version that stole the show at the 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Sure, the new range-topper sits hunkered down with flared shoulders, menacing wheels, and a naughty upturned spoiler—all the obligatory visual signifiers of an ultra-powerful cruiser. But the quantum leap in capability forms some startling numbers: 1,234 hp and 1,430 ft lbs of torque from three motors and a 118 kWh battery. The power-train configuration hurtles the 5,336-pound sedan to 60 mph in 1.
This genetic spinoff is so extreme, it might warrant its own sub-brand. “I would consider it like a [Mercedes-Benz] AMG or a [BMW] M category within Lucid,” suggests Jenkins, an assertion that plays well with thematic blue-tinged details that hint at American racing liveries, and California-centric nods like grizzly-bear logos.
Custom two-compound Michelin tires are configured with stickier edges designed to enhance cornering prowess.The danger of going overboard with rocket-like thrust is the potential that its handling capabilities might pale in comparison to its straight-line prowess . Chassis guru Dave Lickfold says that the Sapphire’s dynamic target was a big-engined V-8 sedan equipped with a limited-slip differential.
My hot date with the Sapphire happened to fall during a sweltering afternoon in Los Angeles, unfortunate timing that hampered the opportunity for unfettered driving. While a few corners on Mulholland Boulevard revealed solid chassis stability and tenacious grip, I’d personally prefer a more comprehensive drive, ideally on a racetrack, to explore the outer edges of this Air’s capabilities.