Armored vehicles vary in form and scale. The Cadillac Escalade is a notable choice for armoring, as are grand luxury sedans like the S-Class, often employed to safeguard state leaders. However, you might not expect the Lucid Air Sapphire to be bulletproof. The US Armor Group has customized this Lucid Air Sapphire, dubbing it "the world's fastest armored vehicle." Boasting 1,234 horsepower from the factory and a 0-60 mile-per-hour sprint time of 1.89 seconds, it outpaces any armored Escalade. In addition to its remarkable speed, this Lucid incorporates numerous safety features. Instead of conventional glass, the Air Sapphire is equipped with lightweight laminated transparent armor that can withstand a .44 magnum handgun round. The doors and body panels are reinforced with a lightweight composite material, said to be ten times stronger and five times lighter than ballistic steel. These enhancements reportedly increase the Sapphire's curb weight by only 385 pounds, totaling 5,721 pounds. Considering all factors, this could be worse. The US Armor Group claims its armored Air Sapphire can still achieve 200 miles per hour, closely approaching its factory 0-60 time. For those seeking additional protection, options like electro-shock door handles, pepper spray dispensers, gun ports, poison gas protection/detection, and stronger armor capable of stopping high-powered rifles and explosives are available. Further upgrades include an "impenetrable" WiFi package to shield against hackers and a scanner system linked to local police and fire departments. There's also an instant connection point to the US Armor Group for extra support. Unsurprisingly, this enhanced security comes at a premium. The Lucid Air Sapphire already commands a high price from the factory at $250,500, while the US Armor Group charges $475,000 for its armored version. In relative terms, this is a modest sum for the combination of safety and speed it offers.
Text: Lara Palmer
28.08.2024
US Armor Group Customizes Lucid Air Sapphire with Advanced Safety Features and Unmatched Speed