I Drove This Tesla Model S on a Runway

"BKRM3" (BKRM3) 11/11/2013 at 10:00 • Filed to: Tesla, Model S, P85, Potato Pics

13

97

This is the Tesla Model S P85, which is the line-topping performance version. Tesla was thoughtful enough to arrange for test drives at a local airstrip and a friend of mine who is a huge fan of the brand (and of Mr. Musk, in general) wasted no time registering on the event's website. The only problem was that he had no way to get out to the airfield from center city Philadelphia for his 9:15am Saturday appointment. That's where I come in.

Following an epic Friday night full of dudestuff - specifically, a Macallan tasting then an ingenious event hosted by Deschutes Brewery called Beer-lesque: Tastings & Tassels , which is exactly what it sounds like it is - we awoke at an outrageously early hour and drove out to the event.

We arrived to quite a scene: a handful of Teslas outside a hangar and strips of tarmac littered with private aircraft. Not bad (insert meme here). I now wish we would've taken some pictures of the planes.

The tables were littered with interior samples and breakfast stuffs. Just off to the right of this potato'd picture was a Cirrus aircraft, which I believe was an SR20 model. Oh, the irony!

So Tesla's website tells me the following about the P85: 265 miles range (EPA), 416 hp, 4.2 seconds 0-60, 130 mph top speed. Also relevant is that it weighs about 4,700 lbs., which is distributed 48% to the front and 52% to the rear. The car was fitted with Michelin tires, but not the Super Sports - I believe they were PS2s (weren't those discontinued? I really don't know).

Even though I didn't register ahead of time Tesla was cool with letting me sign up on the spot, and we all headed out in the lovely P85 shown above in the first picture.

Technically, we weren't on the actual runway because it was in use...by airplanes. My friend drove first and took us down to the end of the taxiway that runs parallel to the main runway. He got us turned around and was encouraged by the Tesla rep to step on it.

As a passenger in the back seat I can tell you that the very first thing I noticed was the sound. The batteries, and no doubt the components of the traction system, were working at full tilt. The sound is hard to describe. Kind of like a hum but with a lot more zing . Basically it sounds like the future. The second thing I noticed was how quickly it was whisking us along. It was very fast but without being very dramatic. I guess you'd expect that. Next thing I knew we were at 118 mph and my friend was beginning to brake. We did this a couple more times and then it was my turn!

I felt I had a pretty good concept of the straight line acceleration from my friend's runs, but I gave it a whirl once just for the heck of it. This car has a suspension setting that allows for a lower ride height, so of course I used that. The settings menu is seen in the picture above. On my run I got to 123 mph before braking. I easily could've hit the 130 mph limiter had I tried it again because I did have some braking area to spare (but, hey, it wasn't my car...).

My impressions? Well, I can hardly believe it weighs 4,700 lbs. That's about 1,000 pounds heavier than my E90 M3. You really can't feel it in normal driving. Even at threshold braking the weight isn't really apparent. I think if it were pushed to the limit on track the weight would present itself in the form of understeer. I'm sure someone has already done an on-track review with the P85 (if you know of one please link it!).

I also took it out on the street, where it behaved perfectly pleasantly. The regenerative braking produces a very natural deceleration feel when you lift off the throttle. It feels very much like there's an internal combustion engine in there slowing you down. I would say I was entirely acclimated to the car in the first 5 minutes, which I wasn't expecting as I've never driven a full electric car before.

Another thing: the utility! The back hatch opens high enough to be out of the way, the 60/40 split-folding rear seats open up what seems like acres of space and, just when you think you might be able to fill that up, there's the 911-style frunk. I'm told there are even rear-facing seats for children (and/or drunk adults).

Before this event I had my reservations about the Model S - the range would suck I said (it doesn't, and charging is becoming more convenient all the time), it would be full of batteries and the interior would be oddly configured I said (not at all - felt as spacious as a 5 series) and that huge screen in place of a traditional center stack is just TOO much screen I said (but when you're driving it feels instantly natural to anyone who has ever used a smart phone or tablet).

