先是在2016年國(guó)際消費(fèi)電子展(CES)上展示一款概念賽車,而后又在公司視頻中頻頻放送大量細(xì)節(jié)圖和“欲說(shuō)還休”的原型車信息,F(xiàn)araday Future可謂是吊足了媒體和消費(fèi)者的胃口。不過(guò),這家公司這次終于來(lái)真的了!2017年拉斯維加斯國(guó)際消費(fèi)電子展前夕,F(xiàn)araday Future在一場(chǎng)獨(dú)家場(chǎng)外活動(dòng)中首次展示了旗下首款量產(chǎn)車型--科技感十足的全輪驅(qū)動(dòng)FF 91電動(dòng)車。
一般來(lái)說(shuō),新車的發(fā)布順序大多會(huì)采用一種獨(dú)特配方,F(xiàn)F 91也不例外。Faraday Future公司聲稱,F(xiàn)F 91是世界首款融合了超級(jí)跑車的出色性能和精確操控、超豪華乘用車的舒適體驗(yàn)及一系列獨(dú)特智能網(wǎng)絡(luò)功能的電動(dòng)車。此外,這款車的尺寸也非常寬裕,長(zhǎng)5.25m、寬2.283m、高1.598m,軸距在3.2m左右。
為了體現(xiàn)新車發(fā)布的重要性,并同時(shí)平息公眾對(duì)公司合法性和財(cái)務(wù)狀況的擔(dān)憂,F(xiàn)araday Future公司在FF 91的發(fā)布上可謂傾盡全力,多位高管齊數(shù)登場(chǎng),包括高級(jí)研發(fā)工程副總裁Nick Sampson、高級(jí)駕駛員協(xié)助系統(tǒng)與自動(dòng)駕駛總監(jiān)Peter Savagian、設(shè)計(jì)副總裁Richard Kim以及公司的主要資金與技術(shù)支持者--中國(guó) LeoEco 創(chuàng)始人與CEO賈躍亭。
具體來(lái)說(shuō),這款FF 91基于公司的可變平臺(tái)架構(gòu)(VPA)打造,采用了靈活的動(dòng)力總成和硬殼式結(jié)構(gòu)設(shè)計(jì),為全輪驅(qū)動(dòng)車型。據(jù)稱,這款車采用了同類最領(lǐng)先的電池技術(shù)、多電機(jī)設(shè)置與電池配置,以及公司首款專利FF Echelon逆變器。FF 91的動(dòng)力系統(tǒng)采用了多電機(jī)設(shè)置,可為后輪提供扭矩。
FF 91電機(jī)的峰值功率為783kW,電機(jī)軸扭矩超過(guò)1800 N.m,正是在這些數(shù)據(jù)的支持下,這款電動(dòng)車才能破紀(jì)錄地在2.39秒內(nèi)靜止加速至97km/h。在拉斯維加斯舉行的發(fā)布活動(dòng)中,這款FF 91與多款其他品牌的電動(dòng)車同場(chǎng)競(jìng)技,包括:賓利 Bentayga W12、法拉利488 GTB、特斯拉Model X及Model S (Ludicrous模式)。
FF 91的電池組容量為130-kW·h,美國(guó)環(huán)保局的測(cè)定續(xù)航里程為378英里(約605 KM)、歐洲NEDC測(cè)試循環(huán)的續(xù)航里程為700km,車輛保持時(shí)速89km時(shí)的續(xù)航里程可達(dá)775km。此外,這款電動(dòng)車還采用了200kW的直流快充系統(tǒng),未來(lái)還將支持無(wú)線充電功能。
Samson聲稱,F(xiàn)F 91搭配電池的能量密度為世界最高。與多數(shù)最近發(fā)布的電動(dòng)車一樣,F(xiàn)F 91的電池組也安裝在底盤下方,以降低車輛重心并留出更多車內(nèi)空間。LG Chem也參與了這款電池的研發(fā)。Faraday Future還聲稱,F(xiàn)F 91也是目前世面上充電速度最快的電動(dòng)車,平均充電1小時(shí)可行駛超過(guò)805km。此外,車輛還可通過(guò)購(gòu)車時(shí)搭配的家用充電器充電,240V電壓下滿充50%所需時(shí)長(zhǎng)不超過(guò)4.5小時(shí)。
盡管,目前車輛內(nèi)部的細(xì)節(jié)信息尚未完全公布,但我們了解到FF 91將采用面部識(shí)別技術(shù)、NASA提出的零重力座椅以及據(jù)稱是行業(yè)領(lǐng)先的后排座椅斜躺功能。
