Well it as a very pleasant surprise to find out that Tesla is an American manufacturer, although the name would make you think otherwise. Nikola Tesla (10 July 1856 – 7 January 1943) was an inventor and a mechanical and electrical engineer. He was one of the most important contributors to the birth of commercial electricity, and is best known for his many revolutionary developments in the field of electromagnetism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikola_Tesla Enough of the history lesson, you read more about this amazing man later. The forecast suppose to be sunny and mid 50's, but if I told you it was snowing in the northern parts of the state the night before you'd probably won't have believed me, except unless you lived here in MN. Tesla is currently touring the US making as many debuts around the country as possible to help increase sales, I believe this is the very first time we've seen it here in MN. I decided to start my day early since I didn't know what to expect, was there going to be a huge crowd, will I even get to test drive the car? I ended up being the third person to jump into the driver seat. I have always wanted to test drive a full electric car since learning about them. And with most of the earlier versions they were very very heavy. Except for this one, the body is made up of carbon fiber, aluminum and she's very petite and weights just over 2700lbs. I wish I had more time with the car and had more road to test it on, but with a long line and an Eden Prarie Cop patrolling the roads in a black and white Dodge Charger, they decided up and and down the road was enough. But lucky for me I got to do two 360's in the parking lot before speding off down the straight a-way. After we got back it started failing small hail so they ended putting the top back on. Cliff notes below: 1. The sales reps really try hard to sell you on the torque this car is capable of putting out. http://www.teslamotors.com/performance/acceleration_and_torque.php I really think they have this car's suspension setup pretty well, for what little time I had in it I am able to say she rides softer than a Lotus Elise, about the same size, but it feels like three times the power since its on the fly. Where as the Elise the power band is up high. 14k rev's and you never have to shift a gear. 2. Cornering-The Roadster Sport allows 10 way adjustable suspension and 3 way adjustable anti-roll bars. The tires are quite small for the amount of performance you get, but thats what you get from a well engineered vehicle. The 360 turn felt stable hardly any body roll. 3. Very small car indeed-about the size of my Prius, but you sit much lower to the ground. The acceleration feels very similar except the Tesla is just a bit stronger and holds on way longer. (Prius 1600k @ 295tq) Over all I enjoyed the experience and at $107k I won't be getting one anytime soon,but you'll never know tomorrow could be a whole nother story. They are coming out with a new Model S which will fit 7 passengers, 0-60 in 5.6 seconds, 130mph top speed and unrivaled handling and performance. Here's what I didn't like: 1. For a Roadster I'd expect power steering, they put in a smaller leather steer wheel for better performance. It has quick ratios, great road feedback, but the heavy feel deters my level of confidence from driving it to its potential. I'd think that as you start building your cars faster, the most important thing would be safety and what better way than to find ways to help make it easier to drive it at those levels. Even at 55mph I still felt it was still a bit much, I think this would be a dog to drive daily and having to parallel park. 2. No dead paddle, well there is but that's if you're willing to risk breaking your ankles trying to use an inch worth of support to brace yourself, slip and you can kiss your foot good bye, but you won't need that foot for a clutch. The sales guys said if they had made it any bigger it would interfere with the brake paddle. I started wondering if these guys have ever had a real professional test drive one of these, I'm sure they have. 3. No reverse camera or beep to help you or others around you from making a safe backup. 4. Maybe some people still think it's cool to have to insert your key into the ignition, but I've been spoiled with my $26k Prius. The last thing I want to worry about is where's my key, oh it's in my pocket dah. 5. I wish there was a "Oh $h1t" handle bar on the center console for the passenger. 6. The seats need a lot of improvement, missing boaster support everywhere, I didn't feel like I was secure going through the turns. 7. They should have put in a rear view mirror that would make things smaller so the driver could see more. Conclusion-we're heading in the right direction, I am very impressed with the electric power technology but I expected a lot more from a Roadster, when I get inside one I want to feel confident driving it to the limit. So far the straight line is where it's mostly at, lots of great ideas but it's missing a few vital key features that would really make it a true Roadster.
^^^ I'll be right next to you in line! I find it interesting that your critical of the Tesla's seats, they are directly derived from the Lotus Elise's, they did this to make it though safety regulations easier, Also why would you want it to beep when you back up? its a sports car, not a dump truck. Also i don't like your comparison to a prius, one is keeps with Ferrari's in looks and speed and the other I find "undrivably" slow dull and boring. To address some of your other concerns, some of which i think are valid, i think that you should listen to Elon Musk's talks with the press. In them he has addresses how much harder it is to start from scratch. Major car company's only have to design one thing at a time, they use the same door hinges, seats, visors, mirrors, buttons, locks and the like across many different models, they do this so that they don't have to spend more on R&D as well as the time it takes to get new designs like that through safety regulations. Of course there are going to be some flaws in a first launch product but i think the Tesla idea is golden and hope that with the Model S they sock the big three in the face. Thanks for the pics and vid! i cant wait to take a ride as well!