So what's the take-away? I think I really would consider one now as a commuter car, and I'm not surprised that I see so many showing up at my office. I think there are 3 already. It's too soon to know what a secondary market for these would look like but I can imagine the Model S (or its successor) quickly becoming a huge pain in the rear for companies like BMW, Lexus, Mercedes and even Acura.

If you're at all curious about the Model S I'd say go take one for a spin. The Tesla representatives were fantastically knowledgeable and didn't try to make me buy one. At this point, I think the company is happy to have people driving their cars and becoming educated about the technology.

PRBot II > BKRM3 11/11/2013 at 10:07

1

This is excellent, man. Nice write-up!

dinobot666 > BKRM3 11/11/2013 at 10:11

0

I always wanted a runway specific vehicle. :D

Rico > BKRM3 11/11/2013 at 10:12

5

So the test drive made you a believer eh? It seems to be a trend, most people who dismiss Tesla at first (whether it's because it's all electric, no manual, relatively unknown brand) immediately take back everything they said once they drive it. I'm just glad Tesla is open to encouraging everyone who's interested test one out.

GTiceman > BKRM3 11/11/2013 at 10:29

1

As the friend who signed up for the event I agree with everything BKR stated. I already was a huge fan of the vehicle but this experience has made me start counting my pennies to order one. As BKR stated there was a bit more we could have gotten out of the car (hitting the limiter). It handled quite well on the back roads as well and our Tesla liaison was very knowledgeable and excited to have us test the car.

As for a track review, I did happen to watch Top Gear US Season 4 Episode 7 last night (Air date 11/5/2013). The episode is called Fully Charged and ends with the winner driving the p85 Model S and then finally the Stig taking it for a spin. Not a full and true review I know, but still entertaining.

Icemanmaybeirunoutofthetalents > BKRM3 11/11/2013 at 10:29

0

Sounds like you had a great time. And that grey looks really nice!

Krieger (@FSKrieger22) > Rico 11/11/2013 at 10:30

6

Well, considering what they're going through now, they pretty much have to prove themselves to everyone in order to stay afloat.

Rico > Krieger (@FSKrieger22) 11/11/2013 at 10:54

0

As in the fire stuff? Meh, most of the owners don't care, at least I wouldn't. And from what I understand they've been doing these open to all test drives for a while now. Listen I don't know what would happen if I drove over a tow hitch that punctured the underside of my vehicle, but what I do know is that [insert car manufacturer here] won't be calling me to not only see that I was okay but I'm sure Tesla is doing some under the table/keep your mouth shut free Tesla replacement and to be honest I'd take that offer.

BKRM3 > Rico 11/11/2013 at 11:36

1

Well I'm not sure it made me a "believer" as much as it debunked my preconceived reservations. Not sure I'm 100% ready to drink the kool-aid. You never really know whether a car suits you until you live with it for a while. My own assessment combined with what I'm hearing/reading from real reviewers (who get to spend time with the car) and actual owners does seem to indicate there aren't many hidden gremlins. I think I would be entirely comfortable, right now, owning one now as a second car.

But as my only car and daily driver? Putting entirely aside the fact that I'd have to give up tracking (although I'd love to see a Model S rocking R-comps), I still think I'd hold off for a while. It seems like they have a great handle on the I-95 corridor up and down the east coast, but if I were to embark on the 375 mile trip to visit my parents on the other side of Pennsylvania, that would take planning that's more involved than I'd be willing to do at the moment. And if you can't access a Supercharger station, the regular charging (on a 220 utility outlet, I believe) takes something like 8 hours. That's still way too much down-time if I'm considering this as my only car.

BKRM3 > Icemanmaybeirunoutofthetalents 11/11/2013 at 11:38

0

It was a blast! The P85 was gorgeous, especially with those wheels. Massive improvement over the looks of the lower model.

BKRM3 > dinobot666 11/11/2013 at 11:38

1

Me too but I think if I could have one it would be one of those twin-turbo Ford GTs! =)

BKRM3 > PRBot II 11/11/2013 at 11:39

0

Why thank ya!