FF 91的外觀設(shè)計(jì)充分考慮了車輛的空氣動(dòng)力學(xué)性能,風(fēng)阻系數(shù)僅為0.25Cd,可協(xié)助車輛取得最大續(xù)航里程。此外,車輛的寬車身和長(zhǎng)軸距也能為用戶提供寬敞的車內(nèi)空間。兩側(cè)車門均可在觸摸打開,而且車輛還安裝了傳感器,預(yù)防在開啟車門時(shí)碰到周邊物體。車輛的外部照明系統(tǒng)可以與即將上車的人員溝通。比如,車輛門檻則可在確認(rèn)車主接近后點(diǎn)亮。
此外,F(xiàn)F91的天窗、側(cè)窗和后窗均采用了PDLC(聚合物分散液晶)玻璃且應(yīng)用了智能調(diào)光技術(shù)。該功能輕觸即可激活,可滿足車內(nèi)人員的隱私和遮光需要。
Faraday Future公司聲稱,F(xiàn)F 91的“終極大招”是車內(nèi)互聯(lián)功能。車輛可隨著時(shí)間的推移逐步學(xué)習(xí)用戶偏好,并為用戶打造一個(gè)更加私人的個(gè)性化體驗(yàn)。為了確保穩(wěn)定的互聯(lián)性能,F(xiàn)F EcoSystem生態(tài)系統(tǒng)采用了多個(gè)車內(nèi)調(diào)制解調(diào)器。
此外,在電子功能方面,F(xiàn)F 91的發(fā)動(dòng)機(jī)蓋上還安裝了一個(gè)可伸縮的3D激光雷達(dá),可支持自動(dòng)駕駛功能的需要。車輛搭配了一整套ADAS/自動(dòng)駕駛傳感器系統(tǒng),包括10個(gè)高分辨率攝像頭、13個(gè)長(zhǎng)距和短距雷達(dá)及12個(gè)超聲波傳感器。FF 91還具備行業(yè)領(lǐng)先的計(jì)算能力,可處理來(lái)自傳感器系統(tǒng)的數(shù)據(jù)輸入。此外,在傳感器套裝的支持下,F(xiàn)F 91還支持無(wú)人駕駛泊車(Driverless Valet)功能。
目前,用戶可在Faraday Future的新官網(wǎng) FF.com 支付訂金(5000美元)預(yù)定FF 91,前300個(gè)訂單均有機(jī)會(huì)將車輛升級(jí)至將于2017年3月推出的Alliance Edition (夢(mèng)想合伙人版)。目前,F(xiàn)araday Future并未公布FF 91的售價(jià),但預(yù)計(jì)量產(chǎn)將于2018年開始。不過(guò),目前Faraday Future耗資10億美元打造的拉斯維加斯裝配廠已經(jīng)暫停建設(shè),且媒體普遍認(rèn)為該公司已處于過(guò)度擴(kuò)張之中。
根據(jù)賈躍亭寫給員工的內(nèi)部信,截至去年11月,LeEco已投資了100億元人民幣(約合14.75億美元)。Faraday Future已經(jīng)表示,內(nèi)華達(dá)州工廠的建設(shè)將“在2017年初”恢復(fù)。
After teasing the media and consumers with a racecar concept at the 2016 CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas, and then with a series of detailed close-up images and disguised prototypes of its first production vehicle shown in company videos drag racing primary competitors, Faraday Future (FF) has launched the real thing. At an exclusive off-site event in the lead up to the 2017 CES, the company revealed its first production vehicle, the technology-focused all-wheel-drive FF 91 electric vehicle.
