Suzuki, a multinational automobile and motorcycle manufacturer based in Shizuoka, Japan, has reached an impressive milestone by selling a total of 80 million vehicles worldwide as of August 2023. The company operates 15 production facilities in 10 countries, producing cars, bikes, outboard marine engines, and other products. Suzuki’s vehicles are sold in 184 countries. Out of the 80 million cars sold, 36 percent were in Japan, 10 percent in Europe, 13.5 percent in Asia, 32.6 percent in India, and 7.8 percent in the rest of the world.
Suzuki began its journey towards 80 million sales with the launch of Japan’s first mass-production mini-vehicle, the Suzulight, in October 1955. The company expanded its presence in the global automobile market by introducing the Fronte 800 in 1965, a compact vehicle.
Chery Automobile, a Chinese-based automaker, is planning to enter the European market by launching new models from three of its brands by the end of 2025. These brands include Omoda, Jaecoo, and Exlantix. The Omoda 5, a crossover model, is set to be launched in Spain later this year and will also be available in the UK and Germany in the future. The Omoda 5 will be offered in combustion, plug-in hybrid, and electric versions to cater to different market demands. The electric version of the Omoda 5 is said to have 198 horsepower and a range of 280 miles on a single charge.
Chery plans to sell the combustion-powered version of the Omoda 5 in Spain, while Germany will receive both gas and electric models. The starting price for these models is expected to be around 30,000 euros. The automaker aims to launch the Omoda and Jaecoo models in all major European markets. Jochen Tueting, Chery’s European managing director, stated that the Omoda 5 will be competitively priced.
Chery also plans to introduce its all-electric brand, Exlantix, in Europe by early 2025. The company has already showcased the E03 sedan and E0Y SUV models. Chery is also considering the possibility of purchasing or constructing an assembly plant in Europe to emphasize local production. However, a decision on this matter is expected to be made in the coming year.
Overall, Chery’s expansion into the European market will not only involve selling cars but also establishing a presence in a highly competitive market. The success of these new brands and models remains to be seen.
Google’s biggest breakthrough for the automobile industry was when it introduced the ‘Android Auto’ feature for better in-car connectivity
On September 27, 1998, Larry Page and Sergey Brin launched a research project called ‘Backrub,’ which later became known as ‘Google.’ Since then, Google has significantly changed how people access information and connect with the world. As Google celebrates its 25th birthday, let’s explore its profound impact on the travel and automobile industry.
Google Maps: A World Map In Your Pocket
In 2005, Google introduced ‘Google Maps,’ which has now become a go-to navigation tool used by over 1 billion people worldwide every month. It started as a web-based service but later became available as a mobile application with turn-by-turn navigation. Google Maps also offers real-time traffic updates and additional features like fuel-saving suggestions and ‘Immersive View’ for a 3D city experience.
Furthermore, Google is developing high-definition maps specifically for cars, starting with the Volvo EX90 electric SUV. These maps will display detailed information such as lane markings, road signs, and traffic barriers. Google Maps also played a significant role in the rise of ride-sharing services like Uber.
In response to the increasing popularity of smartphones, Google launched ‘Android Auto’ in the mid-2010s. This app allows users to connect their Android devices to a car’s touchscreen system, providing access to apps, messages, notifications, music, and maps. Android Auto offers a redesigned interface that is safer and easier to use while driving. The first car to integrate Android Auto was the 2015 Hyundai Sonata, and it has since been adopted by various car manufacturers.
In 2016, Google introduced Android Auto in India, with Mahindra being the first carmaker to offer it. Since then, Google has continued to update the app, adding features like split-screen functionality, digital car key compatibility (with BMW cars), and WhatsApp calls through Android Auto.
Google-based Infotainment Systems
Building on the success of Android Auto, Google developed ‘Android Automotive,’ an Android-based operating system for in-car infotainment systems. This system integrates Google services like Maps and Assistant, allowing users to access them without connecting a smartphone. Car manufacturers like Volvo, Renault, and Honda already offer Android Automotive in their vehicles, and Google plans to expand it to other brands, including Ford and Nissan.
From a search engine to a global technology company, Google has revolutionized how we access information and connect with the world. Its contributions to the automotive industry have made travel easier and driving experiences more connected. Which of these Google features do you use the most and why? Let us know in the comments.
