FYI: Experience the thrilling showdown between the Lucid Air Sapphire and the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT as these electrifying sedans battle it out in a high-octane U-drag race, redefining the limits of electric speed and agility.
In an exhilarating test of speed and prowess, Edmunds orchestrated a dramatic U-drag race featuring two of the most impressive electric sedans on the market: the Lucid Air Sapphire and the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT. This compelling showdown is not only about straight-line velocity but also examines handling through a quarter-mile straight, a challenging U-turn, and an additional 400 yards back to the start.
Racers Unleashed
The race format added an extra layer of intrigue as drivers swapped vehicles to ensure unbiased results. With both acceleration and handling in the spotlight, this race promised to crown the world’s fastest electric sedan, a title currently in contention despite fierce competition from the Tesla Model S Plaid.
2024 Lucid Air Sapphire: A Brief Overview
Priced at $249,000, the Lucid Air Sapphire is a powerhouse with its tri-motor EV setup, generating a staggering 1,234 horsepower and 1,430 lb-ft of torque. This all-wheel-drive beast rockets from 0 to 60 mph in just 1.89 seconds and offers a range of 427 miles, weighing in at 5,356 pounds.
2024 Porsche Taycan Turbo GT: Notable Contender
The Porsche Taycan Turbo GT, starting at $230,000, is equipped with dual permanent magnet synchronous motors, providing between 777 and 1,092 horsepower and up to 988 lb-ft of torque. It boasts a 0 to 60 mph time of 2.1 seconds and a range of 344 miles, with a vehicle weight of 5,100 pounds.
Thrilling Race: The Duel Details
In the first heat, Edmunds’ Alistair Weaver piloted the Lucid Air Sapphire, leaving Jonathan Elfaran trailing in the Taycan Turbo GT. The Lucid’s superior power launched it ahead by three car lengths, maintaining dominance through the U-turn and finishing well ahead at over 160 mph.
The second round saw Alistair and Jonathan switch cars. The Porsche, piloted by Alistair, initially pulled ahead, but the Lucid quickly closed the gap and surged past after the U-turn, securing another victory with ease.
Conclusion: Lucid’s Dominance in the Electric Arena
The slight weight advantage of the Taycan was no match for the Lucid’s commanding power. In the domain of electric sedans, pure acceleration and agility crown the Lucid Air Sapphire as the reigning champion. However, with Xiaomi’s SU7 Ultra prototype setting a remarkable pace on the Nürburgring, the competition in the electric vehicle landscape remains fierce and ever-changing.
Stay updated on the latest automotive feats by reaching out to us at tips@automotive.fyi or follow us on Twitter @automotivefyi.
Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
