Lucid releases Sapphire performance spec
The US electric car manufacturer Lucid Motors has published the final specifications of its flagship model Air Sapphire announced a year ago. With its three drives, the Sapphire system pushes 920 kW and carries an EPA range of 427 miles (687 kilometres).
The sprint from 0 to 60 mph (96 kph) is rated at 1.89 seconds. Lucid adds it takes 3.84 seconds for the Air Sapphire to reach 100 mph (161 km/h) and covering the quarter mile costs no more than 8.95 seconds. Top speed is 205 mph (330 km/h), but the impressive performance spec carries a heavy price tag – the Air Sapphire costs 249,000 dollars.
Lucid introduced Sapphire as its performance label almost exactly a year ago. The fact that the Air Sapphire boasts three motors (two at the rear axle, one at the front) was already known when the brand debuted. At that time, however, there was still talk of “over 895 kW”, now it is specifically 920 kW at peak. The target values for acceleration to 60 mph (less than two seconds), 100 mph (under four seconds) and top speed (more than 200 mph) were also noted in the final data.
The powertrain was developed in-house by Lucid and is built by the company. The dual motor also uses new heat exchanger technology, and the coolant flow rate has increased as well. Lucid adapted the battery system to the higher performance, especially in the more precise “thermal logic”, or temperature control.
In addition to the triple-motor drive, the Lucid Air Sapphire features carbon-ceramic brakes, a special aerodynamics package, sports seats and a suspension tuned for the race track, among other things. As the drive system was part of the Air development programme from the outset, the engineers did not have to make any compromises when placing the two electric motors in the available installation space on the rear axle, according to earlier statements.
“The technology that underpins Sapphire enables an unsurpassed blend of performance, agility, and versatility,” says Peter Rawlinson, CEO and CTO of Lucid Group. “The result is an extreme performance car that offers delightful responsiveness and everyday practicality. With the Lucid Air Sapphire, we have once again raised the bar and increased the gap between Lucid and its competitors, creating the world’s most well-rounded and versatile high-performance EV.”
Production will begin in September, with deliveries to follow “shortly thereafter”.
1 Comment