Jump to content
SAU Community

Just Went For A Spin In A Tesla Model S

PranK

By PranK,
in General Automotive Discussion

 Share

Recommended Posts

PranK Grand Master

PranK

Posted
Posted

So, going into The Star today and noticed what initially looked like a new Jag - the front and back were obscured by posts, so don't get upset at that mistake! :)

A new Tesla Model S!

Amazing looking car, had some serious presence just sitting out the front. After a minute or two a young bloke comes over to chat to me about it, he was the Tesla rep.

It is one of 4 in the country and they are doing test drives out of The Star at the moment because they dont have a Sydney office. He asked if we wanted to go for a spin around the block.

He didn't have to ask twice.

Two things grabbed my attention when I got in, the first was the massive screen in the middle. I'm writing this on a 22" monitor and if it was flipped on its side I reckon it'd be similar in size. All controls in the car are performed through this screen and it has user profiles to set the car up just the way you like it (screen display, climate control, seat position etc.)

The second thing was that this felt very much like a German car. The doors 'thud' when they close, the interior finish was impeccable, the leather was gorgeous - I had expected something of a luxury Jeep kind of interior and I was very pleasantly surprised.

Silence! Absolute silence! Seriously eery to have such little noise - especially from a car with some serious poke.

As with any decent rep, he gave it a bit of a squirt and jeezuzz .. I didn't know what to say! 0-100 in 4-point-something seconds he said, but it felt so much quicker because of the immense torque! 310kw and 600+ nm of torque! And the bloody thing still isn't making any noise!

Anyway, some pics from me and my mates phones. Bummed I didn't have a proper camera.

gallery_3_5684_300081.jpg

gallery_3_5684_319153.jpg

gallery_3_5684_1170777.jpg

gallery_3_5684_381021.jpg

gallery_3_5684_457074.jpg

$185k as it sits but he said the base model will start from $100k which I reckon is pretty good.

  • Like 1
nick_7g Proficient

nick_7g

Posted
Posted

I drove the Model S at the star and it was damn quick. We were cruising along the Anzac bridge and the rep said to tap it to the floor quickly, which I was all too happy doing. The faster you put your foot down the faster it picks up.

The max torque at all speeds made for an incredible rolling pickup of speed. It would have to rival most cars in the same price range for response.

Besides the instant torque, it also doesn't need to shift down a gear or 3 in order to maximize acceleration.

I agree with the impression of finishes and inclusions. Was very roomy, with 2 boots, a panoramic roof and a great steering wheel.

You can cover the whole interior in alcanatra and carbon which would look awesome.

I'm actually going to drive it again with a relative tomorrow.

For the equivalent E or 5 I think you're getting something way cooler, faster and more unique in the Model S.

Tesla have also priced the car equivalent to the US price adjusting for shipping, FX and local taxes and that's it. None of the gigantic marking up conducted by most other manufacturers.

  • Like 1
PranK Grand Master

PranK

Posted
  • Author
Posted

For the equivalent E or 5 I think you're getting something way cooler, faster and more unique in the Model S

Agreed.

Although, that being said I am still not convinced that electric is the way to go (I'm much more interested in fuel cells - hydrogen) and I have no idea what the reliability is going to be like.

GTR-N1 Grand Master

GTR-N1

Posted
Posted

I wonder from a 'wise' dollar investment point of view, what the depreciation will be like on this?

Might other manufacturers come out with a competitive "undercut" which then termites the Tesla S's value?

nick_7g Proficient

nick_7g

Posted
Posted

Depreciation rates in the US have been similar to the comparable euro cars, which isn't great.

In Australia, Tesla will be such a low volume manufacturer that I doubt the competition here would give themselves a haircut when they're probably booking a 30-50% premium to "fair value" currently.

It's just scary how much luxury car tax adds to the whole equation. It's about ~$20k on a $180k car. Scam!

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing


  • Similar Content

  • Latest Posts

    • Wazmond
      Stock rb25det neo questions

      By Wazmond · Posted

      Hows your intake piping? Are you still running stock? Having in the stock AFM position would mean, if the BOV was shut/venting out, it'd create the almost stalling kind of effect right // "the rich pulse behaviour" due to MAF thinking air is flowing ? But this would be better than having the bov in the stock position + MAF on/just before cross over piping right?
    • GTSBoy
      Stock rb25det neo questions

      By GTSBoy · Posted

      Essentially, yes. Although I wouldn't put the AFM on the crossover pipe. I'd want to put it into what amounts to the correct size tube, which is more easily done in the intercooler pipework. I bought a mount tube for card stile AFM that replaces the stock AFM - although being a cheap AliExpress knockoff, it had not flange and I had to make and weld my own. But it is the same length and diameter as the stock RB AFM, goes on my airbox, etc etc. I don't have a sick enough rig to warrant anything different, and the swap will take 5 minutes (when I finally get around to it and the injectors & the dyno tune).
    • Wazmond
      Stock rb25det neo questions

      By Wazmond · Posted

      So to summarise, the best thing to do is to move recirc to between turbo and IC, and maf on the crossover pipe. Meaning I'd need a recirc flange, drill a hole in the piping on turbo outlet area. And drill hole on crossover to fit/weld maf sensor? Either that or put the MAF on the turbo inlet right?  Is an aftermarket recirc/blowoff valve recommended? Do currently have family in Japan so could probably bring something back with maybe a cheeky lil SuperAutobacs run?
    • tsuokun
      Lets play a game - What is causing my oil consumption?

      By tsuokun · Posted

      Yep, so far most have said that it looks like corrosion on the wall from piston not moving. Which then has probably damaged the oil rings and caused those vertical marks. The longest the engine was still after the rebuild, was the winter of 2018 - 2019, plus the boat trip to Japan. When I shipped the car, it had normal gas in the tank but before that winter pause, it had E85 in tank.  In any case, even if either one of those was the cause, it happened close to 6 years ago and the car has been driven something like 30 000kms after the fact. Again, apart from the plugs and the dip stick, there is nothing in the way the car runs that would indicate what has been going on in the engine. I am going to consult a shop and ask their opinion, what would be the best approach. I do have some access to a garage I could use to diagnose further myself, but time is very restrictive. Might end up buying another engine that could be used while this one is being remedied. Without pulling the head, it will be impossible to find out if it needs another bore, but here's to hoping a hone would suffice.  Goddamnit, I would really have preferred this not happening.  
    • 25RBGT
      Got this r31 silhouette flood car to rebuild.

      By 25RBGT · Posted

      Boot is going to be replaced eventually. I just wire brushed what I could and rust converted. Then painted in rust kill primer. the spoiler also got repainted and plugs replaced on the ends. The under side of the bonnet is going to be black also, currently white. But red on the top side, same colour code as the silo to begin.
×
×
  • Create New...