^^^^for sure no question ha. and yes I agree don't compare a sports car to a prius, its like saying that a lambo reveton is similar to a civic. no, you just don't. the tesla is the wave of the future, as is renewable energy and zero-emission vehicles
OKeepers creapers I did write this to dog this manufacture. They are the frontier for this wave of technology and I can only hope this will inspire others to follow their lead. Its foolish to expect success over night or in just a few years. Lots of research and money have been invested. I understand the current cost for such a car at the current time. So of course you can expect some work in progress. Every smart company is or has adopted that concept, its in their best interest to save where possible so the can make better products and still afford to pay their CEOS salaries. My Prius comparison is justifed, it was not to insult, but to simple illustration of how similar these two technologies work. I am sure that didn't paint a very good picture but I didn't exactly say they were going to be racing one another. I know the car is safe and has met every safety regulation otherwise it be out in the market. Maybe I'm just to small to notice but I swear these seat didn't not want to keep me in them going around in circles and turns. Hey maybe its just me buy if I could fancy such a car like the Tesla, maybe if it beeped perhaps next time the ladies turn to look it wouldn't be a dump truck staring back. I own a Prius and its quite fun actually and is a lot faster that what people may think considering its purpose. Thanks for reading it I havent had time to write up a review in a while. And I do appreciate the feedback.
haha! I suppose there is truth in that. like the review though, that's the first video i've seen from inside the car like that. someone on the forums should buy one so we can all get rides...
^^ I'm working on it, I've already pleaded for 5g's to make a deposit on a Model S, it didn't happen, something about me "not having a job." whatever that means.....
from what i remember the entire car (aside from the drivetrain) is purely lotus designed. meaning the last i read they hired lotus to design the frame/car.
Many people think that lotus had a lot more involvement then they actually did. To say that its is Lotus completely wrong. For example here is a quote from tesla's blog "So you could say that the Tesla is similar to a Lotus Elise, except it has a totally different drivetrain , body panels, aluminum tub, rear sub-frame, brakes, ABS system, HVAC and rear suspension. The Tesla also neglects to carry over the gas tank, emissions equipment and exhaust. If you were to try to convert an Elise to a Tesla and started throwing away parts that aren’t carried over what you would basically be left with a windshield, dashboard (complete with airbags!), front wishbones and a removable soft top. For comparison, Lamborghini cars share upwards of ten percent of their parts content with Audi cars. I can only guess what the number is between Ford cars and their high end Aston Martin and Jaguar brands." you can find more here http://www.teslamotors.com/blog3/?p=74 i've read as much as i can about Tesla and am seeking employment opportunity's with them. If any one knows some one there i would appreciate another contact.
It would of been funny if I could of convienced the sales rep to hold my camera while I was doing some funny stuff with his car. I heard there's a dozen folks on the forum ready to make their purchase and than you can get all the rides you'll ever want and you won't even have to chip in for gas. LOL Its more affordable to test drive other peoples machines and write about them.
