Faraday Future FF91 Makes First Public Appearance At Car Show

Last weekend, people at the Mother’s Car Wax show in Long Beach, California, were treated to an unexpected visitor — a fully functioning Faraday Future FF91 beta car in frozen black livery. Looking like a cross between a Jaguar I-Pace and a Toyota Matrix, the all-electric SUV claims to have a 130 kWh battery and 1,500 horsepower. Without providing details, the company says it has created “the world’s highest energy density battery.”

The FF91 is claimed to have a range of 378 in the EPA test cycle and a 0–60 time of 2.39 seconds. It is built on what the company calls its Variable Platform Architecture. In theory, instead of doing what all other car companies do, which is build a chassis and then designing several models to fit it, Faraday Future will have a flexible chassis architecture that can be stretched or shortened, widened or made narrower, as needed to meet market demands. In theory, that will enable the company to respond rapidly to changes in consumer demand.

The FF91 will “feature retractable 3D Lidar” as part of “a complex sensor system including 10 high definition cameras, 13 long and short range radars, and 12 ultrasonic sensors.” The Lidar sensor is rather big and ugly, so it retracts when not needed in order to make the car more appealing from an appearance point of view.

Lidar is controversial. Elon Musk refused to use it for his cars because he says it doesn’t work well in rain or snow conditions. Cadillac is using Lidar for its new Super Cruise option in the CT6, but with a twist. Instead of fitting every car with a Lidar sensor, it will be equipping a fleet of cars with Lidar and use them to map US highways. (Super Cruise is only intended for use on limited access roadways.) It will then download the data gathered by the test fleet to actual customer cars via the cloud.

The Faraday Future FF91 may be a great car. But whether it ever goes into production is a matter of some conjecture. The company has run out of money and recently sold a parcel of land in Silicon Valley it was planning to use for its US headquarters. Construction of its factory in North Las Vegas ground to halt last fall and may never get started again. The FF91 you see here may become a true collector’s item — a one of a kind example of a car that never made it past the prototype stage.

Source: Futurism | Image credit: MotorworldHype via Twitter

Detroit Electric Gets Nearly $2 Billion In New Investment Money

Once upon a time, there was company that wanted to rip the engine out if a Lotus sports car, stuff it full of batteries and an electric motor, and jump into the deep end of the electric car pool. You can be forgiven if your first thought is, “Tesla Motors.” In this case, though, we are talking about Detroit Electric, a company whose electric car dreams began back in 2008. Frankly, other than announcing the SP-1 Lotus based sports car two years ago, nothing much has happened with the company. Until now.

Detroit Electric just announced a joint venture worth $1.8 billion with Far East Smarter Energy Group, a Chinese electrical and battery company. It says it has plans for two new electric car models in the next two years. The new joint venture company will spend $370 million to ramp up Detroit Electric’s European operations over the next four years. Part of that expansion includes updating and adding to the current facility located in Leamington Spa, England.

The first priority is to get the long delayed SP:01 into production, something they hope to accomplish before the end of this year. Simultaneously, a new R&D and testing facility will get underway. An electric SUV is planned for 2018 with a third vehicle due to come to market in 2020. Detroit Electric hopes to be selling 100,000 cars a year by then.

The plan sounds overly aggressive for a company that has languished by the side of the electric car highway for nearly a decade with nothing to show for its efforts. Elon Musk found out the hard way that thinking about building an automobile is easy; actually producing one is hard. The competition is ramping up. The mainstream manufactures may view electric cars as ugly step-children — something to be tolerated rather than embraced — but Detroit Electric will soon have lots of company.

Faraday Future, Lucid, and NIO all have electric SUVs coming. Tesla is already working on an SUV version of the Model 3. The German car companies all have electric SUVs on their drawing boards. Nonetheless, never underestimate the power of nearly $2 billion. Someone clearly thinks Detroit Electric has a bright future. “We’ll see,” said the Zen Master.

Source: Autoblog

Electric GT Tesla P100D Screams To 60 In 2.1 Seconds

The Electric GT Championship racing series took the wraps off its spec racing competition car at the Autosport International 2017 show in Birmingham, England last week. The series, announced last fall, was originally designed to feature the Tesla Model S P85D, but after Tesla announced an upgrade to a 100 kWh battery for the new Tesla P100D, the series elected to make that the basis for its race car.

That upgrade made the Tesla the fastest production car in the world — for a while.

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Looks like the Model S P100D Easter egg will allow it to do 0 to 60 mph in 2.4 sec and a 10.6 sec 1/4 mile via software update next month

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Then Faraday Future came to the CES 2017 show in Las Vegas and claimed its FF 91 with 1050 horsepower could scoot to 60 in 2.39 seconds. But skeptics pointed out the Faraday Future car was a stripped out non-production car, which led Musk to tweet that the Tesla P100D would undoubtedly be faster if it too was stripped of most of its interior appointments.

The Electric GT Competition car is precisely what Elon had in mind when he made that statement. The racing series says the specially modified racing version of the Model S weighs 1,100 lbs less than stock and storms to 60 mph in just 2.1 seconds. That is some serious quickness.

