Tesla

[seldo]

I'm away in Europe for 3months atm, and found that Tesla were having a promotion at a hotel where I was staying in Norway.
I was offered a test-drive, which of course I had to think hard about.....
All I can say is the car is amazing!
It looks fantastic - sort of a cross between a Jaguar and a Maserati Quattroporte - low, sleek, and comes standard with 21" alloys.
huge touch-screen on the dash about the size of 2 iPads , and that operates everything - GPS, sound system, air-cond, internet, phone etc.
It is absolutely silent to drive - there is no whir, whine, or mechanical noise of any kind, but when you open the throttle it goes like a dog shot in the arse.
Try 0 - 100 in 4.4 sec!
And the acceleration is totally seamless just like being fired from a huge slingshot.
The guy said that they are building RHD Australian-spec cars now, for Christmas delivery, and if you are interested, get your order in early - there is a waiting list here.
Cheers
Seldo
Have a look at http://www.teslamotors.com/models/walkthrough (http://www.teslamotors/models/walkthrough)

[A^K^T]

Was it the model S that you drove ?

[seldo]

Was it the model S that you drove ?
Yes - the Model S
Im a bit hard-nosed, but I was most impressed. My only criticism is that it is a bit Lexus/Toyota characterless. You know -sort of too-good bland.
It has become Norway's top selling car, because it is so relatively cheap because Norway has amazing concessions for full electric cars, like completely tax-free - no duty, no GST, free parking, free tolls, free ferries (Norway has hundreds of ferries), free use of taxi/bus/transit lanes, free re-charge, so no fuel costs.
When I say it's cheap, it still costs equivalent of $100-120,000 here, but a Corolla costs $80k !
But there's an opportunity for someone -the first bloke who can come up with a canned LSx sound track to patch into the workings will make a killing!

(thanks Kris)

[STATIE]

I'm a sparky & we've been wiring a few of the chargers/wall connectors down here pre-delivery of the Model S & our main contact at Tesla in Sydney drives an SS ute.:lol:

If you have a look into the S - it really is an awesome car - especially once they have superchargers between major cities.
Just still a bit too pricey.

[maloo_]

I saw a Telsa S 85 RHD with NSW plates at Crown Casino this week.

[jc_sv8]

I took this photo about 18 months ago in Seattle, and I think they are a great looking vehicle. About time someone developed an electric car that you would want to own.

http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz318/jcraigau/Misc/Tesla_zps0480d2ef.jpg

[offshore]

I wouldnt mind one if the price was around 50k be good car to just run around in. Plus ive got 6kw or solar panels so my power costs would be cheap. It confuses my neighbors as I have the solar panels so they think im a greenie but I drive 700+ hp V8 haha

[seldo]

I wouldnt mind one if the price was around 50k be good car to just run around in. Plus ive got 6kw or solar panels so my power costs would be cheap. It confuses my neighbors as I have the solar panels so they think im a greenie but I drive 700+ hp V8 haha
Tesla have set up what they call Superchargers, which is like a Tesla "filling station" and you just check the touch-screen on the dash and it will tell you where the closest one is, the GPS takes you straight there and you plug-in, fill up, and drive away free!
I think he said that at one of these re-charge stations it takes about 20 mins for a 80% re-charge, but the last 20% takes longer, or you can do it overnight at home.
They will do up to about 540km on a full charge depending of course on how much welly you give it.
Also, next year there is a 4WD SUV coming...

[Bling Bling]

To easy Mcdonalds hooks up with Tesla everybody fills up...

[Djbarnstar]

These things make bulk power on the Dyno. Around 300RWKW from memory.

Edit: 428HP ATW

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVmdr5nUArQ

Do want. givemecashnow.jpeg

[Ausmartin1]

Cheers great write up, now people know what the real performance EV experience is like and it's fantastic fast ride!

Don't know how Telsa handle European service, but in states Elon Musk called in "top" F1 people to work out a better major service (minor one they come to you!)
The result is multiple people working on various service functions at the same time !

It will be nice to arrive have your major factory owned service performed while you have a quick coffee.... and before you know it (if all is normal) it will be
Sir your S is ready to go.
Nice one Tesla !

Everyone in the states is waiting for the model X - the cross over version.... Future for performance looks to be electric along with a new better customer service experience !

[offshore]

I don't see this as being a replacement for our motors in the future I just see it as some other branch of the performance tree Electric motors do the job but pretty boring really.

[korrupt]

There is one on display outside the Marriot hotel in Melbourne for the next month. Had a quick look on the way past. Interesting looking thing. The sales guy reckons $97k and the supercharger outlets will be installed between Sydney and Melbourne by this time next year.

[STATIE]

I don't see this as being a replacement for our motors in the future I just see it as some other branch of the performance tree Electric motors do the job but pretty boring really.

What about if they weighed 1000kg's had 400KW/800Nm, did 0-100 in 3 seconds, 0-200 in less than 8 seconds & were based in Melb?
http://evracesystems.com/tesla-pioneers-unveil-plans-for-an-electric-race-car/