BKRM3 > GTiceman 11/11/2013 at 11:39

0

The Stig tends to be kind of quiet. Not exactly a lot of feedback in his reviews lol

Rico > BKRM3 11/11/2013 at 11:52

0

Completely understand your logic, especially if you're a road tripper. I meant made you a believer as in you didn't believe the car would be any good or as good as it turned out to be. Yeah they definitely have to increase their charging infrastructure and planning the trip around that route might be a pain but we're on a cusp of a real change in which plug in electrics can compete with well known cars in terms of performance, comfort, and functionality in the luxury market. Did you feel like the Tesla lacked in any category besides range?

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > BKRM3 11/11/2013 at 12:01

0

I got to drive one back in September, and was really impressed by the acceleration. And this was the 86kW non-performance battery.

http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/i-got-to-road-…

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

BKRM3 > Rico 11/11/2013 at 12:07

1

Honestly I didn't notice any other weak spots during the short time I had with the car. I was really looking for an area of compromise and just couldn't find one. I think all the current shortfalls and question marks seem to be in the manufacturing/parts availability, lack of long-term reliability data and, of course, infrastructure. The car itself was awesome. Not much else to say about that =)

daewootech > BKRM3 11/11/2013 at 12:10

1

People want to fight it as much as they can, just because they view them as the "Apple" of vehicles, however those are the same people who refuse to purchase or even think about any apple device even without laying hands on one, the prejudgment of people these days are so closed minded that the new "thing to do" seems to be the anti-cool people who just want to bash on perceived trends. I just wish the Model S didn't push back the Model X build, because I would have been all in for that being a new father an all.

Tom > BKRM3 11/11/2013 at 12:15

0

"My impressions? Well, I can hardly believe it weighs 4,700 lbs. That's about 1,000 pounds heavier than my E90 M3. "

You should have worded this "Thats ONLY about 1000 pounds heavier than my E90 M3"......BMW are you listening????

Tom > BKRM3 11/11/2013 at 12:15

0

"My impressions? Well, I can hardly believe it weighs 4,700 lbs. That's about 1,000 pounds heavier than my E90 M3. "

You should have worded this "Thats ONLY about 1000 pounds heavier than my E90 M3"......BMW are you listening????

BKRM3 > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 11/11/2013 at 12:21

0

Ahh yes, I remember that. Nice write up there, and yours had the rear facing seats!

BKRM3 > Tom 11/11/2013 at 12:22

0

Sigh, I know...but that's a whole other discussion =)

TheSmokingTire > BKRM3 11/11/2013 at 12:24

12

The refinement that comes with an electric car is something that most people don't take into account. People who tend to dismiss the Model S don't realize that, once driving it, the only car you can buy that could even be considered more refined would be a Rolls Phantom which costs 4 times as much. Even my silly little Volt is more refined on the road than all but the most expensive, heaviest, most insulated luxury cars. Acceleration numbers, range numbers, and all that don't take in to account the "X" factor of driving an electric car, which is like driving a sensory deprivation chamber. Not exactly ideal for track work, but it literally makes your mood so much better when you're stuck in traffic in something like that rather than a "standard" luxury car.

epicshooter > BKRM3 11/11/2013 at 12:25

0

Would you consider it once you see the price tag?

662CHP > BKRM3 11/11/2013 at 12:27

0

So did they provide heavy steel objects for you to run over?

dale hunter hall > TheSmokingTire 11/11/2013 at 12:35

0

Since I am weally lazy how much does this full battery pack Tesla cost? How does someone like me from Alabama buy a Tesla?

Coming from someone who went out and bought a hybrid who makes video's of cars for a living, this is an impressive statement.

DetroitMuscle > BKRM3 11/11/2013 at 12:41

1

I wonder if those of us who really enjoy smoking the tires,banging gears,and hearing awesome big engine noises would find the smooth and quiet experience to be something worth getting used to.I mean,in spite of it's top quality,is it fun to beat up a bit or does the experience become rather mundane efficient transportation?

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > BKRM3 11/11/2013 at 12:41

0

Just the idea of sitting in those seats during a rear-ender makes me pucker.

chriswhotakesphotos > BKRM3 11/11/2013 at 12:43

0

Can I join this circle of Philly-area Tesla fans? I love Tesla!

