New Tesla Model S P85D with AWD and 691hp!!

[RPiM5]

Old Elon must have been like, oh look at that a BMW i8 hybrid sports car. That's cute.

http://www.wired.com/2014/10/tesla-r...mbid=social_fb

[dhirm5]

Was just having this conversation with my nephew.

As a car for most people, all electric just isn’t there yet, and won’t be until significant advances in battery technology are made. Drive 300 miles, then sit for 3+ hrs doesn’t work.

It also weighs 5000 pounds — thats ~500 more than our cars. While being not quite as fast (60 onwards) — and there is no storage space presumably, otherwise where is the new motor.

Many here have dumped their Teslas due to poor fit and finish, and poor feature sets.

So at the end of the day, you have a 120k car that gets some ridiculous amount of mileage — which fundamentally is about saving money — or, if you’re deluding yourself, the planet — while delivering an inferior overall experience.

Saving money in a 120k car? Seriously? And if you think you’re saving the planet in your 120k electric car, well...

Either way, I’m a seller.

The new breed of hybrids that combine the instant torque and efficiency of electric with the performance of traditional internal combustion motors are the future (for now); BMW i8, Porsche 918, Mclaren P1, Laferrari.

Tesla’s offerings are mostly hype, IMHO.

That said, I’m sure this D delivers a serious punch - so people may actually snap their necks in this one if they’re not properly strapped in. Will be interesting to see if that actually happens in the wild, and the repercussions for Tesla. And I'm sure it's great fun. Until you snap your neck...

[WCH]

It's an interesting car. My guess is that the less powerful AWD versions are going to have more impact. I know lots of people in the NE who want to buy a Tesla but have been worried about not having AWD.

Around Boston, the range is very workable and there really will be no need to charge at work. The current iteration of the Tesla model S won't tempt real enthusiasts but I like that the company is forcing everyone to innovate.

I prefer the e-hybrids that Porsche is making. I had a Panamera e-hybrid as a loaner and was impressed that on a 10 mile drive to work, the gas engine was off for 6 of them. The car drove like you would expect a Panamera to drive - better than most cars. I just don't like how the Panamera looks or its lack of usable space. If you want a sporty Porsche, you should buy a Boxter/Cayman/911.

[shahano]

691 hpppp.... Too bad I love the sound of engines and not ready to invest in an electric car yet.

[Schnell_1]

691 HP, AWD, Electric Motor - could be faster than 3.2 due to the immediate torque delivery.

As much as I loathe Tesla, I admire the concept of the vehicle and the fortitude of Musk to build it.

[RPiM5]

Alok, I hear you man and I agree. What Full EV cars really need is a range of at least 500 miles. That will seriously make them viable for transportation purposes. Tesla is continuing to innovate as we have already seen. Today you can still charge a Model S to 50% charge in just 30 minutes or just pay like $80 bucks and have the charging station swap out the battery in less than 3 minutes with a full charge. Battery technology will get more efficient as time goes on, we're just not their yet. One day there will be electric cars than can go 500 miles and recharge to full in a matter of minutes.

I think that if Tesla were to really make a real Full EV Sports car with decent range say 400 miles and still weighed less than 4,000lbs (I'm thinking something that looks like a cross between an i8, 911, R8, and P1), but is all electric, it could set things in motion for serious competition. 691hp and AWD is nothing to sneeze at. There's definitely untapped potential for those kind of numbers in a real sports car. But you hit the nail on the head though, the Model S is still over 5,000lbs and that it's Achilles heel.

Could you imagine BMW coming out with an i5 or an i7 Sedan with the i8's all Carbon Fiber chassis, that has a hybrid drive train and made at least 400-500hp and weighed less than 4,000lbs? That would be a hell of car!

Originally Posted by dhirm5

Was just having this conversation with my nephew.

As a car for most people, all electric just isn’t there yet, and won’t be until significant advances in battery technology are made. Drive 300 miles, then sit for 3+ hrs doesn’t work.

It also weighs 5000 pounds — thats ~500 more than our cars. While being not quite as fast (60 onwards) — and there is no storage space presumably, otherwise where is the new motor.

Many here have dumped their Teslas due to poor fit and finish, and poor feature sets.

So at the end of the day, you have a 120k car that gets some ridiculous amount of mileage — which fundamentally is about saving money — or, if you’re deluding yourself, the planet — while delivering an inferior overall experience.

Saving money in a 120k car? Seriously? And if you think you’re saving the planet in your 120k electric car, well...

Either way, I’m a seller.

The new breed of hybrids that combine the instant torque and efficiency of electric with the performance of traditional internal combustion motors are the future (for now); BMW i8, Porsche 918, Mclaren P1, Laferrari.

Tesla’s offerings are mostly hype, IMHO.

That said, I’m sure this D delivers a serious punch - so people may actually snap their necks in this one if they’re not properly strapped in. Will be interesting to see if that actually happens in the wild, and the repercussions for Tesla. And I'm sure it's great fun. Until you snap your neck...

[Hoopumpers]

Originally Posted by Schnell_1

691 HP, AWD, Electric Motor - could be faster than 3.2 due to the immediate torque delivery.

As much as I loathe Tesla, I admire the concept of the vehicle and the fortitude of Musk to build it.

Ok, I'll bite. Why do you loathe tesla?

[Schnell_1]

Originally Posted by Hoopumpers

Ok, I'll bite. Why do you loathe tesla?