The Dodge Charger has once again secured the top spot on the Highway Loss Data Institute’s (HLDI) list of the most stolen vehicles in the United States for the model years 2020 to 2022. Surprisingly, a viral trend targeting Hyundai-Kia vehicles has also pushed four Kia models into the top 20 list.
According to HLDI’s comprehensive report on vehicle thefts, theft claims for the Dodge Charger, specifically the SRT Hellcat version, were over 60 times higher than the average for all models from 2020 to 2022. The HEMI-powered Charger variant also had theft claims over 20 times higher than the average during the same period.
For over a decade, the Charger and Challenger models with powerful engines have consistently been among the top five most stolen vehicles. However, the rate at which these theft claims have increased is notable. The incidents of whole-vehicle theft claims for the 2020-22 Charger SRT Hellcat models rose to 25 claims per 1,000 insured vehicle years, a significant increase from approximately 18 claims for the 2019-21 models. In contrast, the 2017-19 Infiniti Q60 only had two thefts per 1,000 insured vehicle years.
While the Charger models maintain their notorious status, other brands have also experienced frequent thefts. Luxury vehicles from BMW, Infiniti, and Land Rover, as well as three full-sized pickups, have made it to the list. Additionally, modestly priced models from Honda, Kia, and Nissan are also included, covering a wide spectrum of vehicles.
Here is the list of the Top 20 most stolen vehicles in the US for the 2020-2022 model years:
Make and model
Vehicle size/type
Relative claim frequency (100 = average)
Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat
Large car
6,128
Dodge Charger HEMI
Large car
2,197
Infiniti Q50
Mid-size luxury car
878
Dodge Challenger
Large car
766
Land Rover Range Rover 4WD
Large luxury SUV
611
Kia Sportage
Small SUV
479
Land Rover Range Rover Sport 4WD
Large luxury SUV
460
Kia Sportage 4WD
Small SUV
415
Honda CR-V 4WD
Small SUV
409
BMW X6 4WD
Mid-size luxury SUV
361
Kia Rio
Minicar
359
Kia Forte
Small car
357
Ford F-350 SuperCrew 4WD
Very large pickup
349
BMW X7 4WD
Large luxury SUV
338
Ford F-250 SuperCrew 4WD
Very large pickup
337
Honda Accord
Mid-size car
306
Ram 3500 crew cab long-wheelbase 4WD
Very large pickup
306
Infiniti Q50 4WD
Mid-size luxury car
287
Nissan Maxima
Mid-size car
284
Honda CR-V
Small SUV
270
As mentioned earlier, Hyundai and Kia vehicles have seen a significant increase in thefts due to a vulnerability in their advanced electronic immobilization systems. Consequently, four Kia models have made their way into the top ranks on HLDI’s list. Additionally, six out of the 20 models with the lowest claims for whole vehicle theft belong to the electric vehicle segment, with an equal number coming from General Motors.
The engine in the Ford Model T, the first mass-produced American automobile, was a 177ci (2.9-liter) inline-four that made 20 horsepower, with a top speed of 45 mph. There are now internal combustion engines in American production models as big as 8.4-liters (513ci), ones that produce 1,025 horsepower, and ones that can hit top speeds in excess of 200 mph. It would take 51.2 Model Ts to equal the power of the modern era’s mightiest cars.
The old saying about it not being about the size but what you do with it definitely applies when it comes to massive engines. There were 400-plus cubic inch engines in the 1970s that had embarrassingly low outputs and modern four-cylinders that are supercars. Thanks to environmental regulations, they used to lower the compression on V-8s to meet standards and conversely throwing a couple of turbochargers on an I-4 turns it into a horsepower superstar.
There is however something to be said about a big cubic inch or liter count. It’s not just a bragging right to sport some huge displacement, it’s a matter of confidence and pride to have impressive numbers emblazoned on the side or back of your ride. With that, here are the biggest engines ever shoehorned into an American production model, ranked from enormous to gargantuan.