The Electric GT has been altered to include a full racing suspension and brakes and will race on Pirelli tires. Drivers include Tesla supporter and environmental activist Leilani Münter will be one of two female drivers among the 20 pilots who have signed up to compete in the series. Others include former Formula One driver Karun Chandhok and former British Touring Car star Tom Onslow-Cole.

Each race meeting will feature a 20 minute practice session, a 30 minute qualifying period, a 37 mile daytime race and a 37 mile race at dusk. Each round will showcase technology and innovation for sustainability in and around the racing circuit.

The series will race at such classic European tracks including Paul Ricard, Barcelona, Assen, Donnington, Estoril and the Nürburgring GT circuit. Three non-championship races will be held in the Americas.

Source: Teslarati

Faraday Future Debuts The FF 91: 378 Miles Range, 0-60 MPH In 2.39 Seconds

Live from Las Vegas ahead of the 2017 CES show, Faraday Future has taken the wraps off its first production-intent vehicle – the FF 91.

Right from the word ‘go’, Faraday’s Peter Savagian touted the FF 91’s performance saying that:

“We have developed the world’s greatest electric propulsion system.”

Total power of the FF 91 is reported at 783 kW/1,050 hp, and 0-60 mph in 2.39 seconds, making it faster than its most obvious competition, the Tesla Model X, and by a decent margin.

Faraday even brought both the Model X and Model S (P100DLs) and FF 91 on stage to show off its EV’s abilities in comparison (see video above), calling the Tesla EV’s abilities “commendable”.

Faraday Future Debuts The FF 91: 0-60 MPH In 2.39 Seconds

Faraday Future FF 91 – Arriving in 2018

As for the battery capacity, Faraday says it has both the high energy density cell and largest in the business at 130 kWh (which reminds of sister-car company Lucid Air’s optional 130 kW pack).

Faraday Future FF 91

Total range?  In excess of 378 miles on the EPA adjusted scale, or 700 km on the optimistic NEDC rating system.

Faraday notes that a constant speed of 55 mph, the FF 91 will travel 482 miles.

L2 charging is offered on the car up to 15 kW, while the FF 91 can charge on DC fast charge at up to 200 kW.

Faraday classes the FF1 something between a mid to full size vehicle thanks to a large wheelbase, and 150+ cu feet of interior space.

Faraday Future FF 91: “A New Species”

Pricing is yet to be announced – other than to say that it will be “priced as a premium flagship model“, with estimated start of deliveries in 2018.

But if you just have to have the first one… Faraday Future says they will be “auctioning off” the first “Alliance Edition” Unit_01 in March – with proceeds to a environment protection fund (that will be revealed later).

Faraday Future FF 91 – reservations open now

And off you go FF 91. Ok, now off you go. Hrm, well how about now? Well, nevermind all that self-driving then.

Overall, the presentation went off fairly well, closing with an embrace for Faraday Founder Jia Yeuting

We should note that the presentation was not flawless.  After announcing Faraday Founder Jia Yeuting (and his exit from a FF91 on stage), he was asked to demonstrate the EV taking itself off stage and “self parking” in valet mode.  Only problem…it didn’t happen.  Whoops.

“Ok, it seems like it is a bit, uh…lazy tonight.”

We should note that the FF 91 did eventually motivate itself under its own power at the end of the presentation, after a fairly intense dramatic pause.

Faraday Future FF 91

Doors open for the FF 91

Remote doors in operation

On reservations:

Faraday Future FF 91 does a little self parking

Faraday Future has already opened “priority reservations”, for an initial deposit of $5,000.

This deposit gives one the ability to “upgrade” the reservation for one of the first “exclusive FF91 Alliance Editions” this March (think akin to Tesla’s “Founder’s Edition” we suppose), as well as a factory visit, test ride and a ticket to future launch events.

Faraday on the special edition:

The Alliance Edition

We will only release 300 exclusive FF 91 Alliance Edition models. Each will be uniquely personalized according to your customization preferences and specially built with a rare, edition-exclusive, paint color. You will also have the distinction of being one of a very select group of early owners.

Alliance Edition Benefits

• Limited to 300 units with priority delivery
• Exclusive exterior color: Silicon Valley Aluminum
• Unique & personalized Alliance Edition digital interface
• Unique Alliance Edition external badging
• A portion of FF 91 Alliance Edition sales proceeds will be donated for environmental protection
• Exclusive Membership to our ‘Futurist Club’

Faraday Future’s Nick Sampson opens the presentation of the new FF 91

Faraday Future FF 91 Quick stats:

• 0-60 mph in 2.39 seconds
• 1050 HP
• 378 miles range (EPA)
• Charging L2: up to 15 kW
• Charging DCFC: up to 200 kW
• ADAS Sensor Suite: 13 long and short range radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors, 10 high definition cameras, 1 3D retractable lidar

Faraday Future – more than 450 miles range at a consistent 55 mph

Dimensions:

Length: 206.7”/ 5250mm
Wheelbase: 126″ / 3200mm
Width: 89.9″ / 2283mm
Height 62.9” / 1598mm

Features:

• Driverless Valet Parking
• Keyless Entry
• Facial Recognition Tech
• “Best in class” high-speed internet on the road

Faraday Future Activates New Website Prior To CES Reveal

Want to know what the first production car from Faraday Future will look like? The company activated a new front page for its website on December 13 that will show it to you — sort of. The image on the page starts with the car’s chassis. Its silhouette will be slowly filled in by a series of graphic dots over the next 20 days until it is completed at 6:00 pm on January 3. That’s when the actual car will be unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The website home page will turn into a live stream at that point, viewable on any digital device.

