Give Us Some D: Tesla Unveils New Electric Vehicle

Give Us Some D: Tesla Unveils New Electric Vehicle

I have been a critic of all electric vehicles for a while now, but as a pretty big car fan, I feel that Tesla has the best vehicle yet to deliver this technology, albeit at quite a cost. The Tesla S turned heads when it was unveiled and finally shipped. I personally know two people with them that absolutely love them. However, both of them said that the drivetrain wasn't phenomenal for Michigan weather. Well, that is all about to change. Tis week, Elon Musk announced that all wheel drive will be available as an option on all Model S Trim options, as well as, wait for it, the top-end Model S P85D. Not a great name, but the specs of this new model speak for themselves.

The Car

The D is a phenomenal engineering marvel, in my opinion. Not only did Tesla figure out how to add all wheel drive, they were able to do this while extending the range by 25 miles, to 275. The Model D also boasts a 3.2 second 0-60 time, which is the same as the McLaren F1, the fastest production car ever made. There is, however, something that comes in this car that goes beyond performance and looks. Technology.

The Technology

Every Model S sold now comes with some amazing technology. The car has the ability to park itself without a driver in it, it can avoid danger on roadways, and, to some extent, can even drive itself. It can read speed limit signs, has adaptive cruise control, can stay in its lane, and, above all else, it can completely stop itself if a crash is imminent. The hardware that is put into place to do all of this is pretty great. The car boasts radar that can see through fog and snow, a camera that can recognize stop signs and stop lights, and 360-degree ultrasonic sonar. Musk even went on to say that if you fall asleep with driving, the car should be able to get you home and if you try to steer toward danger, the wheel will resist. That. Is. Awesome. According to Musk, the safety systems aren't reliable enough for the car to be fully autonomous. Also, there are no regulations in place for fully autonomous vehicles.How, before people get upset with me, I know that other manufacturers have been doing this for a while. However, other manufacturers don't boast a fully electric vehicle that can go 275 miles on a charge and do 0-60 in 3.2 seconds. According to Musk, the safety systems aren't reliable enough for the car to be fully autonomous. Also, there are no regulations in place for fully autonomous vehicles.

Conclusion

With Musk's goal of being able to get an electric car in consumers hands that is capable of going hundreds of miles for $35,000 on the line, I think the updated Model S is a welcome addition to his plan. The Model S P85D will be available in December for a mere $120,000 and I can't wait to see some D on the streets.

Tip of the hat,