Hilariously, the fabled 426 Hemi is the puniest engine on this list. It did however crank out more horsepower and torque than many of the larger displacement power plants to follow. Chrysler first started developing V-12 Hemi engines in WWII for the P-47 Thunderbolt fighter aircraft and the M47 Patton tank. The first-gen automobile Hemis, known as FirePower came out in 1951 and ranged in displacement from 276-392ci.
Power And Performance
Engine
426ci Hemi V-8
Engine Output
425 horsepower, 490 pound-feet of torque
Transmission
Four-speed manual
0-60 Time
4.7 seconds
Quarter-mile
13.1 seconds
Top Speed
117 mph
The 426 Hemi came out in 1964 for racing purposes, known familiarly as the “Elephant engine,” and found its way into production vehicles by 1966. Available on all Dodge and Plymouth models from the classic muscle car era, for some reason it was faster in the 1970 Hemi ‘Cuda. A ’69 Road Runner with a 426 Hemi and four-speed could run a quarter-mile in 13.3 seconds while a similarly equipped ’70 ‘Cuda did it in 13.1 seconds.
91967 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray
427ci/6.99-liter
Bring A Trailer
Chevrolet developed their Big Blocks for use in their medium-duty trucks and accidentally stumbled upon one of the greatest performance engines of all time. The legendary 427 enjoyed time under the hoods of COPO Camaros and Chevelles, but those weren’t production models and the only factory car it was originally equipped in was the Corvette.
Power And Performance
Engine
427ci L88 Tri-Power V-8
Engine Output
435 horsepower, 460 pound-feet of torque
Transmission
Four-speed manual
0-60 Time
5.6 seconds
Quarter-mile
13.6 seconds
Top Speed
151 mph
The 1967 Corvette Sting Ray is considered the best of the C2 second-generation and if it had the L88 427 Tri-Power engine, it was the ultimate American performance machine ever made. In a test drive at the time, Car and Driver noted the ’67 Vette with the L88 427 was, “among the best-engineered sports cars made anywhere” and “good enough to make it the Best All-Around Car of 1967.”
81969 Ford Mustang Boss 429
429ci/7.0-liter
Mecum
Ford actually made 427, 428, and 429ci engines that all qualify for this list, but it would take way too long to detail each one of them, so the 385-series 429 is the one that ranks. Initially designed as a NASCAR racing engine, it was first used in Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury luxury cars. It would later make its way into Ford pickups.
Power And Performance
Engine
429ci 385-Series V-8
Engine Output
375 horsepower, 450 pound-feet of torque
Transmission
Four-speed manual
0-60 Time
7.1 seconds
Quarter-mile
14.09 seconds
Top Speed
116 mph
The reason why the engine is famous however is that they threw one in a 1969 fastback Mustang, creating the legendary Boss 429. With only 1,359 ever made in two years of production, the Boss 429 is one of the rarest and most desirable Mustangs ever. A ’69 in unrestored perfect original condition sold at a Barrett-Jackson auction $605,000.
Mopar muscle cars were known for two engines: the 426 Hemi and the 440, preferably with a Six-Pack. Though the 440 obviously has more displacement than the 426, it wasn’t quite as powerful. That doesn’t mean it sucked because some of the fastest classics were flexing 440 muscle under the hood. Literally, nobody was cruising the streets looking for a 440 to drag.
Power And Performance
Engine
440ci Magnum V-8
Engine Output
390 horsepower, 490 pound-feet of torque
Transmission
Four-speed manual
0-60 Time
5.8 seconds
Quarter-mile
14.0 seconds
Top Speed
146 mph
The 440 was the largest Chrysler RB-series engine, and the high-output versions came with three Holley two-barrel carburetors. For Dodge, they were called 440 Magnums, while Plymouth dubbed them 440 Super Commandos, and Chrysler was simply 440 TNT. A 1970 Challenger R/T SE was a hundredth of a second away from being a 13-second car and had one of the highest top speeds of any muscle car.
61970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS
454ci/7.4-liter
Mecum
The popular Chevy Small Blocks were known as “Mouse Engines,” so when they came out with the Big Blocks, people started calling them “Rat Engines” because that’s clearly a bigger rodent. Of course, beady-eyed vermin doesn’t accurately describe the sheer size and power of the 454, so something along the lines of “Orca Engine” would have been more appropriate.
