During the launch event, nanjixiong (南极熊) noted that the Yangwang U9X incorporates cutting-edge 3D printing technologies, including an aluminum alloy 3D-printed body structure and titanium alloy 3D-printed brake calipers.
At the event, Yang Feng, Dean of the Yangwang Research Institute, stated:
“In the manufacturing process of the U9X, the Yangwang team utilized 3D printing technology to enhance body lightweighting, achieving a lightweight coefficient of 0.83—a new industry record.”
“We preserved the weight of safety-critical components and re-examined the body structure design. We found that a lot of weight was reserved for manufacturing considerations, including connection points and process compensation areas. Traditionally, body structures rely on castings or extruded parts, which limit design freedom due to manufacturing constraints—making it difficult to fully realize topology-optimized structures. That’s when we identified 3D printing as a viable solution.”
The host raised a common skepticism regarding 3D printing:
“The general impression of 3D printing is that it’s used for less critical components. Can it really deliver such extreme performance?”
Yang Feng responded:
“Absolutely. Aluminum alloy 3D printing is widely used in aerospace. We are the first to introduce this advanced technology into automotive body design. We 3D-printed the entire front and rear compartments, which not only elevated the vehicle’s performance but also significantly reduced weight.”
In addition to the body, Yang Feng highlighted:
“Our brake calipers are 3D-printed from titanium alloy. While reducing weight, they also offer superior heat and temperature resistance. Together with improvements in the motor and battery systems, the U9X is 100 kg lighter than the U9.”
Ultimately, supported by technologies such as the 1200V high-voltage platform, track-grade Blade Battery, the "Yi Si Fang + Yun Nian" chassis system, and a 3D-printed lightweight body, the Yangwang U9X set a global speed record of 496.2 km/h at Germany’s ATP testing ground. It also achieved a lap time of 6:59.157 on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, making it one of the first pure-electric production cars to break the 7-minute barrier—demonstrating its extreme performance and track stability.
