Times they are a changin,’ it used to be
driving a Porsche or Aston Martin would get heads turning on the sidewalk.
Today, only heads full of grey hair snap to attention at the sound of a grumpy
V-8, the younger generations won’t lift their heads from vital smart-phone attention
for anything less than a full electric vehicle (EV). It’s the eco cars that are
now all the rage, yet the Tesla Model S is a car that grabs everyone’s
attention.
Tesla has created an all new driving
experience with the Model S, starting from scratch in redesigning the
automobile as a whole. It’s not the anemic EV stereotype but a sleek and mean
rocket, overflowing with tech and sports a sexy look. It won’t just be science
geeks wanting a rip in this ride.
The coolness factor gets turned to eleven with
touch operated door-handles, and a dash void of any dials or buttons, just a
17-inch iPad-like interaction interface that controls everything one would want
with the car, fully adjustable to the user with steering wheel controls. With a
key fob the car turns on by sitting in the driver’s seat and off by getting
out. Best of all, the S cures range anxiety, getting 257km with the base, opt
for the more expensive 85kWh battery and that number improves to 480km. It is
the first road trip capable EV.
The beautiful thing about electric cars is
their ability to make the exercise of driving relaxing. The smooth propulsion
of electric power will actually calm you in the worst congestion yet will shoot
your body full of excitement on a clear road. The S shoved me into the seat
back like nothing I’ve ever driven and corners nearly as well. However, it’s also
practical with two massive trunks and seating for up to five adults and two
children.
I end with this; there are few modern cars
that I would buy, and furthermore, I loathe automatic transmissions. However, Tesla
has created an all new joy of driving with the Model S and I yearn to one day
own one.
Specs:
Price: $ 64,500 base, $ 114,300 as tested
Engine: Rear-mounted, three phase, four pole AC
induction motor, RWD
Power: 416 hp, 443 lb-ft
Weight: 2,223 kg
Range: 257 km with 40 kWh battery, 370 km with 60 kWh
battery, 480 km with 85 kWh battery