TheSmokingTire > dale hunter hall 11/11/2013 at 12:44

6

I think the most expensive Tesla you can buy (P85+) is around $120,000. I don't know how you buy one other than to go on their web site and find the nearest dealer to you?

I bought a Volt because I drive impractical sports cars for a living constantly, and the last thing I need is my daily driver to be another impractical, loud, uncomfortable car just for the sake of looking like a bad ass. The Volt is sick; and if it matches your needs it will be the best car you ever own.

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > BKRM3 11/11/2013 at 12:45

3

Juxtapose car on runway and you end up with..

Malforus > TheSmokingTire 11/11/2013 at 12:53

0

Matt I didn't realize you were a volt owner. Sounds like you are a fan, how has the maintenance on it been?

Admittedly it doesn't match with your normal reviews but it would be interesting getting an extended opinion from you on how well the Volt works as a car.

RedRoab > TheSmokingTire 11/11/2013 at 13:01

0

Do you think that "sensory deprivation chamber" effect is from the fact that it's an electric car, or from the fact that it's a premium car? When you're cruising on the highway in most cars, the noise is by and large from wind noise, not the engine. In my car it is definitely the engine, but in the case of my mom's ICE camry I don't even notice the noise of the engine unless I am accelerating very aggressively.

yesssir13 > BKRM3 11/11/2013 at 13:06

0

So you and your adult friend went joyriding in a car you can't afford? Cool story, bro. Get a life and quit wasting people's time.

spydrb8 > BKRM3 11/11/2013 at 13:19

0

I've had the pleasure of flogging a 2011 BMW M6 and a 2013 Tesla P85+ with the suspension upgrades a few weeks later thanks to a couple friends. The M6 was fast, don't get me wrong, but it felt flustered and clumsy around corners in quick succession. The Tesla was astoundingly nimble for such a heavy car through the same test... It was nimble for ANY car on this test. The Tesla had a strange feeling in the suspension when loaded up and driven hard. I attributed it too the air suspension finally giving way to the bump stops since the change in damping was very noticeable, but it's only something you would likely see under track conditions.

Devo_624 > BKRM3 11/11/2013 at 13:20

0

Would you happen to know if there was an age requirement or is it just if you have a license?

If you're at all curious about the Model S I'd say go take one for a spin.

Clutch > TheSmokingTire 11/11/2013 at 13:25

0

tell it.

DeeVeeOus > dale hunter hall 11/11/2013 at 13:29

0

Full size battery pack S starts at $81k base (not including $7,500 tax credit). The P85 like the one in the article starts at about $91k base (also not including tax credit). If you tick absolutely every single option box, in an effort to max out the price, you can get the P85 up to about $131k before tax credit. That even includes "paint armor", the most expensive wheels, and most expensive paint.

The closest Tesla place to you, is most likely around Atlanta.

BKRM3 > Devo_624 11/11/2013 at 13:44

0

Hmm. No idea. Maybe the Tesla website has an FAQ about test drives? I'm 30, so I didn't think to ask!

BKRM3 > spydrb8 11/11/2013 at 13:51

0

This is why I couched all my impressions as "wellllll, this is how it acts on the street. " I just got the sense that there'd be something else to say about it on the track. It sounds like you got to push the handling a bit, which I absolutely did not get to do. I wish I had! What is certain is that the weight is definitely going to rear its ugly head at some point. Very interesting to hear your observations about damping suddenly going off a cliff (at the bump stops). Sounds extremely likely to me.

While you and I find this is all extremely interesting, it really doesn't matter much because no one is going to be tracking this car, other than in a one-time "it'll be fun!" sort of way. Imagine it on a wet skid! I didn't think to ask about differential setup =)

BKRM3 > chriswhotakesphotos 11/11/2013 at 13:52

0

Umm, sure! You're in! You can write the monthly newsletter =)

BKRM3 > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 11/11/2013 at 13:54

0

They told me the rear glass is shatter-proof. I was like "hmm, true - but the bones in my legs...not so much."

