Model S
The Roadster is a gem of engineering, a fabulous car to drive but, let's be honest, not entirely that practical or affordable. No Tesla for you? Ha! Behold the Model S. Here stands a real 4-door premium electric car that will fit in many budgets and lifestyles. It boasts room for seven (that's 7) passengers and tons of room for all your gear.
Do not fret if performance is still high on your priority list. The Model S will hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in 5.6 seconds; plenty fast enough to poke fun at many so-called sport sedans. Range is also impressive at 300 miles (480 km). Deliveries are expected to begin in 2011 but you can place your order now.
Cruelty to me
In all honesty, I did not get enough wheel time to fully appreciate what this car can do. Among the first thoughts that crossed my mind as I returned the car were the incredible regenerative braking that slowed the car right down to a near stop. Knowing this, Tesla has provided for the brakelights to turn on (without ever depressing the left-hand pedal) when a certain amount of deceleration is detected, which I think is brilliant. Also, the non-power assisted steering is high on feedback at speed and the amount of effort required at low speeds only make me want this car more... I'm nuts.
Given that the test was done in mid-February, I did not remove the roof panel. I can scarcely imagine what it must be like to cruise at 120 km/h with the sun beating down on my head with no engine hum. It must seem like flying.
Tesla
The story of Tesla's beginnings may be a little skewed but what is important to know is that the company is in complete health thanks to a $465 million loan from the United States Department of Energy and to profitability late last year. The Model S (an all-important volume product) is on the fast track to production so the future looks bright indeed for the company from San Carlos, California.
If you've ever wondered were Tesla got its name, here's the answer. The namesake of the company, Nikola Tesla, is a well-known inventor, electrical engineer, and scientist. Two of his inventions (among more than 700) are the induction motor and alternating-current power transmission, two key elements in what makes the Tesla a Tesla.
photo:Mathieu St-Pierre
The Roadster is a gem of engineering, a fabulous car to drive but, let's be honest, not entirely that practical or affordable. No Tesla for you? Ha! Behold the Model S. Here stands a real 4-door premium electric car that will fit in many budgets and lifestyles. It boasts room for seven (that's 7) passengers and tons of room for all your gear.
Do not fret if performance is still high on your priority list. The Model S will hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in 5.6 seconds; plenty fast enough to poke fun at many so-called sport sedans. Range is also impressive at 300 miles (480 km). Deliveries are expected to begin in 2011 but you can place your order now.
 |
| photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com |
Cruelty to me
In all honesty, I did not get enough wheel time to fully appreciate what this car can do. Among the first thoughts that crossed my mind as I returned the car were the incredible regenerative braking that slowed the car right down to a near stop. Knowing this, Tesla has provided for the brakelights to turn on (without ever depressing the left-hand pedal) when a certain amount of deceleration is detected, which I think is brilliant. Also, the non-power assisted steering is high on feedback at speed and the amount of effort required at low speeds only make me want this car more... I'm nuts.
Given that the test was done in mid-February, I did not remove the roof panel. I can scarcely imagine what it must be like to cruise at 120 km/h with the sun beating down on my head with no engine hum. It must seem like flying.
Tesla
The story of Tesla's beginnings may be a little skewed but what is important to know is that the company is in complete health thanks to a $465 million loan from the United States Department of Energy and to profitability late last year. The Model S (an all-important volume product) is on the fast track to production so the future looks bright indeed for the company from San Carlos, California.
If you've ever wondered were Tesla got its name, here's the answer. The namesake of the company, Nikola Tesla, is a well-known inventor, electrical engineer, and scientist. Two of his inventions (among more than 700) are the induction motor and alternating-current power transmission, two key elements in what makes the Tesla a Tesla.
photo:Mathieu St-Pierre
Article Gallery