Lucid Air Sapphire: this is the fastest armoured car in the world

If we talk about an armoured car, a large, heavy SUV with very limited performance is probably what comes to mind. This is usually due to the armour, which tends to be heavy and greatly limits the vehicle’s capabilities. But US Armor Group wants us to dispel that image and proposes an armoured electric saloon capable of moving at a rather impressive speed.

To do so, they have created an armour kit fitted to a Lucid Air Sapphire, an electric saloon featuring an interesting three-electric-motor traction system that delivers a combined output of 920 kW, equivalent to a considerable 1,234 CV.

Its top speed is rated at 330 km/h, and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 1.89 seconds. Range, measured here on the EPA cycle, is 687 kilometres. This has been used to design an armour system made up of ballistic windows capable of resisting .44 Magnum rounds.

On the bodywork, lightweight armour has been fitted which, according to the company, is “ten times stronger than ballistic steel but five times lighter”. This armour adds only 175 kg to the total weight, roughly the equivalent of two passengers. Despite this added weight, top speed is rated at 322 km/h, which is almost the same as the standard version, so this can be considered the fastest armoured car in the world.

But the armour is not the only important feature: it is also equipped with an interesting emergency and safety package that protects other aspects of the vehicle and its occupants. A security system has been installed that also shields internet access and the data that may be stored on the onboard computer, as well as another system that records all threats that may arise around the car.

To do this, it scans the communications of firefighters and police to determine whether there is a risk to the occupants on each stretch of the journey. The price of this armoured unit is double that of a standard Lucid Air Sapphire, reaching 475,000 dollars. But as there is always more for those who can pay more, additional options are available.

A higher level of armour has been prepared, with protection against larger calibres and grenade explosions. There are also additional security features such as electrified door handles, pepper spray dispensers and weapon storage points. Remember that this is a vehicle for sale in the United States, where these things are legal and can be included without problems.