So I went to the Tesla showroom on Thursday. This was the first time I got to see (not hear) one running. I tell you, that thing is quiet. I didn't get to take a ride, but others were on line waiting. The car just goes, no noise or anything. It is pretty amazing. I did sit in one, it was rather uncomfortable. If my wife doesn't like getting in and out of the 308, she would definitely pass on this one. Maybe I'll go down there another day for a test drive. Does anyone on this board own one??? Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I had a ride in one a month or two ago when they presented at Chowder Club in NY. It is indeed quiet but it is blindingly quick with a 0-60 time of about 4 seconds. The current design is flashy in order to build awareness of the brand and the technology. The reason it is uncomfortable to sit in has more to do with the low-slung sporty design than the electric vehicle technology. The next step is to introduce a family size 4 door sedan with a price about $50K IIRC and then a smaller, economy version in the low $30K range. Both are expected to have more creature comforts than the current roadster. While I doubt that I would ever be convinced to own an all electric vehicle out of choice, it is interesting to see the progress that is being made in terms of speed, style, driving range and reduced battery charging time. I still would need to be playing a "Sounds of Sebring" CD on the sound system however to add some aural excitement to the experience!