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > BKRM3 11/11/2013 at 13:56

0

Exactly. And the image of a huge SUV milliseconds away from plowing into the back will stay with those rear-seaters for a long time, assuming they survive.

there's a worm in my apple > TheSmokingTire 11/11/2013 at 13:56

0

they do not do dealers i thought? i think you just order direct from the website, and currently the fact that they do not use a dealer is pissing a lot of car companies off because it's working quite well.

Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment > yesssir13 11/11/2013 at 13:56

0

Holy shit, fuck you. We're here to, you know, talk about cars. Get off this site.

BKRM3 > DetroitMuscle 11/11/2013 at 13:59

0

I wondered that as I drove to work this morning, stretching the legs of my glorious S65 and pondering the 9.8 mpg figure shown on the dash. I really believe there will be room for both and an appreciation of both. I'll tell you one thing, it definitely will smoke the tires so you needn't worry about that one! Nothing at all mundane about the time I spent with the car, but of course I'm not living with it day in and day out.

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > BKRM3 11/11/2013 at 14:01

0

My dad and I have been trying to convince my mom to let him buy one of the lower models as a commuter car cause he works within the range. maybe i should have him take my mom to one of these test drive events

BKRM3 > 662CHP 11/11/2013 at 14:02

0

They did not. I asked about the fires though. They told me more about the incident in Mexico than I had picked up from the articles. That guy was pretty reckless it sounds like. I didn't feel (and I don't think Tesla thinks) that there is any significant risk.

BKRM3 > epicshooter 11/11/2013 at 14:06

0

No, I wouldn't consider paying $100,000 for a commuter car at this point in my life...and I don't know that I ever would unless the car's original MSRP were vastly above that amount. I appreciate value for money in all things automotive and depreciation has always been my friend. Of course, as I said in the post, it's still too early to know what the used market on these will look like. The tax credit you get when buying new is going to be small potatoes compared to the discount of buying used.

BKRM3 > TheSmokingTire 11/11/2013 at 14:22

0

Thanks Matt, this is an excellent point. I forgot to mention the relaxing contentment of driving a car on the street that has no vibration at idle, no jolts in upshifts or downshifts and so few of the things that other cars are constantly doing in the background - pumps, belts, engine start-stop, etc. PLUS it makes barely any sound aside from road noise. There is so little stress involved and so little to listen to and feel for (I'm someone who constantly listens to the car for anything irregular) - the normal "car things" that are MISSING actually contribute hugely to the overall feel of refinement. It's a somewhat subtle aspect of the full-electric that really has an impact on driving enjoyment (on the street).

RazorGP > BKRM3 11/11/2013 at 14:25

0

No touch feedback = distracted drivers.

Perhaps they ran over those blocks in the road because they were busy trying to change the volume or the AC.

Futrell's Indenor XD2 needs a head gasket > BKRM3 11/11/2013 at 14:26

0

WAT, Another reason to love Deschutes?

BKRM3 > Futrell's Indenor XD2 needs a head gasket 11/11/2013 at 14:27

0

Yes, as if we needed another =)

RazorGP > BKRM3 11/11/2013 at 14:30

0

How much does say 90+ degree weather in 90%+ humidity with the AC running full blast cut the range?

How does it handle water up to the rocket panels and a few inches over it?

Where I live these things can happen and some areas heavy rains will flash flood a street in 4-6 inches of water.

Sir Halffast > TheSmokingTire 11/11/2013 at 14:42

1

I see a ton of them on the road, seeing as I work about three blocks from the DC showroom. They've really grown on me. As much as I actively disliked the derivative looks of the Roadster, I actively enjoy the S. It really catches the eye, and there is a solidity of appearance/design that something like a Mercedes lacks. There's not many cars that I'd willingly pay more than $100,000 for (at least that aren't named Porsche), but had I the money, the S would be at the top of the list for my commuter car.

epicshooter > BKRM3 11/11/2013 at 14:53

0

I am in the same boat. I expect based on the comparison to apple that the resale will be similar (high) as it is on "i"devices.

BKRM3 > RazorGP 11/11/2013 at 15:08

0

Yep, all seem to be unknowns at this point. Those occurrences are not all that infrequent in my neck of the woods.

