The Evolution of Automotive Technology: A Look at the BMW M8 Competition and the Lucid Air Grand Touring
Few would have believed a few decades ago just how far automotive technology has come. Today, we have cars that are faster, more efficient, and more technologically advanced than ever before. The BMW M8 Competition and the Lucid Air Grand Touring are two exceptional examples of this evolution. Each is a bit of a bookend on the transition toward an all-electric future, but which is faster today?
The U-Drag Race
A U-drag race is exactly what it sounds like. Two cars line up just as they would in a traditional drag race, but instead of simply finishing a quarter mile after they begin, they have to slow down, turn around, and see who can make it back to the start line first. In effect, the race tests acceleration, braking, and handling in one simple format.
To that end, it’s a great chance to see how cars stack up whether they’d be cross-shopped or not. The BMW is down in two important ways here. Its twin-turbo V8 makes 617 hp (460 kW) and 553 lb-ft (748 Nm), while the Lucid develops 819 hp (610 kW) and 885 lb-ft (1198 Nm) with its all-electric setup.
The Lucid Air Grand Touring
Many are familiar with the way that many electric vehicles often rocket off of the line, and the Lucid Air GT does that too. It’s still not as quick as the BMW though, and much of that comes down to how heavy the two cars are. The German tips the scales at 4,295 pounds (1,948 kg), while the American weighs 5,226 pounds (2,370 kg).
That discrepancy factors into both races as the BMW might not have as much power, but it stops quicker, turns quicker, and then has enough grunt to keep a gap on the Lucid through the finish line. The drivers believe that the Lucid might not be providing full power from the get-go, and it’s clearly worse at braking and cornering.
The BMW M8 Competition
The BMW M8 Competition is a high-performance luxury car that is designed to deliver an exhilarating driving experience. It is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine that produces 617 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels.
The M8 Competition can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds, making it one of the fastest cars on the road today. It has a top speed of 190 mph and can complete a quarter-mile in just 10.7 seconds.
The Lucid Air Grand Touring
The Lucid Air Grand Touring is an all-electric luxury car that is designed to deliver exceptional performance and range. It is powered by a 113 kWh battery pack and two electric motors that produce a combined 819 horsepower and 885 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain is mated to a single-speed transmission that sends power to all four wheels.
The Lucid Air GT can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.0 seconds and has a top speed of 168 mph. It has an estimated range of 517 miles on a single charge, making it one of the most efficient electric cars on the market today.
Conclusion
Cars sure have come a long way over the years, but for now, gas-powered rocketships like the M8 Competition can still hold their own. However, with the rapid advancement of electric vehicle technology, it won’t be long before all-electric cars like the Lucid Air Grand Touring become the new standard for performance and efficiency.
In summary, the BMW M8 Competition and the Lucid Air Grand Touring are two exceptional examples of the evolution of automotive technology. While the BMW may be faster in a U-drag race, the Lucid Air GT is more efficient and has a longer range. As electric vehicle technology continues to advance, it will be interesting to see how gas-powered cars like the M8 Competition stack up against all-electric cars like the Lucid Air GT.