Power and Performance
Engine
454ci LS-6 V-8
Engine Output
450 horsepower, 50 pound-feet of torque
Transmission
Four-speed manual
0-60 Time
6.0 seconds
Quarter-mile
13.8 seconds
Top Speed
130 mph
The W-series Mark IV LS-6 454 was rated at 450 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque, but Chevy was notorious for understating the power of their engines, and some think it cranked out 500-plus ponies. Under the hood of the 1970 Chevelle SS, this engine was a doombringer, capable of destroying nearly everything off the line.
51970 Buick GSX Stage 1
455ci/7.5-liter
Mecum Auctions
In the film This is Spinal Tap, guitarist Nigel Tufnel had an amp that cranked up to 11, when others only went to ten. Buick had the same idea in 1970 when they made the Big Block 455, which was exactly one better than the Chevrolet 454. With “thin-wall casting” engine block technology, it was also substantially lighter than the Chevy Big Block, weighing 150 pounds less than a 454.
Power and Performance
Engine
455ci Big Block V-8
Engine Output
360 horsepower, 510 pound-feet of torque
Transmission
Four-speed manual
0-60 Time
6.2 seconds
Quarter-mile
13.3 seconds
Top Speed
109 mph
A Big Block on a Diet meant that whatever car it was put into would have a power-to-weight ratio advantage. As is the case with most of these gigantic engines, they were mostly put into full-size luxury cars with detuned versions. Buick did manage to cram one into a two-door coupe making one of the most powerful classic-era muscle cars. The 1970 GSX 455 Stage 1 was not only one of the fastest rides, it produced the most torque of any American performance car until the Dodge Viper beat it 33 years later.
The Ford 385-series engines are named after the 3.85-inch crankshaft stroke on the 460ci that was introduced in 1968. As the biggest engine of the series, it was deceptive because it didn’t blast out the ponies like engines with much less displacement. At the height of its power, it was rated at 365 horsepower, but after years of detuning due to environmental regulations, it was only trickling out 197 horses.
Power and Performance
Engine
460ci 385-Series V-8
Engine Output
365 horsepower, 500 pound-feet of torque
Transmission
Three-speed automatic
0-60 Time
7.4 seconds
Quarter-mile
16.0 seconds
Top Speed
120 mph
The 460 would eventually be made available to all full-size Ford Lincoln-Mercury vehicles as well as F-Series trucks, but when it first came out it was exclusively a Lincoln engine and standard on the ’68 Continental Mark III. It would have been cool if they had developed a high-performance version of the 460 for the Mercury Cougar Eliminator or even better, a Mustang Boss 460, but having that gargantuan engine in a luxury Continental was alright too.
32002 GMC Sierra 2500 HD
496ci/8.1-liter
Bring a Trailer
The Vortec 8100 L18 big-block V-8 was introduced by GMC in 2001 as a truck engine, but it also found its way into boats and the Russian-made T-98 Kombat armored vehicle. Despite its massive 8.1-liter displacement, it wasn’t a big power producer, making from 210 to 340 horsepower. The 325 to 455 pound-feet of torque range was a little better, but not by much.
Power and Performance
Engine
8.1-liter Vortec V-8
Engine Output
320 horsepower, 455 pound-feet of torque
Transmission
Six-speed automatic
0-60 Time
7.1 seconds
Quarter-mile
15.7 seconds
Top Speed
99 mph (limited)
To put this into contrast, a 2002 GMC Sierra 2500 HD with the 8.1-liter Vortec produced 340 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque, while the 2023 Sierra gets the exact same power out of a 5.3-liter V-8. It’s not that the 8.1-liter Vortec engine is horrible, it’s just not a super-high performer, especially for its size, and there’s an 8-plus liter at the top of this list that is mind-blowing by comparison.
21970 Cadillac Eldorado
500ci/8.2-liter
Mecum Auctions
Cadillac made a 453ci V-16 for their cars in the 1930s, but they hit maximum displacement in 1970 with the 500ci 472-Series. The was also a 472ci in that series, hence the name, but it seems redundant to do a list entry for both, especially since the 500 is so ridiculously enormous. Though not necessarily a performance engine, it wasn’t entirely weak either, at least not at first.