Phlegminglib > TheSmokingTire 11/11/2013 at 15:22

0

Traded my 08 335xi for a '13 Volt, can't be happier! LOVE my Volt!!

TheSmokingTire > Phlegminglib 11/11/2013 at 15:51

0

If it matches your needs (or have something else for weekend fun) the Volt is amazing. Glad you like it!

K5ING > dale hunter hall 11/11/2013 at 15:52

0

You're always hearing the $100,000 price tag, but the cars all the writers and potential customers are testing are the fully loaded ones. It's like saying that a Silverado pickup will cost you $60K. Sure, a fully loaded one will, but you can get them cheaper.

I priced one on their website and came in at $80K. That's for the regular 85, not the P85. The regular one will get the same 265 mile range and will still do 0-60 in 5.6 seconds. I got the tech package and metallic paint, but not the pano roof, air suspension, upgraded audio system, 21" wheels (19" are standard) or other add ons. I did, however, get the rear parcel shelf for $250.

$80K is still a bucketload of cash, but a savings of $20K is nothing to sneeze at. As for where to buy it, you can do it all online if you want, or they can direct you to a "store" if there is one near you.

MrDude_1 > Krieger (@FSKrieger22) 11/11/2013 at 15:55

0

actually, they HAVE to get more batteries to make people happy... thats about it.
You wont find many people unhappy with their cars. If you do, theres a line behind those people willing to take the keys asap.
Their main problem at the moment is battery supply. They have sold more cars then they can even make. They're being crippled on production by not having enough cells, and thats causing them to not hit their production goals.

K5ING > BKRM3 11/11/2013 at 16:00

0

I've "built" one for me on their website and it came in at "only" $80. I got the regular 85, not the P85. I also got the tech package and metallic paint, but that's about it. No pano roof, no extended leather, no fancy head liner, and no air suspension, no high-zoot audio. It's still a bunch of $$$, but you do save $20K by doing without some of the fancy stuff.

tidusx1000 > BKRM3 11/11/2013 at 16:07

0

Is this all you need to do to test drive a Tesla? http://www.teslamotors.com/models/drive

BKRM3 > K5ING 11/11/2013 at 16:11

0

Yes, and don't forget the tax credit from the gub'ment if you buy one new.

As I'm sure you know, people used to pricing BMWs, Mercs and (especially) Porsches are pretty accustomed to being able to drive the price up by $20k (or more) in options. Related: have you seen what Porsche wants for painted center caps!?

BKRM3 > tidusx1000 11/11/2013 at 16:12

0

I wouldn't know, I just showed up to this event. Looks like it though. Give it a whirl?

dale hunter hall > K5ING 11/11/2013 at 16:23

0

My question is how does Tesla get the car delivered to you? How much is delivery? Do you have to have a 240Volt charger installed at your house? What if you go somewhere and they only have 120v to charge with?

mfennell > TheSmokingTire 11/11/2013 at 16:28

0

Another Volt "owner" (leaser!) here with exactly the same attitude as Matt (?TheSmokingTire?). It's the perfect counterpoint to a couple loud, impractical cars and almost never going to the gas station does NOT get old. To add a small point to the quietness - another benefit is that it's no louder accelerating "hard" (this being relative) than, well, sitting in your garage so you end up using more of the available performance more often. Noone notices the stealth electric zipping away but I'm that pr*ck in the loud Ferrari accelerating at the same rate in my 360.

mfennell > BKRM3 11/11/2013 at 16:34

0

Exactly. My neighbor's loaded up 535 xDrive rang in right around $75k. No sales tax on EVs in NJ, so the net for the "100k" Tesla optioned correctly is about the same. Tesla option prices have been creeping up though. They have pricing power right now and they're using it.

K5ING > dale hunter hall 11/11/2013 at 18:25

0

I would suggest you go read up on it. Those are pretty basic questions. And no, you don't need to have any special outlet in your garage. If you have a 240V outlet for your dryer or something similar, they work fine. If you can't afford to put 240 in your garage, you can't afford a Tesla anyway.

K5ING > BKRM3 11/11/2013 at 18:30

0

I *think* the prices on the website includes the $7.5K tax credit, but I could be wrong.

