The usual grumbles - All Comments

re: A grand day out: Tesla first drive

Rich — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 03:49:38 GMT

Sorry, I had to actually go away on vacation to get the time to write...

Although the Tesla guys wanted us to stay on the main streets, my son and I decided it would be better to take the car out on the highway and see what it really can do.

We were happily doing 80, then I punched it a little. Richie said "excuse me dad, did you notice we are going 115 miles an hour".

I'd say it was a bit rougher ride than my old 911, but the acceleration is on par, if not a bit better.

The car is a little pricey, but well worth it.

re: Electric cars with a 185mph range and a 10 minute recharge... science fiction, unfortunately

Swavek — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 02:02:59 GMT

We could always make it like the Mac power connector and have it be a magnet ... that way when another car pulls in and runs over the cable it disconnects and everyone is in for a bad hair day. Ok so short of a mini nuclear reactor on every corner i don't see this happening either.

re: Electric cars with a 185mph range and a 10 minute recharge... science fiction, unfortunately

Brian — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 01:00:27 GMT

I was thinking about induction, but... OK.

re: Electric cars with a 185mph range and a 10 minute recharge... science fiction, unfortunately

Michael Thwaite — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 03:09:40 GMT

We have that... We call it lightning ;-)

MPT

re: Electric cars with a 185mph range and a 10 minute recharge... science fiction, unfortunately

Brian — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:08:14 GMT

Wireless power transmission. We must perfect this technology.

re: A grand day out: Tesla first drive

Michael Thwaite — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 21:23:04 GMT

I understand why regular automatics do it; a function of the design; it's in first gear and has no concept of an open clutch but I've driven the Nissan Micra with the CVT; that didn't creep so I'm not seeing the safety aspect here. Perhaps there's more?

My manual MINI has a similar feature though; if you leave it in gear with the engine running and get out it goes bang and jumps forward 3 feet. I know this, I've tested it.

MPT

re: A grand day out: Tesla first drive

Tom Saxton — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 22:53:41 GMT

I believe the creep forward is a safety feature - it keeps you from accidentally getting out of the car while in "drive" because as soon as you let up on the brake, the car starts to move and you instantly put the brake back on.

re: A grand day out: Tesla first drive

Brian — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:10:11 GMT

BTW, where is RK on this blog?

re: A grand day out: Tesla first drive

Brian — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:09:56 GMT

Don't worry, the Si will be the main ride until sometime Q409.

re: A grand day out: Tesla first drive

Michael Thwaite — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 11:38:14 GMT

That would give TG and I a run for the Auto-X prize!

re: A grand day out: Tesla first drive

Brian — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 04:01:04 GMT

I think I'll take a wander up to my local Lotus dealership this week sometime. Happens there's one just up the road in Hopewell:

http://www.steelwings.com/

re: A grand day out: Tesla first drive

Brian — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 03:57:25 GMT

Aliah says she'll learn to drive stick for a Lotus in the drive. So, I have that going for me. Just steps away from having her and the boys out at auto cross and track days. Not sure if this is a good thing?

I think we'll have to move, though, just so we can put it in a proper garage, of which I am presently short one.

re: A grand day out: Tesla first drive

Michael Thwaite — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 02:38:05 GMT

Elise - Yes, get it!

There's top fun and sensible running costs.

My friend Tom Bax' has his eyes on one... after driving one on... are you ready... Forza!

That good eh!

MPT.

re: A grand day out: Tesla first drive

Brian — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 01:26:27 GMT

I am thoroughly envious, and delighted to see one so tall as Rich fits quite neatly into it. I have been exploring the long-term possibility of owning a pre-owned Elise. Seems I can have my very own supercar for south of $30K if I do some searching among late-model post-2000 editions. There's a new Elise in Motor Trend that is really trick for $55K off the truck.

Anyhow, I am very jealous of your impending (no matter how far in the future) Tesla ownership. Looks like more than a grand day out, to me.