Going to see the new Tesla tonight.

Lmandrake · Post by **Lmandrake** » Thu Feb 10, 2011 9:17 am

I am going to a preview of the new Tesla Model S hosted by Elon Musk, founder of PayPal, Tesla and Space X, a private space rocket venture.

I will likely be introduced to him by the guy who got me invited, who works for Tesla in DC.

How the hell do you start a conversation with a guy like that?

"Nice to meet ya. Is it cool to have more money than God?"

"I'm having the hardest time finding a crew for my private jet. You know anybody?"

Fortunately, my opportunity to make an ass out of myself will be limited. I will be introduced as an insignificant federal bureaucrat, instantly classified as something less interesting than the potted plant in the corner of the room and everybody will move on...

It will be interesting to see the car. It is supposed to be a 7 passenger sedan. A much different market than the roadster, which is a Lotus re-engined with electric drive. Gonna be tough going. I hope Mr. Musk doesn't join the long list of guys who lost considerable fortunes made in other industries when they went into the car business.

Executioner · Post by **Executioner** » Thu Feb 10, 2011 10:01 am

Make sure to take pictures.

Lmandrake · Post by **Lmandrake** » Thu Feb 10, 2011 11:24 pm

New Model S Front:

Model S Glass Cockpit/IP - really cool:

More cockpit:

Lmandrake · Post by **Lmandrake** » Thu Feb 10, 2011 11:29 pm

Model S rear subframe passenger side:

Model S rear subframe/motor/diff driver's side:

Model S battery - basically under entire floorpan an 1/2 of front end:

Lmandrake · Post by **Lmandrake** » Thu Feb 10, 2011 11:35 pm

Roadster IP - notice KW gauge in place of tachometer:

Roadster Cockpit:

Roadster trunk:

Roadster underhood:

Lmandrake · Post by **Lmandrake** » Thu Feb 10, 2011 11:41 pm

I think they wanted everyone to understand Tesla is an American company:

Roadster motor controller module:

Roadster motor/diff/gearbox:

Lmandrake · Post by **Lmandrake** » Thu Feb 10, 2011 11:49 pm

Model S cutaway:

I like the green, it matches my skin tone:

Front end shot of a roadster:

Pretty tight fit and not easy to get in and out:

DaMaN · Post by **DaMaN** » Fri Feb 11, 2011 12:00 am

Awesome pics thanks for sharing

eGoCeNTRoNiX · Post by **eGoCeNTRoNiX** » Fri Feb 11, 2011 12:07 am

Yah, great pics, thanks for sharing. I'd love to have one, but can't afford one lol

eGo

Lmandrake · Post by **Lmandrake** » Fri Feb 11, 2011 12:10 am

I couldn't get any good shots of the Model S from the sides or rear - there wasn't any space and there were too many people around it. Its a nice looking car. Target MSRP is supposedly around 50K. That is about 10k more than the volt and the S is larger and much better looking. The interior on the model I saw was really nice, but you couldn't get in the car to check it out.

I have no idea what the range is supposed to be and without a recharging infrastructure out there the car is quasi-useless. It does have lots of interior room and a big trunk. It is kind of amazing that the entire drivetrain fits onto the rear subframe.

This was a much bigger party than I expected it to be. Couple of senators etc. and, to my relief, I never got introduced to Mr. Musk.

Open bar - too bad I quit drinking over 20 years ago....

More pics are here if you are interested: http://s199.photobucket.com/albums/aa100/Lmandrake67/TESLA%20BASH/

Executioner · Post by **Executioner** » Fri Feb 11, 2011 12:22 am

Yeah thanks for the pics. I also would love to have one but at over $100k, its not in my budget.

normalicy · Post by **normalicy** » Fri Feb 11, 2011 4:01 am

I think that they are hitting the correct market with the correct price. I'd buy one if I had the money. Eventually, I hope to own an electric for daily driving & I'd probably rent (a fueled vehicle) for any long distance driving.

Post by **FlyingPenguin** » Fri Feb 11, 2011 10:25 am

I like the huge LCD display in the center of the dash. Looks like it controls everything.

renovation · Post by **renovation** » Sat Feb 12, 2011 9:45 am

I'm thinking are next car for the wife could be electric she drive like 15 miles each way to work .also its possible we be snow birds (Florida )by the time that happens. I'll get away with one down there ! right now gas power is are only option. im 90% sure it be a Volt or next generation GM electric due to the employee discount also wife's looking at $$$$ for the much nicer looking Tesla . great pictures and fyi you not changed much over the years Lmandrake.