Electric Titan Meets Muscle God: Lucid Air Sapphire Dukes it Out with Dodge Demon 170 in Epic Quarter Mile Showdown
In an epic clash that feels like the automotive world's answer to David versus Goliath, the all-electric Lucid Air Sapphire squares off against the muscle-bound might of the Dodge Demon 170—each flexing their engineering muscles on the scorching tarmac of Bradenton Motorsports Park, Florida. This isn't just a race; it's a showdown that pits the raw, untamed power of traditional combustion engines against the sleek, precise, and rapid acceleration of modern electric motors in a quarter-mile drag that has both cars tearing through the 9s barrier.
The Beast from Detroit: Dodge Demon 170
The Dodge Demon 170, with its 1,025 horsepower, stands as a towering testament to the pinnacle of muscle car evolution. Stripped down to its bare essentials for the ultimate racing performance—including the removal of passenger seats, the adoption of Billet Specialties racing wheels, and the fitting of Mickey Thompson drag radials—it's a car built with a single purpose: obliterate the quarter mile. Yet, even with its monstrous power and feather-light modifications, it lays down a best time of 9.494 seconds at a blistering 144.89 mph.
The Challenger: Lucid Air Sapphire
Enter the Lucid Air Sapphire, an electric marvel equipped with three motors that spell doom for traditional conceptions of electric vehicle performance. Steering this heavyweight (5,336 pounds of technological innovation) to glory is none other than Brooks Weisblat of DragTimes. With a trio of 9.0-second runs under its belt, the best of which comes at 9.006 seconds and 152.66 mph, the Air Sapphire doesn't just compete—it intimidates, proving that electric vehicles can punch well above their weight class.
Despite its formidable prowess, the Lucid Air Sapphire comes with a hefty price tag of $249,000 fully equipped, towering over the Demon 170's relatively modest $96,666 (before taxes). Yet, for those who worship at the altar of speed, the Lucid represents a tantalizing glimpse into the potential of electric performance sedans, challenging even the mighty Tesla Model S Plaid for the quarter-mile crown.
The Context of This Clash
This race is more than a simple head-to-head; it's emblematic of the seismic shifts occurring within the automotive landscape. As traditional powerhouses like the Dodge Demon face extinction, with Stellantis phasing out V8 engines in favor of electric and hybrid models, we're witnessing the twilight of an era. The new dawn brings vehicles like the STLA Large-based Charger, with options ranging from 3.0L twin-turbo I6s to dual-motor electric setups, showcasing the industry's pivot towards electrification and the performance potential it holds.
Moreover, this race sheds light on the broader narrative of combustion engine cars grappling with their electric counterparts across the industry. From the discontinuation of V8 models by Dodge and Maserati to the steadfast commitment of Ford and General Motors to the V8 legacy, the automotive world is at a crossroads. The Lucid Air Sapphire and Dodge Demon 170's quarter-mile race isn't just about who can cross the finish line first—it's a glimpse into the future of automotive performance, marking a pivotal moment where electric innovation charges ahead, challenging the combustion engine's reign.
As we stand at this juncture, watching these titans clash, one thing is clear: the race for the future of automotive performance is just getting started. And if this quarter-mile duel is anything to go by, it's going to be electrifying.