"Mosqvich" (mosqvich)
07/19/2014 at 15:04 • Filed to: Test Drive, Tesla Model S P85+
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"Mosqvich" (mosqvich)
07/19/2014 at 15:04 • Filed to: Test Drive, Tesla Model S P85+ | 8
| 16 |
This is what most people saw during my recent test drive of a Tesla Model S P85+. Teslas are starting to become common place, so there is no need to impart a lot of details. The notable observation I made was just how different Tesla's dealership works. We meandered in and asked if we could look around. "Of course, take your time, I'm here if you need any questions answered," replied the Tesla associate. After looking at the car, I moseyed up to the desk and asked "any chance I could drive one?" The answer was a quick and easy "Yes."
At dealerships they always ask for your license and disappear to the back. What are they doing back there with my personal information anyway? Tesla takes your license and simply swipes it into their app on an iPad Mini and you're off to the races. It was that simple.
The black car we drove was thoroughly equipped. I never bothered to ask how much because it really doesn't matter, does it? Make sure to look at the video below the pictures. I'm no Chris Harris and my son is no cinematographer with his iPhone, but it's not too terribly bad.
I haven't really like the gigantic tablet in pictures, but in real life and in operational use, it is very nice and quite functional. The interior was nice, though I have to say the back doors could stand to be a little bit wider.
The driving experience is simply other-worldly. The only other car I've driven which approached this car's level of performance, routinely pushing my back into the seat, was a Ferrari 512 BBi. The power is instantaneous and the handling is amazing for such a heavy car. It felt light and I felt connected to the car and the road. I'm sorry for the mediocre video, but watch it closely. Particularly at the rate of acceleration. We're talking Millennium Falcon hyper-space propulsion provided by Mr. Musk.
jkm7680
> Mosqvich
07/19/2014 at 15:07 |
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Looks like fun! I've been meaning to drive, or even just sit in one at least, I'll have to check the local Tesla thingy. They have great technology, and hopefully more to come in the near future!
thebigbossyboss
> Mosqvich
07/19/2014 at 15:12 |
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You can impart as many details as you like!!! I've always wondered what it would be like to drive an electric car. I was considering test driving a Leaf since that would be more achievable (to test drive) than a Tesla.
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thebigbossyboss
> jkm7680
07/19/2014 at 15:18 |
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The nearest local Tesla thingy is 5 hours away each direction. BOOO
N51fanatic
> Mosqvich
07/19/2014 at 15:23 |
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why did you disable embedding?
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Mosqvich
> N51fanatic
07/19/2014 at 15:27 |
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Oh, hmmm, let me change that!
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Mosqvich
> thebigbossyboss
07/19/2014 at 15:59 |
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I tried test driving an i3, but the BMW dealer in that area was stingy and didn't let people test drive unless you were serious about buying. I have 2 BMWs, but I guess that didn't matter for that dealer. My local dealer is much better, but they don't have any i3s.
The torque is incredible. It rides very nicely and is uber comfortable. You'd love it.
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Mosqvich
> thebigbossyboss
07/19/2014 at 20:10 |
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boo indeed
NotUnlessRoundIsFunny
> Mosqvich
07/20/2014 at 01:21 |
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The really impressive thing about the Tesla is not that it's a really good electric car, but that it's a really good car . It will be even better when they have a more affordable model.
And I'm an electric car skeptic in many ways.
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Mosqvich
> NotUnlessRoundIsFunny
07/20/2014 at 11:20 |
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Agreed. Oddly we have an X5 which isn't so thrifty on gas. Someday we'll have an EV and along with the gas guzzlers.
Saracen
> Mosqvich
07/20/2014 at 13:18 |
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I drove a P85+ as well and loved it. The torque is instantaneous, and the is zero body roll. It helps to have the heaviest component of the car (the batteries) sitting lower than the centerline of the wheels.
Kanaric
> NotUnlessRoundIsFunny
07/20/2014 at 14:45 |
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I would like them to make a sport compact sized car with rear wheel drive. Even if it was like ~200hp or a bit less I would still buy it. Something affordable of course, not talking about an Elise type car they started with.
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NotUnlessRoundIsFunny
> Kanaric
07/20/2014 at 19:11 |
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The model they're building now, the "Model Three" or whatever it's called, might be just what you're looking for. Smaller sedan, hopefully following in the tradition of the Model S in other ways though.
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Kanaric
> NotUnlessRoundIsFunny
07/20/2014 at 20:46 |
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I'm hoping but i'm betting it's still going to be a "larger" and am putting my money on the car after that. If It's ~$40k i'd definitely take it though. I have a very tiny 2 car garage, 90s 2 car garage. I can't fit anything but a motorcycle next to my Mustang in it.
Whats funny is I said "sport compact" but really I mean like 90s M3 or 08-14 WRX sized car, say WRX because I used to own one and liked a car of that size. It's funny I consider that compact now but I guess that is.
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NotUnlessRoundIsFunny
> Kanaric
07/20/2014 at 20:54 |
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Sorry, I misspoke. I meant to say the model they're building after the Model X, is supposed to be more 3-Series size, etc. but we'll see.
Crocket Bernet
> Mosqvich
07/21/2014 at 08:55 |
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Very cool, how gnarly is the acceleration does it feel like GT-R fast?
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Mosqvich
> Crocket Bernet
07/22/2014 at 12:05 |
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Yes. It does. Indeed.