Here's a late-night brainwave!

"TheHondaBro" (wwaveform)
11/18/2016 at 05:23 • Filed to: None

Tesla has already proven they can build an electric car to be quicker to 60 than most supercars, in what I’m assuming is an attempt to pander to auto enthusiasts reluctant to buy into the EV market. Despite the ludicrous acceleration, it only tops out at about 130 mph and can not take corners enthusiastically. Here where my genius plan comes along.

For SEMA 2017, Tesla should build a one-off Model-S P100RS or something along those lines. Turn the Model-S into a true supercar! Take all the properties of electric motors that make them superior to engines and build a track-ready race car around it.

Now here’s the problem. A basic S has a wet weight of around 5,000 lbs. It ain’t no ballerina. However, there have been documented cases of large, heavy cars being built specifically for track use (*cough BENTLEY cough*) and being good at what they do. Also, the P100D gets to 60 in 2.4 seconds. Enough proof that even a heavy electric car can be light on its feet.

Either my genius plan is genius or I need sleep. Either way I’ll fire off a tweet to Elon Cologne in the morning. Good night.

DISCUSSION (11)

Birddog > TheHondaBro
11/18/2016 at 05:47

Meh.. Tesla seems to have it’s target market good and well nailed down. Feel free to give Elon some advice though.

(Full disclosure: Birddog is nowhere near the “target”. He is the guy that was going to sign up for a FoRS at one point though. And at $37K+? Birddog expects a Prime Rib or a chew toy.)

beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard > TheHondaBro
11/18/2016 at 05:57

the Bentley GT3 race car is 1050kg’s (approx 1 Peugeot 206 GTi) lighter than the road car.. Good luck getting that kind of weight out of an S

Wheelerguy > beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard
11/18/2016 at 06:03

Full carbon body, carbon tub and battery spine, strip all luxuries, lighter-weight internals, DTM bodywork.

Oh, and to maximize top speed, make it a wagon.

Berang > TheHondaBro
11/18/2016 at 06:06

Kinja'd!!!

bhtooefr > TheHondaBro
11/18/2016 at 06:53

Keep in mind that a new Roadster is planned with a “maximum plaid” mode.

With a CF tub, CF battery case, and a more customized battery shape (no back seat, but shorter wheelbase, so the battery needs to extend up into what, in a mid-engine car, would be the engine bay), it might just work.

Also, if it’s lighter, it means that taller gearing can be used (because it’s more traction-limited at low speeds). That said, multi-speed gearboxes are common in Formula E... Tesla tried one for the original Roadster and ultimately locked the gearboxes in 2nd gear, though. And, the Model S P100D is able to do 155 anyway (although not for long, cooling becomes an issue).