Lucid Air Sapphire Hits Production: 1,234 HP Electric Beast Unveiled!
Lucid Motors' powerful electric sedan, the 2023 Lucid Air Sapphire, boasting 1,234 horsepower, is set to grace US roads. The first of its kind has just come off the assembly line in Casa Grande, Arizona.
A snapshot showcased the Sapphire in the Advanced Manufacturing Plant-1 (AMP-1) undergoing its ADAS system calibration. The company had previously revealed the sedan's specs, promising production in September 2023 and imminent deliveries to customers.
A key highlight of the Sapphire is its power. With twin rear motors and a single front axle motor, it pushes over 1,430 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a 118-kWh battery, mirroring the Dream Edition, ensuring an EPA-estimated range of 427 miles with 3.61 miles/kWh efficiency.
Performance-wise, Lucid asserts a 0 to 60 mph sprint in a mere 1.89 seconds for the Air Sapphire, with a peak speed of 205 mph. Notably, it surpassed the Tesla Model S Plaid in a quarter-mile drag race earlier this year.
The Lucid Air series, priced between $82,000 for the Pure model to a hefty $249,000 for the Sapphire, hasn't witnessed soaring sales, possibly due to its premium pricing. However, production is up, with a 204% rise in Q2 2023 (2,173 units) and deliveries rising 107% in the same timeframe. Q3 figures are anticipated soon.
Lucid hopes for a sales boost with its newly inaugurated assembly plant in Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah Economic City, called AMP-2. The facility is projected to produce 5,000 units initially, ramping up to 155,000 units in subsequent phases.
Lucid, a luxury EV maker, posted Q2 results below expectations. Despite announcing their Gravity SUV's November launch and reaffirming annual production goals, key performance areas were underwhelming.
