Summary
- Lucid may be attempting to break the electric vehicle lap record at Nurburgring Nordschleife set by the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT
- An Air Sapphire prototype was spotted at the ‘Ring with light camo wrap and racing seats
- The Air Sapphire has 1,234 hp from three electric motors, making it faster in a straight line than the Taycan Turbo GT
- However, the Turbo GT Weissach package adds aero components and improves power delivery
- The Air Sapphire is heavier and has narrower rear tires, likely not as quick through corners as the Turbo GT Weissach, but should perform better on straights.
Article
Lucid Motors may be aiming to break the electric vehicle lap record at the Nurburgring Nordschleife, currently held by the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT. Recently, a prototype of the Lucid Air Sapphire was spotted at the famous track, covered in camo wrap and featuring racing seats. CarSpyMedia posted a video of the Air Sapphire, showing the driver swerving at the start of the lap to warm up the tires for maximum grip, indicating a possible hot lap attempt. The Air Sapphire boasts 1,234 horsepower from three electric motors, making it quicker in a straight line than the Taycan Turbo GT.
The Porsche Taycan Turbo GT currently holds the Nurburgring Nordschleife EV lap record with a time of 7:07.55, similar to a track-honed 911 GT3 RS. With its additional weight and narrower rear tires, the Lucid Air Sapphire may struggle to match the Turbo GT’s cornering performance. However, its superior power and torque could potentially make up for some of the difference on the straights. Despite being heavier than the Turbo GT, the Air Sapphire is expected to outperform the Tesla Model S Plaid, which currently holds a lap time of 7:25.231 at the track.
The Porsche Taycan Turbo GT is available with the Weissach package, which adds aero components, Attack Mode for aggressive power delivery, and carbon fiber paneling to reduce weight by 165 pounds. This package enhances the Turbo GT’s performance, making it more agile and quicker through corners. While the Air Sapphire may not match the Turbo GT Weissach’s cornering abilities, its raw power and torque are expected to shine on straight sections of the track.
It remains to be seen if Lucid Motors was aiming to set a new lap record with the Air Sapphire at the Nurburgring, or if the goal was simply to test the capabilities of their high-performance model. The track is known for being one of the most challenging drives in the world, making it an ideal testing ground for performance vehicles. With its impressive power output and potential for quick acceleration, the Lucid Air Sapphire is poised to make an impact at the Nurburgring, showcasing the capabilities of electric vehicles in the realm of high-performance driving.
As Lucid Motors continues to push the boundaries of electric vehicle technology, the potential for breaking records and setting new benchmarks in performance becomes increasingly within reach. The Nurburgring Nordschleife presents a unique opportunity for manufacturers to test the limits of their vehicles, and the Air Sapphire’s appearance at the track signals Lucid’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what electric vehicles can achieve. With its combination of power, performance, and innovative design, the Air Sapphire embodies the future of high-performance electric vehicles, setting the stage for a new era in automotive engineering and innovation.
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