"Schwarzenegger Says Tesla and Toyota Are Teaming Up on an Electric Car" http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/201...and-toyota-are-teaming-up-on-an-electric-car/ Tesla Hires Toyota Manufacturing Expert http://www.teslamotors.com/media/press_room.php?id=2280
[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]Tesla Motors (NASDAQ: TSLA) & EurocarsUS invite you to see the future of driving on July 2. Several Tesla Roadster Sports will be at EurocarsUS in Eden Prairie from 10 am to 4 pm. Test drives will be available for qualified buyers. Prizes, including FREE test drives for the general public, will be available. The fully-electric Roadster Sport boasts super car performance. The hand-built, carbon fiber Roadster Sport accelerates from 0 - 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. The zero-emissions super car consumes no petroleum, plugs into conventional 120-volt sockets, and can drive 245 miles per charge. EurocarsUS purchased this Tesla Roadster Sport to enable customers to experience the future of driving. Buyers of one of our fine, pre-owned luxury imports may drive the Tesla, free, for up to a day. (some restrictions apply). Prospective customers are invited to view our 40+ pre-owned imports at www.EurocarsUS.com; call us at 952.944.5252; or e-mail [email protected]. EurocarsUS Tesla Roadster Sport [URL="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103496354957&s=1212&e=001H126rUpW0sf8kLxAvv-oPLhajWVmYW-WI7oo1WkHn2XaxSu7AarPBO33xC8NwFl3KJdIyvpAwqZ1BKApyhN_UaHUkGGA9tf5sVuDzNkKgBBW7l38nTuwxw=="]<img name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.12" alt="EurocarsUS Tesla Roadster Sport" border="0" height="313.5" width="600">[/URL] EurocarsUS offers fine, pre-owned luxury import cars at a substantial savings vs. buying new cars. Their 12,000 square foot showroom is located in Eden Prairie, MN at 169 and 494. Locally owned and operated by car enthusiasts, most EurocarsUS vehicles are under manufacturer's warranty. They take trade-ins; purchase and consign cars; ship worldwide; and offer a Eurocar finder service. The EurocarsUS promise - You'll never have a better car shopping experience. www.EurocarsUS.com Tesla Motors (NASDAQ: TSLA) designs, develops, manufactures and sells high-performance fully electric vehicles and advanced electric vehicle powertrain components. In addition to designing and manufacturing vehicles, Tesla sells and services them through its own sales and service network. Tesla has delivered over 1,000 Tesla Roadsters to customers in 22 countries. Tesla is headquartered in Palo Alto, California. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif]EurocarsUS 952.944.5252 [email protected] www.EurocarsUS.com[/FONT]
Excellent write up Chong! Alexis and I have been drooling over the Tesla for quite some time now. It's nice to hear an honest opinion from someone I know about them. I'd still rather have the 10cyl R8 tho.
tangledupinblu - Thanks Pal, I would love to have been able to test drive the Tesla on a open track. Electric Sports cars are still in its infancy stage so you really can't go wrong with either one. I know there were some interests from others who wanted to test drive the Tesla so round two is this Friday. Enjoy!
I can't wait until these become a bit more mainstream and prices come down a bit. I'd love to get behind the wheel and try one someday. They are in their infancy but you need to start somewhere.
Well I've yet to see someone bring a Tesla to anyone track event I've been to, but I am still receiving emails from EuroCar's still offering test drives. Speaking of Audi R8's, I got a chance to test drive three super cars all in one day, at one track and the best part is it was pouring rain. A few weeks ago BIR had a private event, there was some old high school friends who just so happens to have some really nice sports cars. I test drove your 2010 White Audi R8, 2010 White ZR1 Corvette and and Black R35 GTR. **Quick Review** 3. Corvette ZR1 (RWD supercharged V8) Positives: a. very usable broad powerband b. nice interior layout c. Very practical car considering the output of this car Negatives: a. poor tire choice b. didn't have enough initial bite from those monster of a brake 2. Audi R8 V10 Positive: a. Very nice design b. very nice long usable power range 8k c. brakes felt better than the ZR1 Negatives: a. challenging to heel toe b. the way the gear box was setup makes you want to throw the gears with more emphasis (longer throw vs ZR1) c. The only car that required a physical key to be inserted to start the car 1st Positives: a. Like the commercial says, "Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime" I believe it. b. Has the best brake feel and response c. lots of traction even on the wet for slowing down and accelerating d. shifting gears were really nice and quick (paddle shift) e. Easiest car to drive at the limit out of these three f. lots more Negatives: a. Tires could be better suited for the wet, but gave the best response out of the three b. Heavy, but it works to its advantage
Josh for your interest: I didn't like how the clutch felt, it was a high riding clutch, the shifter was a nice chrome cut out of a six speed. (Euro style) Lots of comfortable room for two. The AWD was pretty nice, I believe the owner told me it was something like a 80/20 split like most mortgages these days. Brakes didn't give me the competitive feel I needed to want to push to hard. The V10 Audi engine was the most distinctive sound among the three. Mid engine cars street cars seem to give you raw race car feel when ever I drive one. At a high performance level the GTR felt the most planted on this wet day at the track. It made me feel like it was ready for almost anything that came its way. As a matter of fact the owner lost it coming down turn 11 because he was pushing too hard from 10 and came barreling down into 12 sideways parallel to the wall but he managed to save it just before 12. Amazingly that didn't faze him as on the following laps he just kept pushing the car. That alone says a lot about what a cars capable of doing to a driver, when it's built right, allowing the driver to make adjustments once the limit has been defined, and in this case that particular section of the track; at least in my book. Enjoy!
Eh, Ide still rather dump less than an 1/8th of that money into my fiero, and have a pontiac that can outperform it. Its neat though, very neat. My .02.
