Faraday Future FF 91 revealed

Faraday Future has revealed its first production vehicle, the FF 91, at an event prior to the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2017.

Built upon the company’s Variable Platform Architecture (VPA), bookings for the FF 91 have started on the company’s website for USD 5,000 (Rs 3.41 lakh approximately). The first 300 orders will have the option to upgrade their bookings in March 2017 to join an exclusive launch series, the Alliance Edition. The production of the car is planned to start in 2018.

Faraday Future’s proprietary VPA is a flexible powertrain system featuring a monocoque vehicle structure in which the chassis and body are a single form – providing measurable improvements in overall vehicle rigidity, safety and handling. It also houses futuristic battery technology, multiple motor and battery configurations, as well as the company’s first patent – the FF Echelon Inverter.

The FF 91’s powertrain features a multi-motor setup with an all-wheel-drive system, enabling real-time torque vectoring to the rear wheels. Peak motor power is 1,050hp, delivering a record-breaking 0-97kph time of 2.39sec. Comparatively, the rivalling Tesla Model S delivers 0-97kph in 2.5 sec.

Outfitted with an LG Chem 130kWh battery, the FF 91 achieves a claimed range of 608km on a single charge (EPA estimate).

The car’s design philosophy is driven by aerodynamics. The sleek, rounded front fascia and edgy, angular rear create a striking form that improves aerodynamic efficiency to increase range. When users approach the car, its rocker panel illuminates with an owner confirmation sequence that brightens based on proximity. The system uses intuitive patterns to communicate messages to its users. By design, the lighting system will also improve safety by informing pedestrians and other drivers when the FF 91 is driving autonomously.

The panoramic glass roof, rear, and side windows all feature PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal) glass, which is operated by users tapping on the glass, providing instant privacy and shade from the exterior environment. The FF 91 also offers in-car connectivity through its strategic partnership with LeEco. Creating a FFID account establishes a global profile that travels with users and remembers personal preferences such as seating positions, favourite music and movies, and more.

Another feature being offering with the FF 91 is an advanced facial recognition technology – called Arrival Interface – which allows drivers and passengers to unlock the car without a key and automatically adjusts interior settings to the user’s preferences. A keyless welcoming system recognises users as they approach the vehicle, greeting them by opening the door and proactively adjusting to customised FFID settings inside. Similarly, the app allows users to customise and control their in-vehicle experience, get real-time vehicle status reports, and more.

The FF 91 will be the first production vehicle to feature retractable 3D Lidar, a complex sensor system including 10 high-definition cameras, 13 long and short range radars and 12 ultrasonic sensors. The standard rear-view mirror has been replaced by a high-definition display that merges the live feed from the side mirrors and rear-view camera into a single, seamless image, thereby virtually eliminating blind spots.

The Driverless Valet parking feature enables the FF 91 to park itself after the driver has exited the vehicle. Powered by the FFCTRL app, drivers can also summon the vehicle from its parking spot or schedule a pick up at a desired time and location. Currently, the system is capable of parking the vehicle in private parking lots and roads. As legislation advances to allow for public use of this technology, the FF 91 will be able to park itself anywhere the users go.

Take a closer look at the Faraday Future FF 91 in our photo gallery.