xiaomi’s entry feels like a milestone: a tech company best known for smartphones stepping into the high-performance EV arena and into one of the most exclusive virtual garages in gaming.
Faithful digital reproduction
Xiaomi and Polyphony first announced their collaboration in June 2025. The teams worked to recreate the SU7 Ultra with meticulous detail — from the way light refracts off its paint to the unique acoustic signature of its electric drivetrain. The result is a near-authentic simulation of what the SU7 Ultra offers in the real world: raw acceleration, advanced aerodynamics, and cutting-edge EV engineering.
Performance specs that demand attention
On paper, the SU7 Ultra is a technical statement:
- Multi-motor electric drivetrain producing approximately 1,550 horsepower
- 0-100 km/h in under 2 seconds (real-world claim)
- Tailor-made aerodynamics and high-downforce setup for track performance
Those numbers put the SU7 Ultra in direct competition with million-dollar hypercars. Now, gamers can test those claims on circuits like the Nürburgring — without leaving their living room.
More than a cosmetic appearance
This inclusion is symbolic: Chinese EVs are no longer fringe entries. They're being recognized for performance and engineering. For Xiaomi, the appearance in GT7 is not just marketing; it’s an argument that their cars belong on the same stage as the fastest combustion and electric vehicles ever built.
The significance extends beyond one model. Other Chinese brands are already signaling moves into the virtual racing world — BYD’s luxury offshoot Yangwang has hinted the U9 Xtreme could follow. The U9 Xtreme has made headlines for blistering results in Germany, including a rumored top speed near 496 km/h and a Nürburgring lap under 7 minutes — claims that, if replicated in-game, will raise the bar even further.
Why inclusion in a simulator matters
Simulators like Gran Turismo are both playground and testbed. They serve three roles:
- Showcase: Let enthusiasts experience exotic cars that are rare or expensive in real life.
- Validation: Offer a public, visual validation of a brand’s engineering credibility.
- Technology trickle-down: High-performance EV tech often migrates from halo models to mainstream cars — better batteries, smarter thermal management, and refined motor control.
By placing the SU7 Ultra in GT7, Xiaomi gives players a chance to sample advanced EV tech in an accessible way. It’s a powerful tool for shifting perceptions.
How it compares and what to expect
In-game, the SU7 Ultra will be judged against established hypercars for handling, top speed, and lap times. Expect fierce debate among players about balance, realism, and how the car fairs on tight circuits versus long straights. For real-world buyers and observers, the SU7 Ultra and models like the Yangwang U9 Xtreme signal that Chinese makers are targeting the same performance benchmarks as European and American rivals.
'This is more than a game update,' industry watchers say. 'It’s cultural recognition.'
Final thought
Whether you’re an EV enthusiast, a sim racer, or just curious about automotive trends, the SU7 Ultra’s arrival in Gran Turismo 7 is a moment worth noting. It’s a tangible sign that Chinese electric cars are not just competing — they’re being elevated to the global performance conversation. Expect more entries from China to follow, and a shift in how both gamers and drivers view the leading edge of EV technology.
Source: arenaev
Comments
v8rider
wow, Xiaomi in GT7? didnt see that coming. SU7 Ultra looks insane, hope handling feels real tho, not nerfed
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