Power And Performance
Engine
500ci 472-Series V-8
Engine Output
400 horsepower, 550 pound-feet of torque
Transmission
Three-speed automatic
0-60 Time
8.8 seconds
Quarter-mile
16.37 seconds
Top Speed
126 mph
A 1970 Cadillac Eldorado with a 500 was cranking 400 horsepower and 550 pound-feet of torque, which ain’t bad for a big luxury ride. By the time the 500 was discontinued in 1976, it had been neutered by government regulations so much that it eked out 190 horses and 360 pound-feet of torque, which is awful for a car that weighs 5,080 pounds.
There are actually five different Viper V-10 engines, ranging in displacement from 8.0-liters to 8.4-liters, but again, it wouldn’t be a very interesting list if all the top entries were Vipers. In addition to powering the mighty Dodge Viper, the Viper V-10 got dropped into the Dodge Ram SRT-10 as well as the Dodge Tomahawk concept vehicle. The biggest and best version however is under the hood of the 2013 SRT Viper.
RUF Automobile’s automotive creations are incredibly rare and stunning. Each time I see one, I’m amazed. While I can’t afford to have one in my garage right now, I can still get my hands on this amazing creation from Ritter Goods.
Recently, Ritter Goods unveiled a highly detailed 1/43 scale model of the 1987 RUF CTR ‘Yellowbird.’ It was designed in Andrew Ritter’s signature style and is officially licensed by RUF Automobile. This model is part of the new Ritter Goods Archives line, which features highly-detailed 1/43 resin models.
Despite its small size, this model is packed with incredible detail. The exterior showcases fully-detailed tires, wheels, brake calipers with drilled rotors, exhaust, turbo waste gates, engine, suspension, and more. Inside, you’ll find a fully replicated interior, complete with the roll cage, gauge cluster, shifter, and steering wheel, all accurately modeled on the original RUF Yellowbird.
Each Yellowbird model comes encased in a crystal-clear display case with a stand and a unique Ritter Goods Archives metal plaque. These display cases are wrapped in protective plastic and arrive in a captivating Ritter Goods Archives graphic sleeve, ensuring that your model remains pristine while making a statement.
If you want to learn more about this amazing model, visit RitterGoods.com.
Koenigsegg, the Swedish high-performance automobile manufacturer, has recently opened the Gripen Atelier and introduced the new client-specific Gemera model. The Gripen Atelier is a massive 118,000 square-foot facility dedicated to the development, design, and production of the Gemera lineup, expanding Koenigsegg’s total facilities to 323,000 square feet. This is where the Gemera program, along with the two-seater lineup, will be produced. The Gemera, a four-seater with over 1 megawatt (1,341 horsepower) of power, is an engineering marvel. However, the client-specific model takes it even further.
Originally, the Gemera was supposed to feature Koenigsegg’s Direct Drive system, similar to the Regera, as seen in the 2020 Gemera show car. However, during the development stage, the company decided to incorporate the Light Speed Transmission (LST) from their acclaimed Jesko model. The LST eliminates the flywheel and clutch, offering a new level of driver engagement and performance. Thus, the Light Speed Tourbillon Transmission (LSTT) was developed for the new Gemera.
In addition to this innovation, Koenigsegg has introduced the “Dark Matter” E-motor. This powerful Raxial Flux E-motor delivers 800 horsepower and 922 lb-ft of torque, making it the most potent automotive-grade E-motor available. Combined with the LSTT, it creates a lighter, compact, and more engaging drivetrain for the Gemera.
Alongside the unveiling of the client-specific Gemera, Koenigsegg has announced an upcoming HV8 (Hot V8) version, which takes the car’s power and innovation to new heights. With the HV8, the Gemera utilizes a V8 engine to achieve an astonishing 2,300 horsepower and 2,028 lb-ft of torque, setting a new world record for production cars.
Christian von Koenigsegg describes the Gemera HV8 as the “most powerful and extreme production car on the planet Earth,” highlighting its practicality and user-friendliness. According to him, the Gemera HV8 offers an unparalleled driving experience with its unique combination of power, responsiveness, handling, and spacious interior.
