Lucid has been dropping not-so-subtle hints that there’s something even greater beyond its 1050 hp Air Grand Touring Performance and 1111 hp Dream Edition Performance models, which already rival the performance of the Tesla Model S Plaid.
That something greater has now been officially unveiled at Monterey Car Week as the Lucid Air Sapphire with three motors. With over 1200 hp, the three-motor Air Sapphire will be the most powerful sedan in the world, according to Lucid, and yes, that extends to gasoline models.
Lucid boasts a 0 to 60 mph time below two seconds, a 0 to 100 mph time below four seconds, and a top speed of over 200 mph, all of which would be more than enough to solidly beat the Model S Plaid on the track, not to mention handling. Given the noisy electric Dodge announced earlier this week, other rivals can expect a challenge on the racetrack.
In the Sapphire, a single motor drives the front wheels, while a new dual-motor drive unit powers the rear wheels. Because it was part of the development program, all Sapphire enhancements don’t sacrifice rear legroom, trunk space, or cargo room.
To complement this, Lucid has added heat exchanger technology to the rear drive unit, with a “higher refrigerant flow rate,” and has improved thermal strategy for the battery system.
Additionally, the Sapphire features stiffer front and rear springs, stiffer bushings, unique shock setups, and different tuning for the steering and other core systems. Carbon ceramic brakes are included, along with wider wheels and tires. The Aero Sapphire wheels include removable aerodynamic wheel covers, likely aiding aerodynamic or airflow ventilation.
Lucid states that its dual-motor layout can rotate the rear of the vehicle in the same way as a brake-based setup but “faster, quieter, and smoother.” Furthermore, in tight curves, it allows the system to apply regenerative braking to the inner wheel while feeding power to the outer wheel, providing better results than rear-axle steering systems, according to Lucid.
Externally, the Sapphire includes the Lucid Air Stealth Look darkened as standard, while inside it features a new interior theme called Sapphire Mojave, with black leather plus black Alcantara and contrast stitching in sapphire blue. The front seats offer heating, cooling, and massage functions, and the Glass Canopy roof is also upholstered in black Alcantara. The headrests include a Lucid bear logo, a nod to the brand’s Californian origins.
It also boasts its own unique display screen, featuring special performance settings and driving modes.
Don’t expect the efficiency of some of the other two-motor Air models here, which reach up to 516 miles on a single charge. However, for a company that emphasizes efficiency, don’t be surprised if these high-performance models continue to outperform the efficient long-range versions of some rivals.
Lucid calls Sapphire “just the beginning, representing the launch of an all-new performance-focused brand within Lucid,” and says Sapphire versions will be offered for all Lucid models in the future.
The Sapphire will cost $249,000, with deliveries starting next year for the U.S. and Canada. Reservations for the new model go live on Tuesday, August 23rd.
