Xiaomi's SU7 Ultra Becomes First Chinese Car in Gran Turismo 7

Xiaomi has achieved a significant milestone in automotive and gaming culture by becoming the first Chinese car manufacturer to have a vehicle featured in Sony's flagship racing game Gran Turismo 7. The SU7 Ultra, Xiaomi's high-performance electric vehicle, was added to the game this week, marking a notable moment for Chinese automotive brands seeking global recognition.

The SU7 Ultra represents Xiaomi's most ambitious foray into the electric vehicle market to date. With a tri-motor electric powertrain producing a combined 1,548 horsepower, the vehicle demonstrates the technological capabilities of Chinese automotive engineering. The car's performance credentials are impressive - it can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in just 1.98 seconds, placing it among the fastest production vehicles in the world.

Xiaomi founder Lei Jun emphasized the strategic importance of this gaming partnership in a promotional video, stating that the move aims to give global players a chance to experience the performance and handling of China's high-end smart vehicles. This approach leverages the massive global audience of Gran Turismo 7 to showcase Chinese automotive technology to millions of potential customers worldwide.

The SU7 Ultra's real-world performance credentials are equally impressive. Last year, the vehicle set a new production-car lap record at the Shanghai International Circuit, completing the track in 2 minutes 9.944 seconds. This achievement demonstrates that the car's capabilities extend beyond marketing claims to actual track performance, lending credibility to its inclusion in a simulation-focused racing game like Gran Turismo 7.

Gran Turismo has long been considered a benchmark for automotive simulation, with its selection process for in-game vehicles being highly selective. The franchise has historically featured vehicles from established global automotive brands, making Xiaomi's inclusion particularly noteworthy. This partnership represents a significant endorsement of Chinese automotive engineering on the global stage.

The move also reflects broader trends in the automotive industry, where Chinese manufacturers are increasingly competing at the high end of the market. Companies like Xiaomi, Nio, and BYD are investing heavily in electric vehicle technology and seeking to establish themselves as global players. Gaming partnerships like this provide an accessible way for international audiences to experience these vehicles without the need for physical presence or purchase.

For Gran Turismo 7 players, the addition of the SU7 Ultra provides another high-performance option in their virtual garage. The game's physics engine and attention to detail mean that players can experience a reasonably accurate representation of the car's capabilities, from its blistering acceleration to its handling characteristics on various track surfaces.

This partnership between Xiaomi and Sony represents a convergence of automotive innovation and gaming culture, highlighting how digital platforms are becoming increasingly important for automotive marketing and brand building in the electric vehicle era.