Lucid Air Sapphire Smashes Records with Track Tire Package
The Lucid Air Sapphire, already a powerhouse with its 1,234 horsepower, has reached a new echelon of performance thanks to the introduction of its Track Tire package. This upgrade propels the Sapphire to the top of MotorTrend's all-time 0-60 mph leaderboard, achieving an astounding 1.881-second sprint.
This enhancement comes in the form of a dealer-installed package costing $8,250, featuring Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS Elect LM1 tires mounted on the Sapphire's forged wheels. This investment delivers a significant performance boost, shaving off time from the Sapphire's previous 2.2-second 0-60 mph acceleration achieved with its standard Michelin Pilot Sport 4S LM1 tires. All tests were conducted under MotorTrend's standardized protocols, without using traction compounds. The remarkable 1.881-second time is a direct result of enhanced grip. The track tires harness the car's 1,430 lb-ft of torque, translating it into near-instantaneous acceleration. The new tires allow the Sapphire to truly live up to its sub-two-second 0-60 mph promise.
This performance benchmark is notable, especially when compared to rivals like the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT Weissach, which clocked in just 0.006 seconds behind the Lucid.
Gapping the Competition
Prior to the Trofeo RS tire test, the Lucid Air Sapphire already held MotorTrend's quarter-mile record with a 9.21-second run at 157.1 mph. With the Pirellis, the Sapphire further improved its time to 9.03 seconds. However, it's worth noting that the Sapphire on standard Michelins exhibited stronger performance at the top end, achieving a slightly higher trap speed of 154.8 mph.
Regardless of the tires, the Sapphire delivers breathtaking acceleration. It catapults forward with incredible immediacy, transforming the driving experience into an exhilarating rush. Reaching triple-digit speeds in under four seconds, the Sapphire redefines perceptions of speed.
Mastering 1,234 HP
Beyond sheer acceleration, the track tires significantly improve braking performance. The Sapphire comes to a halt from speed in an impressive 93 feet, a notable 10-foot improvement compared to the same car equipped with Michelin tires, matching the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT Weissach for best-stopping EV.
The Porsche, which also uses P Zero Trofeo RS Elect tires, exhibits exceptional cornering capabilities, lapping MotorTrend's figure-eight course in 21.9 seconds with 1.15 g's of lateral grip.
The Sapphire on Trofeo tires trailed slightly behind the Porsche, completing the same lap in 22.3 seconds with 1.11 g of cornering grip. This shows an improvement over the factory Michelins. The Pirelli track tires enhance the Sapphire's existing chassis balance. The car exhibits stability when entering corners, maintaining composure at the limit. With stability control in Track mode, the rear tires predictably break loose before the fronts, making the Sapphire engaging to drive. Disabling ESC enables more dramatic drifts, while the rear confidently aligns for maximum acceleration.
Refined Power
The Sapphire manages to incorporate exceptional performance within the framework of a spacious, four-door luxury sedan. The Sapphire handles city streets with the poise of a Mercedes E-Class.
This duality is achieved with standard steel springs and adaptive dampers, offering four distinct modes: Smooth, Swift, Sapphire, and Track. The Sapphire is a well-rounded sports sedan, a capable drag racer, and a refined luxury vehicle. With a high baseline of performance, the Track Tire package offers drivers an opportunity to elevate the experience further.
