Yahoo Autos $425K Lucid Air Sapphire Is a 1234-HP EV In an Armored Suit
The Lucid Air Sapphire has three electric motors making 1234 horsepower, and now U.S. Armor Group will build an armored version for $425K.
With ballistic windows and military-grade armor, the Air's upgrades allow it to stop a 44 Magnum round.
Along with an "impenetrable" Wi-Fi system, the Air can also be fitted with poison gas detection and door handles that'll shock attackers.
While we were very impressed when the Lucid Air Sapphire became the quickest EV we've ever tested, we couldn't help but think the one thing that would make it even better was if it was bulletproof. Ok, so that thought never actually crossed our minds, but that didn't stop U.S. Armor Group from making an armored Air Sapphire a reality.
An Armored Air
Not only is the Lucid Air a lot prettier than a Tesla Cybertruck, but now there's a bulletproof version that can survive being pelted with subsonic ammunition. That's according to the company that builds it. U.S. Armor Group, which uses the tagline "Global Threat Mitigation," claims its armor upgrades allow the Sapphire to withstand a 44 Mangum round.
That protection comes from military-grade composite armor that's said to be 10 times stronger than ballistic steel. Most importantly, it's lighter too, and even with laminated, transparent armor replacing the Air's standard glass windows, U.S. Armor Group says it all only adds 385 pounds to the car's curb weight. When we tested a Sapphire, it tipped our scales at 5345 pounds.
Inside, the armored Air Sapphire looks the same as it does from the factory. However, it has upgraded features such as an "impenetrable" Wi-Fi system designed to protect private data from hackers. Plus, there's technology to detect nearby threats, and if things get really dire—like, say, a Michael Mann-esque heist—U.S. Armor Group says there's a one-touch feature to immediately call for help. Think of it as the world's most expensive Life Alert.
What's the asking price for a Lucid Air that can go for a Sunday cruise in a warzone? Well, it starts at $425,000, but that price can climb even higher depending on the selected add-ons. We're not talking about ventilated seats or a driver-assistance package, either. U.S. Armor Group's options list looks more like something you'd find in Call of Duty. Concealed gun ports? Check. Upgraded armor to stop grenades and other explosives? Check. Poison gas detection and door handles that'll shock attackers? Check and check.
Now let's just hope the armored Air has a fully charged battery should it get into the type of trouble that requires it to be so death-proof.
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