Daily Auto Brief: BYD’s Electric Moonshot, and a Junkyard Maxima Wearing a Raging Bull Costume

I love it when the car world splits in two directions on the same day: one story rewriting physics, the other proving that creativity doesn’t need a carbon tub. Today’s feed delivered both—from a reported electric top-speed thunderclap out of China to a scrappy backyard special that turns a humble Nissan Maxima into something that looks uncomfortably close to Sant’Agata’s finest. Let’s dive in.

BYD’s Electric Hypercar Reportedly Tops Bugatti’s Record

According to today’s reporting out of Carscoops, BYD’s all-electric hypercar has reportedly eclipsed Bugatti’s headline-grabbing top-speed mark. If verified, that means an EV just moved the goalposts beyond the Chiron Super Sport 300+’s famous 304.773 mph one-way run from 2019. Let that marinate for a second—because I did.

When I’ve pushed quick EVs on long straights (think Nevera or a well-sorted Taycan at a private day), the acceleration feels like a low-altitude rocket launch. But here’s the thing: top speed above ~250 mph isn’t just about power; it’s about air, gearing, tires, and keeping the battery from melting into fondue. That’s why this BYD claim is such a watershed moment if it holds up.

What would it take for an EV to crack 300+ mph?

• Slippery aero with ultra-stable high-speed balance—clean underbody, active elements, and a body that cheats the wind without starving the battery of cooling.
• Thermal management worthy of a spacecraft—multiple cooling loops, chilled packs, and intelligent power delivery.
• Gearing that favors Vmax—likely a multi-speed or an unusually tall final drive, otherwise you’re just power-braking against the air.
• Tires that won’t go Michelangelo at 300 mph—bespoke construction, controlled growth, and serious validation runs.

We don’t have official numbers from BYD in the report yet, just the headline that it smashed Bugatti’s mark. If and when an independent verification drops, this moment will be the EV equivalent of breaking the sound barrier in a family saloon. Okay, not quite—but you get the picture.

Quick context: where the hypercar hierarchy sits

If BYD has indeed cleared the 300 barrier in an EV, the bragging rights are immense. More practically, don’t expect this to reshape your commute. But tech learned at 300+ mph—cooling, efficiency, thermal control—has a funny way of trickling down to the electric SUVs we actually buy. Remember when ceramic brakes were exotic? Exactly.

From Junkyard to “Lamborghini”: A Maxima With Big Dreams

On the other end of the spectrum—and frankly, why I love this job—Carscoops also flagged a homebrew project that starts with a junkyard Nissan Maxima and ends with a remarkably convincing Lamborghini replica. You read that right: front-engine, front-drive sedan turned Italian supercar cosplay. I’ve seen plenty of replica culture over the years (Fiero-based Countach tributes, 350Zs wearing widebody Aventador costumes, you name it), but the Maxima is a new twist.

Let’s be honest: you’ll never replicate the feel of a mid-engine V12 with a sedan’s bones. The wheelbase, the dash-to-axle ratio, the way the cabin sits between the axles—it’s automotive anthropology you can’t fake. But there’s also a joyous, punk-rock charm to someone sculpting a dream out of fiberglass and sheer stubbornness. And when I’ve rolled up to Cars & Coffee in curious kit builds over the years, the reactions split right down the middle: kids wide-eyed, purists reaching for the espresso. Perfect.

Why this works (and doesn’t), in the real world

• Looks: From 20 feet, a well-proportioned replica can pass the squint test. Up close, panel gaps and glass shapes tend to sing karaoke.
• Soundtrack: A Maxima’s V6 won’t do V12 arias. You can pipe in burbles, but physics and firing orders don’t lie.
• Practicality: Parts are cheap, insurance can be saner, and you won’t panic every time you park near a curb.
• Chassis reality: Front-drive dynamics, steering feel, and weight distribution are night-and-day versus the mid-engine original.
• Registration: Many states treat this as a modified vehicle under the donor VIN. Do your homework on inspections and emissions.

When I tried a similar homebrew build on our wonderfully broken city streets, the limiting factor wasn’t speed—it was approach angles, door seals, and how the bodywork handled a surprise downpour. Pro tip: invest in weatherproofing before the first thunderstorm. Also, think about where the charging cable or the jack lives; odd-shaped trunks become a daily scavenger hunt.

Build highlights that make replicas believable

• Wheel fitment that nails the stance without rubbing at full lock.
• Lighting that matches the signature “eyes” and DRL patterns of the car you’re aping.
• Interior touchpoints—steering wheel shape, seat bolsters, even a faux start button—go further than you think.
• Ride height you can actually live with; air cups save front splitters and your sanity.

Big Picture

On one page we’ve got a megabuck EV that reportedly just rewrote top-speed history; on the other, a DIY fantasy stitched over a family sedan. Both stories are car culture in its purest form—the audacity to say “what if?” Whether it’s breaking 300 in silence or building a bull in your garage, the thread is the same: passion with a socket set.

What I’ll be watching next

• Independent verification and data logs on the BYD run—venue, conditions, tire supplier, and full telemetry.
• Whether BYD hints at a limited production variant or keeps this as a tech demonstrator.
• How the Maxima-based replica copes with heat soak, panel longevity, and long-distance drivability.

Conclusion

Today was a reminder that the car world never sits still. If BYD’s run is validated, we’ll have a new yardstick for what electric performance looks like at the ragged edge. And if a Maxima can wear a Lamborghini costume and make people smile, maybe there’s still room for the kind of garage-built insanity that keeps Sunday mornings interesting.

FAQ

Did BYD really break Bugatti’s top-speed record?

Per today’s reporting, BYD’s electric hypercar has reportedly surpassed the Chiron Super Sport 300+’s mark. We’re waiting on independent verification and official data before declaring it settled.

How can an EV reach 300+ mph?

It requires massive power, ultra-efficient aerodynamics, bespoke high-speed tires, and exceptional thermal management. Gearing strategy is crucial; a multi-speed or very tall ratio helps sustain speed without overheating.

Is a Maxima-based Lamborghini replica legal to drive?

Usually it’s registered under the donor car’s VIN as a modified vehicle, but rules vary by state/country. Inspections and emissions compliance can apply. Check local regulations before you cut fiberglass.

How much does a convincing replica cost to build?

Anywhere from a few thousand dollars (DIY, rough edges) to tens of thousands if you chase proper bodywork, paint, wheels, suspension, and interior details. It’s rarely “cheap,” but it’s far from supercar money.

Do top-speed records matter anymore?

For daily life, not really. For engineering, absolutely. The lessons in cooling, aerodynamics, and efficiency influence the EVs and hybrids we’ll drive tomorrow.