Xiaomi is set to unveil its first Vision Gran Turismo (VGT) concept car at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 in Barcelona, marking a historic moment as the first Chinese automaker to participate in the long-running program. The teaser and recent spy photos confirm Xiaomi’s ambition to join established performance brands like Mercedes-Benz and Ferrari in the VGT lineup.
First Chinese Entry into Prestigious Racing Program
For 28 years, the Vision Gran Turismo project – operated by Polyphony Digital for the Gran Turismo series – has been dominated by European and Japanese automakers. Xiaomi’s entry signals a shift, showcasing China’s growing influence in high-performance automotive design. The collaboration was formalized in June 2025 after series producer Kazunori Yamauchi extensively tested the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra at tracks including Nürburgring and Tsukuba.
Spy Shots Reveal Aggressive Design
Captured in Barcelona, the heavily wrapped vehicle exhibits an extreme low-slung profile, indicating a mid-engine or central-cockpit layout. Key features include a prominent rear spoiler, carbon fiber side skirts, and a shark-fin structure for high-speed stability. The light blue wrap matches the teaser image released by Xiaomi, but final details remain under wraps.
From Sales Decline to Concept Racer
The move comes as Xiaomi’s SU7 Ultra sales declined sharply in the latter half of 2025. After an initial surge exceeding 3,000 units monthly, deliveries plummeted to just 45 in December, according to CarNewsChina. The VGT concept represents a shift in focus, leveraging the brand’s presence in Gran Turismo 7 – where the SU7 Ultra became the first Chinese vehicle added in 1997 – for high-profile marketing.
Non-Production Design Freedom
The VGT program allows manufacturers to explore extreme designs without production constraints. The concept is expected to feature a wide-body stance, aggressive intakes, and a large rear diffuser, maximizing aerodynamic performance. Full specifications will be released on March 1, 2026, as confirmed by Lei Jun.
Xiaomi’s VGT entry isn’t about building a road car; it’s about establishing the brand as a serious competitor in the high-performance arena. The move leverages the popularity of Gran Turismo to elevate Xiaomi’s image among car enthusiasts globally.
