We've been skeptical of the Tesla Model S sedan since day one. It promises the world, but the engineering behind it is still very much a work in progress.
You wouldn't know it from listening to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, however, as he's touted the car as if it's a finished product. He got a nice plug on Letterman recently, and is once again taking the Model S on tour to drum up business.
Not everyone is convinced. Dan Neil from the Los Angeles Times recently got some seat time in the Model S and was hardly overwhelmed.
"This lovely, porpoise-sleek design study, unveiled to worldwide hoopla March 26, is just barely ambulatory -- more like a glorified golf cart than a harbinger of tomorrow tech. The windows are fixed in their frames. The power-steering motor groans. The seating position and outward visibility make a Lamborghini feel spacious. The car's signature design flourish -- a 17-inch, touch-screen control panel with haptic feedback in the center console -- may not even make it to production, concedes Tesla designer Franz von Holzhausen. 'The car is only about 90% there on the outside and about 40% there on the inside.'"
Another website, The Business Insider, attempted to break down the cost of building the Model S and came up with numbers that made its $49,900 base price look a little optimistic. Much of the discussion has focused on the cost of the 17-inch touchscreen, but that's peanuts compared to the money required to stamp aluminum body panels.
L.A. Times: Tesla S: a model Citizen
The Business Insider: There's No Way Tesla's Model S Will Cost $57,400
estreka says:
10:05 AM, 05/ 1/09
A 17" touchscreen is their main concern? Something I could buy for $400?
Honestly, I've got more hope for GM avoiding bankruptcy than Tesla actually producing a car.
brn says:
10:45 AM, 05/ 1/09
I'm torn on Tesla. I applaud what they're doing. They're drawing attention to electric vehicles that people would love to have (eventually).
On the other hand, they're proving that these things are still out of reach of most people. They hype like crazy, but produce reality. That kind of bugs me, but maybe it's a necessary means to an end.
I'm also bothered by things like the Letterman interview, where the Tesla is touted as wonderful while the slightly more practical Volt is slammed.
morey000 says:
12:01 PM, 05/ 1/09
I applaud Tesla for being pioneers. Plus- their designs are strikingly beautiful.
but- you know what happens to pioneers? They get arrows in their backs.
Believe it or not, GM is the only one with the right solution for a near term electric vehicle with their Volt (and hopefully their Caddy Converj). Even if a Tesla can go 160 miles on a charge. Few will buy a car that takes 10 hours to fill up after the battery runs down. The Volt can go on a road trip. GM figured out (brilliant that they are) that cars need a lot of power for a little bit of time, and then a little power for a lot of time. The plug in electric with small generator backup fits the bill perfectly. Great idea. Seemingly well executed. Shame that the company has been so poorly managed.
jkp1187 says:
08:10 PM, 05/ 3/09
I never grow weary of pointing out that GM has so far produced more hybrids and EVs than Tesla and its carnival-barker CEO have.
Not an endorsement of GM - just that Tesla doesn't deserve to plunder the public treasury to stave off bankruptcy any more than GM does.