What's up, Rob? I'm actually really liking the P Zero's, mostly for the increased traction. The PS2's is probably better from an all-around standpoint, but with traction being so crucial with the F1X, I'm happy with the switch. Thanks again.

Ok, so maybe I irk, not loathe My personal top 5 reasons for Tesla disdain:

1) Tulipmania stock price.
2) Nonstop hype machine. Whether it's the media, stakeholders, or consumers, this young company seemingly is infallible. Kudos to their PR team.
3) Driver hubris. This one is rather anecdotal/observational, but of all the 100k-esque cars I encounter, Tesla owner's are a 'unique' breed, generally speaking of course. Yes, I realize I am on a BMW forum lol
4) The misconception that it's a "green car'. It certainly has 100% better exhaust emissions than gasoline vehicles, but the toxic impact of the front-end (mining) and back-end (disposal) of the battery fundamentals can absolutely be improved. Perhaps this will come with time.
5) Musk could potentially render the gasoline engine obsolete. Even though I'm a proponent of innovation/evolution, I'm sure going to miss engine sound...

I'm objective though... No doubt, Musk's ingenuity and execution is of the highest order. Riddle me this, how many successful mainstream American car brands have there been in the past 60 years? Musk/Tesla has the opportunity to change that, which is pretty cool for a medley of reasons.

[Hoopumpers]

Fair enough. Well written response. I'm a fan due to innovation at home in the U.S.

I can see #3 above being a generalization and yet a reality (much like Prius drivers being the worst motorists on the road). Still, the Tesla owners I've spoken to adore their cars. Most of them are not automotive enthusiasts, but are keen consumers, and that bodes well for the future of the company.

Driving without sound is pretty much a deal killer for me personally.

Glad the tires worked out!

[shahano]

I could not live in a world where my cars made no sound.

[Wdh777]

How is the exhaust note on the Teslas?

[RPiM5]

Originally Posted by Schnell_1

What's up, Rob? I'm actually really liking the P Zero's, mostly for the increased traction. The PS2's is probably better from an all-around standpoint, but with traction being so crucial with the F1X, I'm happy with the switch. Thanks again.

Ok, so maybe I irk, not loathe My personal top 5 reasons for Tesla disdain:

1) Tulipmania stock price.
2) Nonstop hype machine. Whether it's the media, stakeholders, or consumers, this young company seemingly is infallible. Kudos to their PR team.
3) Driver hubris. This one is rather anecdotal/observational, but of all the 100k-esque cars I encounter, Tesla owner's are a 'unique' breed, generally speaking of course. Yes, I realize I am on a BMW forum lol
4) The misconception that it's a "green car'. It certainly has 100% better exhaust emissions than gasoline vehicles, but the toxic impact of the front-end (mining) and back-end (disposal) of the battery fundamentals can absolutely be improved. Perhaps this will come with time.
5) Musk could potentially render the gasoline engine obsolete. Even though I'm a proponent of innovation/evolution, I'm sure going to miss engine sound...

I'm objective though... No doubt, Musk's ingenuity and execution is of the highest order. Riddle me this, how many successful mainstream American car brands have there been in the past 60 years? Musk/Tesla has the opportunity to change that, which is pretty cool for a medley of reasons.

Originally Posted by Hoopumpers

Fair enough. Well written response. I'm a fan due to innovation at home in the U.S.

I can see #3 above being a generalization and yet a reality (much like Prius drivers being the worst motorists on the road). Still, the Tesla owners I've spoken to adore their cars. Most of them are not automotive enthusiasts, but are keen consumers, and that bodes well for the future of the company.

Driving without sound is pretty much a deal killer for me personally.

Glad the tires worked out!

Good discussion guys. I like Tesla a lot, I really do. In fact I like them so much I invested in them and made a bunch of money.

But as PostMember Runningthingz, pointed out after he test drove a Model S and could directly compare it to his 2013 M5, there are still a lot of reason why I won't be joining the Tesla club any time soon. First and foremost, which is what Runningthingz had the biggest problem with too, is the fit, finish, and luxuriousness of the Model S, it's just not there. The Model S could maybe compete on the same level as a 3-Series, C-Class, or A4 in terms of those things, but it doesn't have a chance against an RS7, M5, or E63 AMG. Heck, I even think a Dodge Viper has a nicer quality interior than a Model S. So for the price of a Model S P85D, which is starting at about $120,000 USD, you are really just getting an AWD Electric Rocket machine without the flames shooting out of the back. Sure it can offer great utility technology, and convenience too, but the comfort, luxury, handling, ride quality, and over all driving experience just can't match the Germans at this point. As Schnell pointed out the Model S owner isn't an enthusiast but likely a smart, educated, and well informed consumer. After all we don't see too many Model S's running about with lowering springs, after market wheels, spoilers, splitters, diffusers, going to the track or on weekend drives to some mountain canyon roads just for fun.

And I agree about the real cost to the environment in the front end and back end of the battery production and disposal in the long term, although Tesla is continuing top get better about it all.

In essence though what makes the P85D so appealing is that it is car that has extremely easy access to supercar-like performance in the straightline. Any Joe Schmo can get in the Model S P85D, mash the peddle and whomp out a 3.2s 0-60 back to back to back without any skill whatsoever. I think this is the selling point of the P85D to the average consumer and not to the auto enthusiast.

[shahano]

Originally Posted by Wdh777

How is the exhaust note on the Teslas?

Too loud as per what they say..