2012 Tesla Model S - First Drive

[PricklyPete]

http://www.insideline.com/tesla/mod...irst-drive-and-video.html#comments_sort_form1

I am really impressed that this car seems to be delivering. Looking forward to some full tests. I'll certainly be interested in Tesla Gen 3 models as they start to create slightly more reasonably priced cars.

 

[RichieZ]

I just missed the cutoff for reservation holders to test drive this past weekend, can't wait to drive it when they have another event in the bay area in mid july!

 

[PricklyPete]

I just missed the cutoff for reservation holders to test drive this past weekend, can't wait to drive it when they have another event in the bay area in mid july!

Lucky! Seems like quite the luxurious cruiser.

 

[vi edit]

Yeah, I *really* want this car to succeed and get some major attention. Sub 5 second 0-60, a realistic crusing range, excellent passenger space and in an attractive shell. Electric doesn't have to be boring and/or quirky.

 

[LTC8K6]

Yeah, I *really* want this car to succeed and get some major attention. Sub 5 second 0-60, a realistic crusing range, excellent passenger space and in an attractive shell. Electric doesn't have to be boring and/or quirky.

Well, to get the good range, you have to buy something other than the base model. The base model has a 160 mile range, which is okay. It's probably a real world 100 mile range.

 

[PricklyPete]

Well, to get the good range, you have to buy something other than the base model. The base model has a 160 mile range, which is okay. It's probably a real world 100 mile range.

Sure...but even 160 (100 real world miles) is pretty good for most people's needs in a given day.

 

[LTC8K6]

Sure...but even 160 (100 real world miles) is pretty good for most people's needs in a given day.

Maybe not for the price.

We can get 2 very nice, modern, peppy fuel sippers for that money, I think.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4OmbF35AL0

Love the sound...

 

[PricklyPete]

Maybe not for the price.

We can get 2 very nice, modern, peppy fuel sippers for that money, I think.

Yes, but I don't think anyone is fooling themselves into thinking this is an economy-minded purchase. This is a statement/early tech adopter car. economy minded is several generations away for Tesla.

 

[LTC8K6]

Yes, but I don't think anyone is fooling themselves into thinking this is an economy-minded purchase. This is a statement/early tech adopter car. economy minded is several generations away for Tesla.

I can't imagine the lack of a nice sounding engine...

 

[LTC8K6]

Looks like the base model will not be available for a while yet.

http://www.teslamotors.com/models/options

 

[PricklyPete]

Looks like the base model will not be available for a while yet.

http://www.teslamotors.com/models/options

~6 months isn't too long. I can imagine they want the high transaction prices while they are stil getting early adopters.

 

[vi edit]

Yeh, the "Base" one is a hell of a lot faster than a Focus Electric, has more theoretical crusing range, is a full 2+ vehicle class sizes larger, and is only $10,000 more. It's not like they are off their rockers in pricing. These are going to be sold to celebrities/west coast people with a lot of money and looking to make a statement while not looking like a total dork in a Prius.

As for me, I could easily see them being something I'd highly consider in another 10 years as the tech is refined and cost of production is brought down.

I don't consider them an economy choice by any stretch of the imagination, but I do see the appeal of cutting the cord from the pump and doing it with a car that looks good and offers sports car like acceleration numbers.

 

[LTC8K6]

6.5 seconds to 60 is okay.

 

[KentState]

My biggest issue right now is being range limited when spending that much money. I would easily spend $60k on something like this if I could quickly recharge it. Until then, a 535i is a little more desirable to me.

 

[Doppel]

Looks very nice, too. I'm surprised Tesla has been able to pull this off so far, congrats to them.

 

[Throckmorton]

They should make a one with a gasoline generator in front. There seems to be plenty of room

 

[iamwiz82]

Awesome that they are offering a rear facing seat option. Family Truckster style.

 

[Throckmorton]

I googled "Tesla Model S generator" to see if there's any discussion of adding a gas engine to extend the range. Found these threads http://www.teslamotors.com/forum/forums/why-not-add-15kw-generator
http://www.teslamotors.com/forum/forums/range-extension

The attitude the regulars on that forum have is very familiar. They basically say "If you want to take long trips to the middle of nowhere this car is not for you!"

It's like the guys on Jeep forums who flame people who want to improve their gas mileage. "You don't buy a Jeep for efficiency, go buy a Civic!"

They even claim there's no room. Huh? It has two trunks, the front one being big enough for a small engine and generator. Heck, make it air cooled for simplicity.

20hp is all it takes to keep a car at cruise speed http://www.amazon.com/Porter-Cable-H1000IS-W-000-Watt-Portable-Generator/sim/B00009OYFE/2

 

[_Rick_]

20hp is all it takes to keep a car at cruise speed http://www.amazon.com/Porter-Cable-H...m/B00009OYFE/2

10kW != 20 HP.
So while the engine may be strong enough, that generator is not.
Also, of course, this depends on the cruise speed - required HP rises roughly to the square of the desired speed.
Also, the additional weight in the front would mess with the suspension set up..

 

[Doppel]

They should make a one with a gasoline generator in front. There seems to be plenty of room

Then they are like the Karma (expensive!) and the cost skyrockets. Most people buying Teslas are ok with the limited range and really the range on these is not bad, the S starts at 160 miles, depending on battery package.

Tesla's culture really is electric cars. I don't see them ever offering a generator option.

 

[bigi]

They should make a one with a gasoline generator in front. There seems to be plenty of room

Hi, hi. You still don't get it...

 

[Mandres]

I'm absolutely in love the Model S. It would suit my needs perfectly (round trip commute to work and around town). I think it's amazing that they're able to sell it for $50k or whatever, but it's still way out of my price range.

I really hope it's successful, this could be a real landmark car. How long are the batteries expected to last, and is it possible/practical to replace them?

 

[Throckmorton]

Then they are like the Karma (expensive!) and the cost skyrockets. Most people buying Teslas are ok with the limited range and really the range on these is not bad, the S starts at 160 miles, depending on battery package.

Tesla's culture really is electric cars. I don't see them ever offering a generator option.

A simple generator makes it the only car you need. Pure electric cars just don't make sense yet. Even if there were charging stations everywhere, it takes a long time to charge a battery.

We're talking a simple small gas engine and small dynamo. it shouldn't weigh more than a couple hundred pounds.

 

[vi edit]

We're talking a simple small gas engine and small dynamo. it shouldn't weigh more than a couple hundred pounds.

You are basically re-creating the Volt, no?

 

[Throckmorton]

Then they are like the Karma (expensive!) and the cost skyrockets. Most people buying Teslas are ok with the limited range and really the range on these is not bad, the S starts at 160 miles, depending on battery package.

Tesla's culture really is electric cars. I don't see them ever offering a generator option.

You are basically re-creating the Volt, no?

Except this is a RWD luxury sport sedan

I think the Volt's gas engine can drive the wheels directly too. It's not a series hybrid