After Faraday Future showcased an outrageous concept car at the 2016 Consumer Electronic Show (CES), the California-based electric car start-up has taken this year’s CES by storm after unveiling its first ever production EV. The electric autonomous SUV is dubbed as FF91 and is replete with a plethora of new-age technologies. The launch is followed after a long list of teasers and now the wraps are off what the company claims to be a “new species” in the automotive industry.
The development of the FF91 was based on four pillars – Connectivity, Artificial Intelligence, Performance and Design. The car features all the connectivity interface to make the car more than just a car, claims the manufacturer.
The FF91 SUV is bigger than the Tesla’s Model X and has a wheelbase longer than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. It features a raked windscreen and suicidal doors which are finished with a flying buttress design at the rear and has a drag coefficient of just 0.24.
Instead of a conventional grille and lighting units, the FF91 has a dynamic LED light strips at the front and rear similar to the FFZERO1 Concept. The lights can even communicate with the driver and pedestrian with different communicative messages.
According to Faradays Future, the FF91 is made up of three layers. The experience layer at the top incorporates the digital ecosystem, the silver layer in between has the FF styling cue and the black rocker panel at the bottom integrates the VPA platform and packs the batteries as well.
The FF91 claims to have the largest and densest battery pack ever. With a 130 kilowatt-hours batteries, it calls for a range of 608km. The motors develop a combined output of 1,050bhp and a whopping 1,800Nm of torque.
With a zero to 100kmph acceleration timing of supercar-rivalling 2.9 seconds, the FF91 is the fastest accelerating electric car right now. The car sits on large 22-inch aerological wheels which transform its shape kinetically creating a better aero.
Depending upon the velocity changes and aerodynamic requirement the car can adjust the ride height accordingly courtesy of Active suspension at each corner. The FF91 also comes with rear-wheel steering.
The FF91 will have a home-charging station that’s capable of 110/240-volt charging. On a 240-volt charge, FF states the battery could be fully charged in four and a half hours. The FF91 will also have a fast-charging option of up to 200 kW.
Not much of the interior is revealed but it has a large greenhouse courtesy of the long wheelbase and the unconventional powertrain. It is covered with Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) glass which is clear for an airy feel but turns dark at a single touch for privacy.
The cabin features a large touch screen at the centre, Wi-Fi routers and ambient lighting. The interior volume is 4275 litres as the rear seats can be reclined up to farfetched 60degrees. In comparison, the seats in the Maybach only recline up to 43.5 degrees.
The driver makes use of facial recognition to enter the vehicle, and the smart interior will automatically adjust every feature on the inside according to driver’s preference using the unique FF ID and a smartphone app which can also activate the Driverless Valet feature.
Then there is the autonomous tech of the FF91. The car has 13 aesthetically integrated long and short range radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors, 10 cameras and a 3D LiDar sensor which can be retracted into the bonnet.
The outside rear view mirrors incorporate a camera in a sleek design. But since it’s not yet permitted in the U.S., a proper conventional mirror can easily be installed or detached.
But despite all the conundrum, there's been growing speculation as to whether or not Faraday Future can actually deliver the FF91. It is promised to go into production only in 2018, but the manufacturer’s Nevada facility is still under constructions.
No pricing has been announced yet, but FF has emphasised that the first car will be auctioned off in March and along with the sales profit of the first 300 Alliance Edition, will go as donation to an environment protection fund which will be revealed soon.
