Taking direct aim at the Tesla Model S — as well as the upcoming Mercedes-Benz EQS — Lucid is getting ready to launch its first-ever battery-sedan late this year and the automaker now says it will offer two different versions of the top-line Dream Edition, one maximizing performance, the other putting the emphasis on range.
The appropriately named Dream Performance model will punch out an astounding 1,133 horsepower and “1,000+” newton meters of torque — enough to launch it from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 2.5 seconds. Numbers for the Dream Range model haven’t been finalized by the EPA but the original Dream Edition was expected to deliver on the order of 503 miles per charge.
“As a technology company, we seek to exceed expectations and this is clearly evident with our Lucid Air Dream Edition Performance and Range variants,” said Peter Rawlinson, the CEO and CTO of the Lucid Group. “I’m delighted to provide our Dream Edition customers with this additional choice and breadth of capabilities.”
The secret sauce
For those who’ve followed the EV world, Rawlinson previously served as chief engineer at Tesla, where he led the development of the automaker’s critical Model S line. In a series of conversations with TheDetroitBureau.com he’s made it clear a key goal is to one-up his old company in a variety of ways, starting with the efficiency of its battery drive system.
If the 113 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion pack used for both Dream models can come anywhere near the numbers Lucid is proffering it would seem to have met Rawlinson’s goals. Not that Tesla loses all bragging rights. The new Model S Plaid would still beat the Dream Performance edition off the line, though there’s some debate about if how — or if — it actually makes the launch time numbers of about 1.9 seconds 0-60.
Lucid isn’t saying precisely what the differences are between the drive systems in the Performance and Range models, but, based on prior conversations, it appears likely that it’s largely about the “tuning” of software used by the electronic control systems, rather than any significant change in hardware. If there’s anything highlighted by the company’s release today, the Performance package rides on “specially developed” Pirelli P-Zero 245/35 21-inch tires. The Range model goes with P-Zero 245/45 19-inch rubber.
Plenty of power, lots of range
The reality is, that both models are, according to preliminary Lucid specifications, impressive both in terms of range and performance. The Dream Range model still delivers 933 hp and more than 1,000 Nm of torque. And it will still hit 60 in a neck-snapping 2.7 seconds.
Lucid isn’t saying how much the “P”-badged model will lose in terms of range but it is still expected to be above 400 miles and could yet exceed the longest-range version of the Tesla Model S.
As for the “R” model, Lucid originally was shooting for a top range of 503 miles with the Air Dream. In its statement Wednesday, it noted, it took a pair of Dream Edition Range models out in a test jointly conducted with Motor Trend and “drove from Los Angeles to San Francisco at highway speeds via central California, and then back across the San Francisco Bay to Lucid’s global headquarters, traveling 445 miles on a single charge. Upon arrival, the cars displayed, respectively, 30 miles and 72 miles of charge remaining (for totals of 475 and 517 miles).”
As for pricing, the Lucid Air Dream models both will come fully equipped at a price of $169,000. That’s before factoring in delivery fees and other charges — but buyers also qualify for a $7,500 federal tax credit no longer available for Tesla products. The Dream P and R models will go on sale “later this year,” according to Lucid. Less expensive versions will follow “shortly thereafter.”
Great, I’m going to buy the 1133 HP one. What, I can’t! Never mind.
Simple question, do they pay for these spots? If not, why bother printing them?