Koenigsegg plans to start production of the Gemera at the Gripen Atelier by the end of 2024, with customer deliveries beginning in early 2025. This marks a significant milestone for the company, providing a glimpse into the future of high-performance automobiles, beyond the traditional impractical two-seater models.
An electric car’s range has always been a major concern for consumers. Until recently, EV battery technology was limited, with most models offering a maximum range of 200 miles. However, Tesla was able to produce electric cars with ranges of 300–400 miles, becoming a leader in the industry. Lucid Motors, a California-based startup founded in 2014, quickly emerged as a strong competitor to Tesla by offering luxurious EV vehicles with similar technology. To gain an edge over Tesla, Lucid launched the Lucid Air in 2021, which became the longest-range electric vehicle (EV) with an EPA rating of 520 miles. With this achievement, the Lucid Air has pushed the boundaries of battery technology by driving over 100 miles longer than any other EV on the market.
Lucid Motors, initially known as Atieva, was a startup focused on battery technology development in 2007. Over the years, it shifted its focus to producing electric cars and hired former Tesla executives. Lucid Motors aimed to create a luxury electric vehicle that could outperform its competitors in multiple aspects. The company partnered with Formula E to supply batteries for electric race cars, gaining expertise in making more efficient electric batteries. Lucid’s batteries lasted the entire duration of Formula E races, setting a new standard at the time.
The knowledge gained from partnerships with McLaren and Formula E was then applied to the development of the Lucid Air. Unveiled in 2016, the Lucid Air initially grabbed attention by defeating the Tesla Model S in a quarter-mile race and setting a track record at Laguna Seca. Although Tesla eventually reclaimed the title for the fastest production EV, the Lucid Air showcased impressive performance capabilities that could not be ignored. However, the most remarkable feature was its long range. In the fall of 2021, the Lucid Air Dream Edition Range received an official EPA rating of 520 miles, making it the first EV to surpass the 500-mile mark.
EVs With The Best Range In The U.S.
Model
Range
Lucid Air
516 miles
Chevrolet Silverado EV
450 miles
Tesla Model S
405 miles
Hyundai Ioniq 6
361 miles
Tesla Model 3
358 miles
The Lucid Air Dream Edition came in two trims, the Dream Edition R and Dream Edition P. The Dream Edition P focused on speed and performance, boasting 1,111 hp, while the Dream Edition R emphasized maximum range. With 933 hp, the Dream Edition R showcased the impressive 520-mile range compared to the Dream Edition P’s 471-mile range. Both trims were released with a starting price of $169,900, and the limited 520 units produced in honor of the record range sold out immediately. So, how did Lucid achieve this impressive range in its EV? It all comes down to the in-house technology used by Lucid Motors.
Rear shot of the Lucid Air Sapphire racing on the track.
EVs are generally heavier than gas-powered vehicles due to their electric batteries, which can weigh anywhere from 1000 to 3000 pounds in larger vehicles. To tackle this weight issue, Lucid Motors focused on making everything else in its car as light as possible. Taking inspiration from the D-Type Jaguar, the automaker constructed the Lucid Air like an airplane. The aluminum body is formed through casting and extrusion, resulting in a rigid yet lightweight frame. Lucid packages its batteries in lightweight composite material, and their placement underneath the shell optimizes control and efficiency for both the driver and car.
Jean-Charles Monnet, Lucid Motors’ head aerodynamicist, designed the car’s aerodynamics to maximize its range. With past experience working on Red Bull’s Formula 1 car, Monnet brought F1 technology to the Lucid Air. Twin passages were added to the outside of the hood to direct airflow over the car, while small end plates beneath the car funnel air to the rear diffuser. The company’s claim of being “the most aerodynamically efficient luxury car” was confirmed through testing at Windshear’s rolling-road wind tunnel, where the Air achieved a drag coefficient of 0.21. The Air features a 900-volt electrical system, compared to the industry-standard 400 volts, allowing for smaller and lighter electrical components. By combining the motor, inverter, gears, and differential into a single unit, Lucid reduces the overall weight pushed around by the motors. This increased efficiency also provides more interior space for passengers and larger cargo space compared to Tesla models.
