Revealed: Faraday Future FF 91

Faraday Future (FF) has revealed FF 91 (‘nine one’), its first production vehicle, at an event prior to the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2017 which opens tomorrow in Las Vegas.

Built upon the company’s Variable Platform Architecture (VPA), bookings for the FF 91 have started on the company’s website for US$ 5,000 (Rs 3.41 lakh). 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 FF 91 is planned to start in 2018.

Commenting at the launch event, Nick Sampson, senior VP - R&D and Engineering, FF (pictured below) said: “What we are creating is an entirely new species. When the first build a smartphone, there was also a computer and a camera. The first smart TV was also an online digital hub. Even a watch nowadays is much more than a watch. Similarly, what we are creating is more than just a car. The car delivers the greatest electric experience, it has luxurious experience. The car drives you and also parks itself. It’s an intelligent entity that opens doors and adjusts temperature, loads your music and emails – all the things you never thought a car could do.”

0-97kph: 2.39 sec, over 600km range

FF’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. An available all-wheel drive system offers more traction, control and precise power distribution. The VPA 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, enabling real-time torque vectoring to the rear wheels. Peak motor power is 783 kW, equating to 1050 hp, delivering a record-breaking 0-97kph time of 2.39 seconds. Comparatively, the Tesla Model S delivers 0-97kph in 2.5 seconds.

Outfitted with a 130 kWh battery, the FF 91 achieves a range of 608km (EPA estimate) and over 700km (NEDC estimate) from the world’s highest energy density battery, engineered in partnership with LG Chem.

The FF 91 also has the fastest charge speed currently available, with the ability to charge at more than 804km per hour. The home charger, included with the vehicle, achieves 50 percent to full charge in under 4.5 hours at 240V.

The Tesla Model S's range increases to 504km under EPA tests and an anticipated 609 km under NEDC tests (est.).

Focus on aerodynamics and intelligent lighting

The FF 91’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.

“The signature UFO line that runs around the mid-section of the vehicle provides FF 91 with a unique but simple, stabilising design element. Similarly, the wide stance and long wheelbase deliver a spacious and luxurious interior environment.

“The FF 91’s gateway doors blend form and function by providing a stylish entry system with easier accessibility. Each door can open automatically and independently, allowing for quick and convenient passenger pick up. Sensors prevent the doors from opening too wide and making unwanted contact with the surrounding objects,” detailed Faraday Future’s official statement.

Further, the FF 91’s exterior lighting is focused on communication. The vehicle reimagines lighting systems by creating a deeper connection between car and driver. When users approach FF 91, the vehicle’s rocker panel illuminate with an owner confirmation sequence that brightens based on proximity.

The system uses intuitive patterns to communicate messages to its users like welcome sequences and charging states, as well as autonomous driving mode prompts. By design, the lighting system will improve safety by informing pedestrians and other drivers when the FF 91 is driving autonomously.

Emphasising on the interiors, FF said, “Riding in FF 91, users will feel more rested and energized, even after being stuck in traffic for hours. The rear seats deliver industry-leading rear-seat reclining angles, putting passengers in the biomechanically and ergonomically optimal position for comfort. This first class rear seating experience provides lower leg, lumbar and upper back adjustments and support. The seats also offer massage, heating, and ventilation for cooling.”

“FF 91’s panoramic roof includes smart dimming glass technology. The 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,” it added.

Next-gen connectivity with facial recognition

The FF 91 offers in-car connectivity through its strategic partnership with LeEco, the Chinese company which also recently unveiled its autonomous concept car – LeSee.

Creating a FFID account establishes a global profile that travels with users through the FF EcoSystem and remembers personal preferences, such as seating positions, favorite music and movies, ideal temperatures, and driving style settings powered by multiple in-car modems.

The FF is also introducing advanced facial recognition technology – called Arrival Interface – allowing drivers and passengers to unlock the car without a key. A camera installed in the B-pillar between front and back seats can accurately identify the user’s face to grant vehicle entry. Similarly, interior cameras use this technology to recognise users and automatically adjust interior settings to their preferences. FF 91 can not only recognise faces, but also facial expressions and moods it uses to auto-prompt an experience to match, using music, temperature, scent, content, massage and more. Users’ facial recognition data is saved natively and securely in the vehicle.

The FF 91 also has a keyless welcoming system that recognizes 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, summon your vehicle, and more.

LiDar and autonomous parking

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 rearview mirror has been replaced by a high definition display that merges the live feed from the side mirrors and rearview camera into a single, seamless image. The camera’s strategic placement provides a much better vantage point of what’s surrounding the vehicle, virtually eliminating blind spots. Combined with the views from the exterior mirror cameras, the overall system improves safety by creating a wider exterior field of vision from inside FF 91.

The Driverless Valet parking feature enables 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. Today, the system is capable of parking FF 91 in private parking lots and roads. As legislation advances to allow for public use of this technology, FF 91 will be able to park itself anywhere users go.

Faraday Future will be exhibiting at Booth #5616, North Hall, Las Vegas Convention Center.

Preview: Consumer Electronics Show 2017