OT: Saw a Tesla Roadster
04-22-2009, 09:40 PM
#1
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
OT: Saw a Tesla Roadster
I saw a Tesla actually on the road today, appropriate for Earth Day I guess. It's a neat looking car, basically a Lotus, and the driver was an attractive woman which helps. She stepped on it at one point and that thing can really accelerate. I'd love to drive one but I don't think I could ever get used to the lack of exhaust noise.
04-23-2009, 01:19 AM
#3
Three Wheelin'
I had a ride in a prototype Tesla last year. Wicked fast, but I don't think I could get used to the lack of any engine noise. While not quite as green, I'd rather just have a regular ol' Elise or Exige for half the money...
04-23-2009, 11:58 AM
#6
I was talking with a friend on Sunday who is good friends with one of Tesla's designers and he relayed a funny story.
Apparently, the only way to contain the instant torque from the electric motors is through a "traction control" system the car has. There is a button that you hold down for 10 seconds to disable it. Once done, the car becomes virtually undriveable when driven agressively as there is instant wheelspin, even at higher speeds. He indicated that there are already 3 employees who were fired after wrecking the car with the TC disabled. There is now a rule not to disable the TC for any reason, apparently.
I would be odd to drive a car that quick without any significant noise. I bet the bicylists in the mountains and canyons hate this car since they can't hear it coming!
Apparently, the only way to contain the instant torque from the electric motors is through a "traction control" system the car has. There is a button that you hold down for 10 seconds to disable it. Once done, the car becomes virtually undriveable when driven agressively as there is instant wheelspin, even at higher speeds. He indicated that there are already 3 employees who were fired after wrecking the car with the TC disabled. There is now a rule not to disable the TC for any reason, apparently.
I would be odd to drive a car that quick without any significant noise. I bet the bicylists in the mountains and canyons hate this car since they can't hear it coming!
04-23-2009, 12:51 PM
#7
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A friend has one. What they lack in engine noise they make up for in wind noise and tire noise. It is far from quiet when you are going 60 mph. I was considering getting one but the range and recharging issue have made me reconsider.
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04-23-2009, 03:39 PM
#8
Burning Brakes
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I would love one. How hard are they going to be to find? Are they spoken for for several years out? The range is pretty good NO? I thought they had a 200 mile range plus or minus. I will drive around 125 miles per day and you could charge it over night with ease. I think you can also use opportunity charging so if you can find a plug at work then free/ energy for the trip home.
Jeff
Jeff
04-23-2009, 05:11 PM
#12
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Tesla = repackaged Lotus Elise design for silly money yet still doesn't handle anywhere near the same - Who gives a s4it for a battery powered vehicle ... Is this green?!? Ask yourself where electricity comes from 
Why don't they employ a proper design team and then there ridicules asking price might look attractive?!?
It reminds me of the resent copy of the Rolls-Royce Phantom (made in China - where else):
The practice of copying other companies designs and ideas STINKS and I'd NEVER help companies like these out and they deserve negative or no publicity like the zero heritage that follows them
What a sack of S41T!
In the UK and Europe the Chrysler 300C is simply looked upon as the poor mans Bentley which is exactly what it is (no handling capabilities & no taste) - I know we are in hard times but would you buy a cardboard house styled upon the White House to live in - I hope the logical answer is no
This resembles exactly what Tesla are doing and I bet they get a load of government funding for the project which tax payers are paying for A fake with fake promise.
Tesla shipped 2 cars to the UK for testing and both broke down on the same day at a launched price of £80K the same money as a well specified 997.
Further to the point it is estimated that the batteries will only last for 2 years - how much will it cost to dispose of them and what's the cost of new ones?
Why don't they employ a proper design team and then there ridicules asking price might look attractive?!?
It reminds me of the resent copy of the Rolls-Royce Phantom (made in China - where else):
The practice of copying other companies designs and ideas STINKS and I'd NEVER help companies like these out and they deserve negative or no publicity like the zero heritage that follows them
What a sack of S41T!In the UK and Europe the Chrysler 300C is simply looked upon as the poor mans Bentley which is exactly what it is (no handling capabilities & no taste) - I know we are in hard times but would you buy a cardboard house styled upon the White House to live in - I hope the logical answer is no
This resembles exactly what Tesla are doing and I bet they get a load of government funding for the project which tax payers are paying for A fake with fake promise.Tesla shipped 2 cars to the UK for testing and both broke down on the same day at a launched price of £80K the same money as a well specified 997.
Further to the point it is estimated that the batteries will only last for 2 years - how much will it cost to dispose of them and what's the cost of new ones?
04-23-2009, 05:55 PM
#14
Race Car
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I'm on there all the time looking at the bizarre cars that we don't get here in the US... Why do zee Germans love Vipers and other assorted US junk?? There seem to be lots of sightings on there for American garbage cans in Europe...
04-23-2009, 11:47 PM
#15