Lucid Air Outperforms Lamborghini Revuelto in C&D's Annual Lightning Lap Competition | Carscoops

      The Lucid Air Sapphire version of the electric sedan was 1.1 seconds quicker than the Revuelto and 0.7 seconds faster than the Manthey Cayman GT4 RS.

      Recent reports state that the Lucid Air Sapphire emerged as the fastest vehicle in Car and Driver’s annual Lightning Lap competition. In comparison, Porsche’s top-of-the-line Taycan Turbo GT sedan lagged behind by 1.6 seconds. The slowest contender at the 4.1-mile Virginia International Raceway was the Mazda MX-5 Miata Club.

      While electric vehicles are known for their straight-line speed, they are often perceived as less capable on winding racetracks due to their weight. However, the results from the latest Lightning Lap contest challenge this notion. In this 18th edition, the four-door Lucid Air electric sedan outperformed two mid-engined rivals, including the Lamborghini Revuelto.

      It's important to note that we're discussing the Lucid Air Sapphire, which is significantly different from the standard Air. It boasts carbon brakes and a powerful triple-motor configuration that generates 1,234 hp (1,251 PS / 920 kW), allowing it to accelerate to 60 mph (97 km/h) in just 1.89 seconds. Despite being a hefty four-door vehicle weighing 5,336 lbs (2,420 kg), it still managed to outpace a two-seat, 1,001 hp (1,015 PS) V12 hybrid supercar by over a second on the 4.1-mile track at Virginia International Raceway.

      The Sapphire completed VIR’s Grand Course configuration in 2:40.2, compared to the Revuelto's 2:41.3 and the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS's 2:40.9. Notably, the Cayman was equipped with the Manthey Racing package, an expensive $60k suspension and aero enhancement designed to sharpen its track performance.

      Additionally, the Sapphire also outperformed another Porsche, the Taycan Turbo GT, which, although more aligned with the Sapphire's approach, could not exceed a time of 2:41.8. Car and Driver’s timing indicated the Sapphire reached a speed of 170 mph (274 km/h) on VIR's Front Straight, making it one of only four cars in Lightning Lap history to surpass that speed, with the other three all being McLarens.

      Looking forward to the March/April issue of the magazine, it remains uncertain whether the testers found joy in driving the Lucid or if it was purely about the speed. However, it can be assumed they enjoyed their experience in the Mazda MX-5 Miata Club, despite its relatively slow time of 3:15.6, which was over 5 seconds behind the next competitor.

      Refer to the table below for a summary of the results and share your thoughts on which performance impressed you and which fell short of expectations.