The small steering wheel is thick and grippy and steering feels heavy leaving the parking lot. The Tesla is eerily silent; drivers have likened it to travelling in stealth mode, slipping quietly in and out of traffic. It's surprisingly civilized in the thick congestion of downtown's core. Visibility is excellent, although you're travelling very low to the ground. Surprisingly, the mirrors are manually adjustable.
The suspension's firm over rough pavement and streetcar tracks, but not clattery. Turning onto an uphill ramp to the highway, I marvel at the complete lack of hesitation, the immediate application of torque as I accelerate to the top. Faced with a wide open lane, I put the pedal down and my head snaps into the seat rest. Whether changing lanes or accelerating to pass, the response is nimble and instantaneous. Steering is lively and direct and just the right weight. Brembo brakes at each corner are powerfully effective, yet not grabby. The lines of communication are wide open, there's wonderful feedback and an intuitive connection between driver and car.
Although $100,000+ exotic sports cars are out of range for most of us, the more accessible Model S four-door sedan is projected for release in 2012. And Tesla's recently announced partnership with Toyota has already resulted in a joint-venture electric RAV4 program, with the possibility of an affordable sports car in the works.
Reluctant as I am to hand over the Tesla's keys at the end of my drive, I leave feeling that the future is looking much brighter.
The suspension's firm over rough pavement and streetcar tracks, but not clattery. Turning onto an uphill ramp to the highway, I marvel at the complete lack of hesitation, the immediate application of torque as I accelerate to the top. Faced with a wide open lane, I put the pedal down and my head snaps into the seat rest. Whether changing lanes or accelerating to pass, the response is nimble and instantaneous. Steering is lively and direct and just the right weight. Brembo brakes at each corner are powerfully effective, yet not grabby. The lines of communication are wide open, there's wonderful feedback and an intuitive connection between driver and car.
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| Reluctant as I am to hand over the Tesla's keys at the end of my drive, I leave feeling that the future is looking much brighter. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush/Auto123.com) |
Although $100,000+ exotic sports cars are out of range for most of us, the more accessible Model S four-door sedan is projected for release in 2012. And Tesla's recently announced partnership with Toyota has already resulted in a joint-venture electric RAV4 program, with the possibility of an affordable sports car in the works.
Reluctant as I am to hand over the Tesla's keys at the end of my drive, I leave feeling that the future is looking much brighter.
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