Just as the launch sequence followed a unique formula, so does the FF 91 itself, mixing configuration elements of car, minivan, and crossover. The company claims it’s the first vehicle to combine supercar performance, precise handling, the comfort of an ultra-luxury passenger vehicle, and a unique collection of intelligent internet features. It measures 206.7 in (5250 mm) long, 89.9 in (2283 mm) wide, and 62.9 in (1598 mm) tall, on a long 126-in (3200-mm) wheelbase.
To lend importance to the launch and allay some concerns on the ongoing legitimacy and financial robustness of the company, FF trotted out its top executives for the launch, with Nick Sampson, Senior VP of R&D and Engineering, being the master of ceremonies for Hong Bae, Director of ADAS and Self Driving; Peter Savagian, VP of Propulsion Engineering; Richard Kim, VP of Design; and Jia Yeuting, Founder & CEO of China-based LeEco, the primary financial and technology backer of FF.
The FF 91 is built on the company’s Variable Platform Architecture (VPA), a flexible powertrain and monocoque structure. The VPA shown had all-wheel drive, claimed class-leading battery technology, multiple motor and battery configurations, and the company’s first patent—for the FF Echelon Inverter. The FF 91’s powertrain has a multi-motor setup, enabling rear-wheel torque vectoring.
Peak motor power is 783 kW (1050 hp), and motor-shaft torque is more than 1800 N·m (1328 lb·ft), which help to deliver a claimed production-record-breaking 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) acceleration time of 2.39 s. The company demonstrated the vehicle’s acceleration during the launch event in Las Vegas against major competitors: the Bentley Bentayga W12, Ferrari 488 GTB, and Tesla’s Model X and Model S (both with Ludicrous Mode).
The FF 91 configuration discussed is fitted with a 130-kW·h battery pack for a 378 mi (U.S. EPA est.) and over 700 km (European NEDC est.) range. The car is designed for 200-kW DC fast charging, with wireless charging to come. Range at a constant 55 mph (89 km/h) is 482 mi (775 km).
Samson claimed the vehicle has the highest energy density battery in the world. Engineered in partnership with LG Chem, it is positioned, like most recent pure EVs now, in the bottom of the chassis for more cabin space and a low center of gravity. The company also claims that the FF 91 has the fastest charge speed currently available, with the ability to charge at more than 500 mi (805 km) per hour. The included home charger achieves 50% of full charge in under 4.5 h at 240 V.
While more interior details are to come, the vehicle does have facial recognition technology, NASA-inspired zero-gravity seats, and claimed industry-leading rear-seat reclining position.
The FF 91’s exterior design is driven by aerodynamics to maximize range, with a 0.25 Cd. The wide stance and long wheelbase deliver a spacious interior. Each side door opens under power suicide-style by touch, with sensors preventing collision with surrounding objects. The exterior lighting communicates with approaching occupants and others on the status of the vehicle; for instance, the rocker panels illuminate with an approaching-owner confirmation sequence that brightens based on proximity.
Smart dimming technology is used in the roof, rear, and side windows enabled by PDLC (polymer dispersed liquid crystal) glass, which is activated by tapping for instant privacy and shade.
FF claims the ultimate in in-car connectivity, with the FF 91 learning user’s preferences over time to create a more personalized experience. To ensure consistent connectivity, this FF EcoSystem is powered by multiple in-car modems.
Also on the electronics front, the FF 91 features a hood-mounted-and-lit retractable 3D LiDAR for autonomous driving. It is combined with an overall ADAS/automated driving sensor system including 10 high-definition cameras, 13 long- and short-range radars, and 12 ultrasonic sensors. Their data are crunched by industry-leading computing power. One automated feature enabled by the sensor suite is a Driverless Valet parking feature.
The company is accepting FF 91 reservations for $5000 at its new website at FF.com. The first 300 orders will have the opportunity to upgrade to an exclusive launch series, the Alliance Edition, in March 2017. No pricing was announced, but production is planned to start in 2018—despite the company halting construction of its $1B assembly plant north of Las Vegas and reports that FF is overextended financially.
As of last November LeEco had spent 10B yuan ($1.475B), according to a letter to employees from Yueting that was made public. The company has stated that the Nevada plant construction will resume "in early 2017."
Author: Kevin Jost
Source: SAE Automotive Engineering Magazine