Lotus kicked the bucket.

[powerband]

It is a good time to upgrade to a Tesla. 

I drove my friend's Tesla (his was delivered last Friday -- number 40) and he threw me the keys.  Took it for a spin on Foothill Express and got disconnected from reality.  We accelerated from 0 to 60 in about four seconds and the only sound was a high-pitched whirl.  And, the transmission is one gear so the acceleration was continuous and seamless, which further removes reality.  Every sight, sound and sensation you knew about fast cars is destroyed.

[NAKID]

Is there any engine braking with the Tesla electric motors?

[Duck-Stew]

Sorry about your ride bro...

Good thing your brother's OK...  He'd be much harder to replace (I suspect, but have never met the man...). 

[superjohn]

It is a good time to upgrade to a Tesla. 

I drove my friend's Tesla (his was delivered last Friday -- number 40) and he threw me the keys.  Took it for a spin on Foothill Express and got disconnected from reality.  We accelerated from 0 to 60 in about four seconds and the only sound was a high-pitched whirl.  And, the transmission is one gear so the acceleration was continuous and seamless, which further removes reality.  Every sight, sound and sensation you knew about fast cars is destroyed.

As much as I'd like to, I just don't like the Tesla. Sure it's fast, but you can only do, what, 150 spirited miles? And if you run out of juice before you get home, you're screwed. At least with a hybrid you can stop for gas. I think they need to focus less on maximum range and work on faster recharges.

[Popeye the Sailor]

Parallel parking? lol

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QchftiD1g_M&feature=related

[powerband]

Is there any engine braking with the Tesla electric motors?

Yes!  It's a very dominant trait on the Tesla.  There were several times when I did not need to touch the brakes at all when coming to a stop; if timed right, the brake is not needed.  The engine braking is even greater than that on a typical motorcycle. 

[NAKID]

It figures there would be. I don't imaging the motor disengages when you lift....

[powerband]

As much as I'd like to, I just don't like the Tesla. Sure it's fast, but you can only do, what, 150 spirited miles? And if you run out of juice before you get home, you're screwed. At least with a hybrid you can stop for gas. I think they need to focus less on maximum range and work on faster recharges.

Yes, I hear you and I agree with the need for more range and a faster recharge with a portable charger.  But Tesla Motors represents something I really support.  At this time, its concept is beyond mere function.  Although they still have lots of bugs to work out, both in business plan and product, and their customer service needs to climb out of the sh*tter, I really hope they survive.  

[damianS4RS]

That hurts my balls.

I hope your brother can't ride a motorcycle..

[Got Duc]

Brother ok = 

Sad about the car. That is my favorite four wheeled vehicle.

[sfarchie]

Sorry! First you left your disc lock on your 696, then this. At least no one got hurt on both instances. Your positive attitude will take you far.

[yak52pilot]

Sorry! First you left your disc lock on your 696, then this. At least no one got hurt on both instances. Your positive attitude will take you far.

My learning curve is not too smooth...   Funny thing - Lotus survived so many track days with no single scratch and no major off-track excursions. But died on some stupid traffic filled highway. But its in a better place now.
Talking tesla... I just cant get over the sound thing. In my mind smth fast MUST make noise. Lots of it. And it should have manually shifted gears.  But i wish em good luck. Tesla is in a bit of trouble now.

[powerband]

Talking tesla... I just cant get over the sound thing. In my mind smth fast MUST make noise. Lots of it. And it should have manually shifted gears.  But i wish em good luck. Tesla is in a bit of trouble now.

Honestly, it's the way I felt, too:  The sensory conditioning of speed dictates a mandatory roar with internal combustion and exhaust, and it must bang upward in gears.  The Tesla came along and shattered this sensory conditioning.  To be fair, it is an entirely different experience.  Being propelled forward at potentially deadly speed and hearing only your heartbeat is akin to playing a very intense video game, into the center of which you are placed.  Just different.

Of course, if I had $100K (plus tax and fees), I'd buy a different car... a ZR1, a 4S, or even the new Nissan GTR.    

[NAKID]

Of course, if I had $100K (plus tax and fees), I'd buy a different car... a ZR1, a 4S, or even the new Nissan GTR.    

Try and find one....

[DrDesmo]

Try and find one....

Shockingly, I've seen a couple at dealers for just about MSRP, OTD ... Not that i've been looking for a gunmetal grey premium one or anything ................



Adam