The dots you see on the company home page represent the particle imagery the car’s computer uses to create a three dimensional view of the environment around it based on input from Lidar and other sensors. The suggestion is the car will have advanced semi-autonomous capability when built and could be capable of full self driving operation when and if regulators approve the sale of such cars. So far, Michigan is the only state to do so.

There is a link at the bottom of the page that allows interested people to create an account with Faraday Future to receive e-mail updates about when and how to reserve a car. Of course, before Faraday Future sells a car, it must first build a car. Construction of its proposed factory in North Las Vegas has stopped amid reports that it owes the general contractor millions of dollars in past due payments, but the website says construction will resume soon. Very soon.

Dan Schwartz the treasurer of Nevada has gone on record saying that the company’s principal financial backer, Jia Yueting, has no money. “Could he get more money? My sources in China say the government there isn’t financing him. I wonder where and how they’re going to continue this project.”

Faraday has recently extended its contract with the city of Vallejo in California to study whether it should build a second smaller factory and “customer experience center” in a commercial development zone owned by the city. Will Faraday Future survive? It may all depend on how the reveal in Las Vegas goes. There is a good chance the event it meant as much to convince potential investors to open their wallets as it is to wow the public.

While you are waiting for January 3 to arrive, you can amuse yourself by watching a prototype Faraday Future dust off a Tesla Model X in a drag race. The fact that the company chose Tesla’s SUV to square off against probably tells us more about what kind of car is under all that camouflage than all those dots on Faraday’s home page. Here’s a bold prediction — the first Faraday Future will be an electric SUV designed to compete head to head in features and price with the Tesla Model X. In 20 days, we will know for sure.

Source: Faraday Future press release.

Lucid (nee Atieva) to build luxury electric cars in Arizona factory

Teaser for Lucid electric car

Lucid Motors has become the latest startup automaker proposing to build electric cars in the U.S.

The company—formerly known as Atieva—says it plans to break ground next year on a new factory in Casa Grande, Arizona.

Lucid will begin production of its first electric car by 2018, it said in a statement, and expects to employ more than 2,000 people at the factory by 2022.

The ambitious timeline can't help but bring to mind another new automaker—Faraday Future.

Faraday too said it plans to put an electric car into production within two years, and earlier this year it broke ground on its own factory in North Las Vegas, Nevada.

While Faraday still apparently plans to unveil its first production model at CES in January, work on the factory has stopped, seemingly due to unpaid bills.

Teaser for Lucid electric car

Faraday received a generous package of incentives from the state of Nevada to locate its factory there, but Lucid so far hasn't discussed any incentives offered by Arizona.

It said the site-selection process began over a year ago, and that more than 60 potential sites in 13 states were considered.

Casa Grande was chosen for its "pro-business mindset," available workforce, nearby academic institutions, the company's release said, as well as its proximity to Lucid's Silicon Valley headquarters and suppliers.

The factory is to be overseen by Lucid director of manufacturing Brian Barron, an 18-year veteran of BMW.

The electric car to be built there is expected to be a fast luxury sedan that competes with the Tesla Model S, which has been in production since 2012 and is regularly updated.

Thought to be called Atvus, the Lucid car will reportedly be a mid-size luxury sedan close to the BMW 5-Series in size.

Teaser for Lucid electric car

It is expected to use a dual-motor powertrain, supposedly producing as much as 900 horsepower.

Lucid has demonstrated this powertrain hardware in "Edna," a Mercedes-Benz Metris van converted into a test vehicle.

In videos that circulated over the summer, Edna dispatches a Model S, a Ferrari California T, and other high-end performance cars in drag races.

In an interview last month, Lucid CTO Peter Rawlinson mentioned a top speed of more than 200 mph, a range of at least 300 miles—and possibly as high as 400 miles in some versions.

Teaser for Lucid electric car

Lucid (then Atieva) was founded in 2007 by a former Tesla vice president and the founder of a networking company.

It started out developing monitoring and control software for battery packs used in electric vehicles to be produced by other companies.

Insiders suggest, however, that the company's founders always had a long-term goal of building its own vehicles.

Atieva eventually decided to build its own electric cars, and secured investments for that purpose from Chinese automaker BAIC (Beijing Automotive Industry Corp.).

It then received additional funds from Jia Yueting, billionaire and founder of Chinese tech giant LeEco.

Jia is also one of the main backers of the troubled Faraday Future.