Lucid also enhanced the power generation capabilities of the Lucid Air’s motor. By optimizing the placement of rotor magnets, the Lucid Air generates more power with a motor that is 30 percent smaller than the one in the Tesla Model 3. This allows for more efficient transfer of energy from the battery to the powertrain, using only 27 kilowatt-hours of power per 100 miles. To improve efficiency further, Lucid streamlined the heating and cooling systems in the car. The higher voltage battery reduces heat output, leading to less power required for cooling.
The battery packaging in the Lucid Air differs from that of its competitors. While other automakers cool their batteries from the side, Lucid employs bottom cooling. This simplified battery packaging process prevents overheating and allows for better cooling throughout the entire vehicle. Additionally, the Air has front air inlets designed in-house that distribute air evenly over the radiator for maximum cooling. By integrating all of these innovative technologies, Lucid Motors has produced the most efficient and longest-range EV to date with the Lucid Air.
Front shot of Lucid Motor’s first SUV—the Lucid Gravity.
Although Lucid Motors delivered more Lucid Air models than originally promised in 2022, the company still faces obstacles in the near future. The entire EV industry is grappling with supply chain and logistics issues, leading to rising material costs. Battery production costs increased by seven percent in 2022, resulting in a price increase for the Lucid Air model. In contrast, Tesla managed to lower prices for most of its models.
In order to remain competitive, Lucid Motors needs to find ways to decrease expenses. The company had to reduce production in 2021 and 2022 and also delayed the release of its new all-electric SUV, the Lucid Gravity. While specific details about the Lucid Gravity are still unknown, many anticipate it to have similar capabilities to the Lucid Air, with impressive range and performance ratings. As inflation and interest rates continue to rise, it remains to be seen how Lucid Motors will address these challenges and continue to compete with Tesla and other EV automakers.
An electric car’s range has always been a major turnoff for automobile consumers. Until recently, EV battery technology wasn’t capable of long-range driving with models maxing out at 200 miles. Tesla was the forerunner in mass-producing electric cars, reaching ranges of 300–400 miles. Lucid Motors, a startup also founded in California back in 2014, quickly became one of Tesla’s main competitors. Offering luxurious EV vehicles with technology similar to Tesla, Lucid needed a feature to gain the upper hand. Back in 2021, Lucid launched the Lucid Air to compete with the Tesla Model S and boasted an EV record 520-mile EPA range. Able to drive over 100 miles longer than any other EV on the market, the Lucid Air is pushing the boundaries for battery technology.
Lucid Motors was originally a startup under the alternative name, Atieva, and focused on developing battery technology back in 2007. Over the years, they transitioned their focus to producing electric cars and added more employees including ex-Tesla executives. Lucid Motors’ goal was to develop a luxury electric vehicle that could outperform its competition in several facets. The CEO, Peter Rawlinson, made a deal with Formula E to supply batteries for the electric race cars. The partnership allowed Lucid Motors to gain expertise in making more efficient electric batteries. Lucid produced batteries that lasted the entire duration of Formula E races which was unheard of at the time.
Lucid Motors translated the new knowledge learned from its partnership with McLaren and Formula E into its flagship model—the Lucid Air. Originally unveiled in 2016, the prototype turned heads in the EV world when it beat the Tesla Model S in a quarter-mile race and later went on to beat the Tesla Model S Plaid’s track record at Laguna Seca. Although Tesla eventually took back the crown for the fastest production EV, the Lucid Air showed off impressive performance capabilities that could not be ignored. However, the most impressive feature was the Air’s long range. In the Fall of 2021, the official EPA rating was released for two of the four Lucid Air trims. The Dream Edition Range was given an official range of 520 miles, the first EV to ever pass the 500-mile mark.
EVs With The Best Range In The U.S.
Model
Range
Lucid Air
516 miles
Chevrolet Silverado EV
450 miles
Tesla Model S
405 miles
Hyundai Ioniq 6
361 miles
Tesla Model 3
358 miles
The Lucid Air Dream Edition came in two trims, the Dream Edition R and Dream Edition P. The Dream Edition P was geared more towards speed and performance boasting 1,111 hp whereas the Dream Edition R was optimized for maximum range. Although the Dream Edition R “only” had 933 hp, it showed off the infamous 520-mile range compared to the Dream Edition P’s range of 471 miles. Both were released with a starting price of $169,900 and the limited 520 units produced in honor of the 520-mile record range immediately sold out. But how exactly was Lucid able to achieve the impressive range with its EV? It’s all behind the in-house technology at Lucid Motors.