It really grinds my gears to keep hearing about how the Model S costs $100K in all the media. Yes, the ones tested cost that much, but they are fully loaded. It's like not considering a new Silverado because they cost $60K. Sure, the fully loaded ones the magazines test do, but you can get them much cheaper.

BKRM3 > K5ING 11/11/2013 at 18:40

0

I'd be surprised if the price includes the tax credit. I mean, maybe there's a footnote explaining things, but that's a little misleading if it does. I imagine to make full use of the credit you have to have an income tax liability in excess of the credit amount. In other words, I don't think it's in the category of "refundable" credits that they'll just dole out to you even if you already have no income tax liability for the year in question. You'd lose benefit of the credit if you don't happen to owe enough tax. That's why I hope they don't include it in the price. Of course, the way marketing works I guess I wouldn't be too surprised...

yesssir13 > Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment 11/11/2013 at 18:55

0

I love talking about cars. But signing up for a joyride and wasting a company's time, money and resources to joyride in a car you have no intentions of purchasing is both narcissistic and pathetic.

7racer > BKRM3 11/11/2013 at 19:34

0

If you look at the http://www.teslamotorsclub.com forum, there are a lot of guys who have tracked the S. I have a vid on there where I tracked the roadster.

Logos11 > BKRM3 11/11/2013 at 20:23

1

Don't get me wrong, I love everything about the Tesla and admire Musk, but the range anxiety thing would always be in the back of my mind. Kind of like using a laptop on a long distance flight without any way to charge it. You're always conscience of what battery life remains. Whether it's a psychological thing that would be lifted if you owned the car and then become comfortable with those limits, it would still hang over me like a cloud always being aware that I was dealing with a limited range forcing one eye on the screen's battery percentage countdown, all the time, no matter where I went.

chriswhotakesphotos > BKRM3 11/11/2013 at 21:10

0

Great! I'll write about the time someone showed me his in a Starbucks parking lot.

BKRM3 > chriswhotakesphotos 11/11/2013 at 21:15

0

You ought to just stop by KoP and drive one!

chriswhotakesphotos > BKRM3 11/11/2013 at 21:30

0

Where's that?

Biberons > tidusx1000 11/11/2013 at 22:48

0

Yes. I signed up, got a call the next day, scheduled a test drive 2 days later (I could have chosen the same day), showed up at the show room, have my driver licence verified, and off I went driving the Model S for 30 minutes.

alexlam24 > BKRM3 11/11/2013 at 23:35

0

Do you know of any future events in the Philly area? I'm also 17 so will I qualify to drive?

nauyop > BKRM3 11/12/2013 at 00:41

0

Tinted taillights?

BKRM3 > chriswhotakesphotos 11/12/2013 at 00:47

0

Haha king of Prussia, sorry, our closest store

BKRM3 > nauyop 11/12/2013 at 00:51

1

I doubt it, they were all tesla owned cars. Maybe just the angle/lighting?

Mosqvich > BKRM3 11/12/2013 at 01:21

1

Well done. Glad you told me about tonight on GTA5.

MotorcycleRider > BKRM3 11/12/2013 at 01:51

0

I think someone who road trips every now and then could do this as their only car. Just rent a car.

MrZoglog > BKRM3 11/12/2013 at 01:58

1

I test drove the Tesla for the first time this weekend. Although I didn't the get the runway treatment (if anyone can get me in one of these events in Los angeles I'll gladly chauffer you in my v wagon ^_^). I would have to agree with others on the sensation and pickup with no drama. What an awesome car. If it was cross shopping with any other large comfy luxury sedan I would go Tesla hands down.

BKRM3 > Mosqvich 11/12/2013 at 06:55

1

Thanks! Man, things got a little hairy after stealing that fire truck. =)

K5ING > BKRM3 11/12/2013 at 11:34

0

Here's a quick screenshot of "my" Model S, and yes, it is the price after the tax credit. I'm guessing that anyone who can afford a car that costs between $80 and $100K has that kind of tax obligation.

mfennell > K5ING 11/12/2013 at 11:41

1

Nice config K5ING, and very cost effective, relatively speaking I think skipping the pano is avoiding a bunch of potential headaches although I've read that you don't get rack mounts with a solid roof, which sucks. Have you seen the textile seats in person?

