The Lucid Air Sapphire Crushes Tesla Plaid: New King of Electric Speed Unleashed
When it comes to the elite realm of electric vehicles (EVs), a new champion has emerged, surpassing the Tesla Model S Plaid and setting new benchmarks in the process. The 2024 Lucid Air Sapphire has not just matched, but outpaced the Tesla Plaid in critical speed tests, earning it the title of the fastest EV we've witnessed to date.
- The Sapphire's acceleration is mind-bending, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 2.1 seconds, mirroring the Plaid but showing its real prowess by being a tenth of a second quicker reaching both 100 mph and finishing the quarter-mile.
- At 130 mph, the Lucid creates a notable gap, reaching this milestone a full seven-tenths of a second quicker, on its way to a breathtaking top speed of 207 mph, setting yet another record for electric vehicles.
Powered by three electric motors that produce a staggering 1234 horsepower and deliver an instantaneous 1430 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels, this luxury electric sedan has carved its name into not just the record books of Car and Driver, but also into the annals of automotive history.
The Fall of the Tesla Model S Plaid
The Tesla Model S Plaid, once heralded as the pinnacle of electric performance, has met its match. Although the battle was closely fought, the Lucid Air Sapphire edged out the Tesla with its astonishing acceleration times. Finishing the quarter-mile in 9.3 seconds at 153 mph, the Sapphire's feats are not just numbers but a testament to engineering prowess and a peek into the future of automotive performance.
Dominic Toretto's iconic line, 'It doesn't matter if you win by an inch or a mile. Winning's winning.', has never been more relevant. The minute advantages the Sapphire holds in speed tests are a showcase of not just technological advancement but the increasing competitive nature of the electric vehicle industry.
The Sapphire's Impressive Feats Beyond Speed
But speed isn't the only realm where the Lucid Air Sapphire excels. During our Lightning Lap test at VIR, this marvel of electric engineering set lap-time records for both EVs and sedans. This achievement is a testimony to the Sapphire's well-rounded capabilities, combining mind-blowing acceleration with superior handling and agility.
Interestingly, the Sapphire achieved these feats despite being considerably heavier than its Tesla counterpart, weighing in at 5345 pounds. This fact accentuates the outstanding engineering that went into its making, capable of delivering record-setting performance irrespective of its heft.
Dreaming of Sub-2.0-Second 0-60 MPH Runs
Lucid has teased the possibility of breaking the 2.0-second barrier for the 0 to 60 mph sprint, a feat that was nearly achieved during a specialized test run at Sonoma Raceway. On the race-optimized track, the Sapphire hit 60 mph in 1.9 seconds, further igniting the imaginations of speed enthusiasts and setting a new benchmark for the team at Lucid to surpass in consumer conditions.
In a rapidly evolving automotive landscape where electric vehicles are continually pushing the boundaries of performance, the 2024 Lucid Air Sapphire stands out as a remarkable testament to human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Its record-setting sprints are not just numbers; they symbolize the untapped potential of electric mobility and offer a thrilling glimpse into the future of automotive performance.