Faraday Future (FF) has launched its first production model – the FF 91 – which will look to compete with Tesla and new models from established marques in the luxury electric car market.
Revealed before at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2017 in Las Vegas, the new model is pitched as a ‘new species’ of cars by FF, with an extensive electric range, high power output, and advanced autonomous driving capabilities.
With a 0-60mph time of just 2.39 seconds, the FF 91 trumps its Tesla Model X rival by a tenth of a second or so, thanks to an all-wheel drive system that has 783 kW (1,050hp) at its disposal.
Using a 130 kWh battery, the FF 91 will cover 378 miles from a US test cycle estimate, or an expected European figure of more than 435 miles (700km+). In reality, the US-based EPA tests prove more accurate for real world usage.
Using the company’s new VPA flexible powertrain and architecture system, the FF 91 uses multiple electric motors on the axles to create torque vectoring on each wheel, which will help agility in the corners too.
Charging speeds are quoted at being the fastest around too at with 500 miles of range per hour of charge quoted, and the FF home charger will get the car to a 50% charge in less than 4.5 hours at 240V.
The interior of the FF 91 has largely been driven by two priorities – autonomous capabilities and luxury. Ergonomics are said to be class leading, with NASA-inspired ‘zero-gravity’ reclining seats offered, making the most of high levels of occupant space. Smart dimming glass will see the glass roof, rear and side windows tint for shade and privacy when tapped on.
In car connectivity looks to give the user access to apps and content from the rest of their daily life, remembering personal profiles and personalising the experience with the FF EcoSystem. Facial recognition technology will also be included, allowing drivers to unlock the car without a key thanks to a camera in the car’s B-pillar. Interior cameras identify drivers and automatically change settings to pre-saved preferences.
The FF 91 will be the first production car to use 3D lidar, which is part of a system of 10 high definition cameras, 13 long and short range radars, and 12 ultrasonic sensors which combine to offer autonomous driving ability. A ‘Driverless Valet’ feature will park the car itself after the driver has climbed out of the car, and can be summoned to pick them up again later on or schedule a time and location to meet them.
Orders are being taken now, with production set to start in 2018. A refundable deposit of $5,000 (just over £4,000) will put your name on the list, with the first 300 orders able to upgrade to a launch series in March 2017. The proportion of the ‘Alliance Edition’ special edition will be donated to an environmental fund, and the first FF 91 Alliance Edition will be auctioned in March, with all proceeds also donated to charity.