Rear shot of the Lucid Air Sapphire racing on the track.
It’s a known fact that EVs are distinctly heavier than gas-powered vehicles due to the electric battery. EV batteries alone weigh anything from 1000 pounds up to 3000 pounds in larger vehicles. With this in mind, Lucid Motors had to make everything else besides the battery in its car as light as possible. Using a technique seen in cars like the D-Type Jaguar, the automakers constructed the Lucid Air like an airplane. The aluminum body is formed by casting and extrusion, a process that makes the frame very rigid while also extremely light. Lucid packages its batteries in lightweight composite material and its rigid placement underneath the shell optimizes its control and efficiency for both the driver and car.
Lucid Motors’ head aerodynamicist, Jean-Charles Monnet, designed the car’s aerodynamics to maximize its range potential. Having worked previously with Red Bull’s Formula 1 car, Monnet brought F1 technology to the Lucid Air. Twin passages were added to the outside of the hood pushing the air up and over the car while small end plates are placed on the side underneath the car to funnel air to the rear diffuser. The company’s claims of being “the most aerodynamically efficient luxury car” were put to the test at Windshear’s rolling-road wind tunnel where the Air achieved a drag coefficient of 0.21. The Air features a 900-volt electrical system, compared to the industry standard 400 volts, which allows the automakers to reduce the size and weight of a number of other electrical components. Lucid was able to combine the motor, inverter, gears, and differential into a single small unit, reducing the amount of weight needed to be pushed around by the motors. This increased efficiency also allows more room for passengers inside and larger cargo space than Tesla models.
Shrinking the drive unit produces a denser magnetic field, and by optimizing the rotor magnets’ placement, the Lucid Air is able to generate more power in a motor 30 percent smaller than the Tesla Model 3’s. Lucid then is able to transfer the energy generated from its battery to its powertrain more efficiently than any other EV on the market, using 27 kilowatt-hours of power per 100 miles. An additional feature that Lucid cut inefficiencies from was the heating and cooling systems in the car. The higher voltage battery already reduces the amount of heat usually present by decreasing the power output necessary to run the cooling systems.
The battery packaging in the Lucid Air is quite different from that of its competitors. While automakers like Tesla cool their batteries from the side, requiring additional complex processes, the Lucid cools its cell from the bottom. The automakers then apply a heat-conducting adhesive when closing the module and use low resistance (in turn lower heat) wires to solder the cells to the bus bars. This simplified battery packaging process prevents the EV from overheating and allows for better cooling throughout the entire vehicle. The Air also has front air inlets designed in-house that funnel air into twin cortexes. There the air is distributed evenly over the radiator to ensure maximum cooling. Combine all of Lucid Motors’ innovative technology together, and you get the most efficient and longest-range EV ever produced with the Lucid Aid.
Front shot of Lucid Motor’s first SUV—the Lucid Gravity.
While the company actually over-delivered its Lucid Air models producing 7,180 of the originally promised 7,000 vehicles in 2022, the increasingly popular EV company still has some obstacles to overcome in the near future. The EV industry as a whole is experiencing supply chain and logistic issues with the constant rise of material costs. Battery production costs rose by seven-percent in 2022 and it doesn’t look like it’s falling anytime soon with the current trends. The Lucid Air already saw a price increase in the middle of 2022, partly due to this problem. In spite of this, Lucid Motors’ main competitor Tesla was able to decrease prices on almost all of its models.
To remain competitive, Lucid needs to figure out how to decrease expenses as they already had to cut production in half in 2021 and 2022. Lucid also had to push back the release date of its new all-electric SUV—the Lucid Gravity. While much of its specifications are still unannounced, many expect the SUV to feature similar capabilities as the sedan boasting impressive range and performance ratings. As inflation and interest rates continue to rise, only time will tell how the popular Lucid brand will be able to combat these issues and continue to compete with the likes of Tesla and other EV automakers.
Unlock Your Automotive Passion and Explore the Road Ahead