K5ING > mfennell 11/12/2013 at 11:46

0

No, I haven't seen textile seats, but I've never been a big fan of leather anyway. My Golf has fabric like this and I love it. You're right about the pano roof too. I've been on the Tesla owners forum board for a long time, and there seem to be a lot of complaints, but no more so than any other car with a large sunroof. Besides, I like quiet in the car and would keep it shut 95% of the time. I might consider a fixed transparent roof, however. On a side note, I could do without the pop-out door handles as well, but that's not an option. I can see problems with them down the road as the car ages.

BKRM3 > K5ING 11/12/2013 at 11:49

0

Yep, classic marketing shenanigans. I guess they want to make it look as affordable as possible. Nice configuration!

K5ING > BKRM3 11/12/2013 at 12:08

0

Thanks, but I want to be clear that it's my fantasy wish-list car. No way can I afford one, but if I could, that's the way I would get it. As for the marketing shenanigans, I agree to a point. It would be nice if they gave the full price, then "minus $7,500 tax credit, ..... "

Still considering that filling it up from empty only costs $5-$8 depending on electric rates in your area, (or free at a supercharger), and you'll never have to change the oil or incur other costs usually associated with an ICE car, it's not all *that* expensive. For example, if you drive 20K miles per year, it will cost you about $400 in electricity. In an comparable ICE car that gets 25mpg, you'll pay $3,200 assuming gas at $4/gal. That's $2,800 savings per year. Don't forget about being able to use the HOV lane in most cities too and how much time that will save you. All the benefits really add up after awhile.

dale hunter hall > K5ING 11/12/2013 at 12:12

0

Yeah but, what if you take a road trip to someone's house and they don't have a dryer/washer in the garage? Then it takes like 2 days to charge? Why not have 2 120v charging ports?

K5ING > dale hunter hall 11/12/2013 at 12:38

0

If you're taking a long road trip (how often do you do that, remembering that it's got a 265 mile range), any KOA and most other campgrounds have 240V 50amp power for RVs and such. Otherwise, if you can afford a $80K to $100K car, you probably have a second car as well. Take that one on those long trips. If you usually drive more than 250 miles per day, or take frequent road trips, like once a week, then a Tesla probably isn't for you.

chriswhotakesphotos > BKRM3 11/12/2013 at 13:01

0

Oh. At a mere age of twenty I don't know if they'd like me doing test drives, but maybe they'd arrange one for some free photography. Hmm.

RazorGP > BKRM3 11/12/2013 at 14:18

0

I saw one of these stopped on the side of the road the other day with the lady that I assume was the only occupant yelling into her phone.

Was tempted to see what the reason was but didn't have the time to stop.

redman042 > yesssir13 11/13/2013 at 00:00

0

You sound like a frustrated car salesman.

Slaapstad > BKRM3 11/13/2013 at 05:56

0

Didn't find any footage online yet, but Top Gear USA had the Stig trash a Model S around the track. http://www.teslamotors.com/en_EU/forum/fo…

tms > BKRM3 11/13/2013 at 18:43

1

I took a P85+ (the + = upgraded suspension?) for a spin around Palo Alto last week. Great straight-line acceleration, was pretty impressed at how little body roll and how flat and grippy it felt in some of the corners as well. Suspect its weight would be noticeable on a track but even hard cornering on the road it was really quite capable indeed. Single speed gearbox with dead flat torque curve and instant throttle response was actually quite a nice feeling in the corners.

Interior wasn't quite as taken with - the screen is great (after I got used to it, I thought it looked stupid in photos but in person its actually quite cool); the space is great; the fit and finish is fairly average (compared to, say, my f30 3-series), and the flat floorwell was a bit odd for my passenger in the back seat.

On balance - would buy, as a daily driver, with some reservations. Not sure if I'd be happy with it as my only car though.

tms > BKRM3 11/13/2013 at 22:07

0

Yep, thats it. I managed it, and I don't even have a US drivers license.