Autoblog Tesla http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog Tesla http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff RossThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Tesla Model S costs one nickel per drag race [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/14/tesla-model-s-costs-one-nickel-per-drag-race-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/14/tesla-model-s-costs-one-nickel-per-drag-race-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/14/tesla-model-s-costs-one-nickel-per-drag-race-w-video/#comments Filed under: ,



Historically, the intersection between electric vehicles and drag racing has been really small - or so we guess, at least. But the advent of Tesla in the auto marketplace, and the subsequent performance offered up to drivers by way of battery-powered cars, has caused even racy publications like DragTimes to get in on the action.

Having posted several YouTube videos featuring the Tesla Model S doing pulls at the local strip, DragTimes encountered questions about just how many races that car might be able to run before needing to re-juice its battery pack. The publication monitored the energy being used by the Tesla during full-throttle, quarter-mile runs, and determined that the net use (after energy from the regen braking was added back in) amounted to just 0.5 kWh per go. Considering that the full battery capacity is 85 kWh, DragTimes figured that the Model S is good for a remarkable 170 races before needing a recharge. By that math, and using electricity costs in DragTime's home state of Florida, each race would cost just a nickel and a penny's worth of electricity.

With respect, that theoretical number is probably way too high. For starters, the car would expend some energy getting to and from the starting line between races. Perhaps more critically, the system is designed to not allow for a completely full charge or deletion of charge, so the car can't use all 85 kWh. Still, 100 runs is in the realm of possibility. In the video below, the narrator makes mention of 150 runs, which is optimistic but more likely. Cheap thrills, in any case (once you've paid for the car).

Continue reading Tesla Model S costs one nickel per drag race [w/video]

Tesla Model S costs one nickel per drag race [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Jun 2013 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> drag racingenergy costskwhteslatesla model s Fri, 14 Jun 2013 19:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20622374/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20622374/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/14/tesla-model-s-costs-one-nickel-per-drag-race-w-video/20622374/article-detail.xml 20622374 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/2012-tesla-model-s-628-1371232293_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/2012-tesla-model-s-628-1371232293.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #335]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/04/autoblog-podcast-335/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/04/autoblog-podcast-335/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/04/autoblog-podcast-335/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Porsche Macan, Rolls-Royce SUV, Tesla expands Superchargers, Mitsubishi Attrage, 2014 Toyota Corolla

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Episode #335 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff Ross talk about the explosion of luxury SUVs and crossovers from the Porsche Macan to the rumored Rolls-Royce SUV, the expansion of the Tesla Supercharger network, the Mitsubishi Attrage and the teasers we've seen of the 2014 Toyota Corolla. We wrap up with your questions and comments, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. You can follow along after the jump with our Q&A. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #335:


Topics: In the Autoblog Garage: Hosts: Dan Roth, Zach Bowman, Jeff Ross

Runtime: 01:40:13
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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #335

Autoblog Podcast #335 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 mitsubishi attrage2014 toyota corollaattrageautoblog podcastautoblog podcast 335corollamacanmitsubishipodcastporscheporshe macanrolls roycerolls royce suvsuperchargerteslatesla superchargertoyota Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:13:00 EST Autoblog Podcast #335Autoblog01:40:13 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20598085/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20598085/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/04/autoblog-podcast-335/20598085/article-detail.xml 20598085 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/podcastlivev2stamp-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/podcastlivev2stamp-628.jpg <![CDATA[Tesla loses fight to set up its own dealers in Texas]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/04/tesla-loses-fight-to-set-up-its-own-dealers-in-texas/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/04/tesla-loses-fight-to-set-up-its-own-dealers-in-texas/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/04/tesla-loses-fight-to-set-up-its-own-dealers-in-texas/#comments Filed under: , , ,



For a while there, it seemed like Tesla could do no wrong. But despite repaying its Department of Energy loans early, surging stock prices and even announcing a vast network of proposed Superchargers, Tesla is still in the fight of its life for how to get its cars sold.

According to Automotive News, the startup EV-maker lost its second straight battle to sell cars in dealerships that don't conform to state franchise laws restricting factory-owned dealerships. Earlier in the year, Tesla failed to get a dealer license in Virginia, and this time around, it will have to wait until at least 2015 to fight for an exemption in Texas. This means that Tesla's Houston and Austin showrooms are not actually allowed to sell vehicles. The report also adds that Tesla CEO Elon Musk could end up taking his case to the federal courts.

Tesla loses fight to set up its own dealers in Texas originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Jun 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> franchise lawteslatesla dealershiptesla lawsuittesla model stesla texas Tue, 04 Jun 2013 14:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20598463/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20598463/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/04/tesla-loses-fight-to-set-up-its-own-dealers-in-texas/20598463/article-detail.xml 20598463 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/tesla-model-s_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/tesla-model-s.jpg <![CDATA[Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #335 LIVE!]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/03/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-335-live/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/03/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-335-live/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/03/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-335-live/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



We're set to record Autoblog Podcast #335 tonight, and you can drop us your questions and comments via our Q&A module below. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #335
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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #335 LIVE! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Jun 2013 16:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 toyota corollaautoblog podcastautoblog podcast 335 topicsmitsubishi attrageporsche macanrolls roycerolls royce suvteslatesla supercharger Mon, 03 Jun 2013 16:49:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20597309/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20597309/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/03/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-335-live/20597309/article-detail.xml 20597309 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/podcastlivev2stamp-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/podcastlivev2stamp-628.jpg <![CDATA[Musk sticking to plan for 'affordable' Tesla model]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/28/musk-sticking-to-plan-for-affordable-tesla-model/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/28/musk-sticking-to-plan-for-affordable-tesla-model/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/28/musk-sticking-to-plan-for-affordable-tesla-model/#comments Filed under: ,

Tesla CEO Elon Musk speaking

By now, we've all heard that Tesla has repaid its loan from the US Department of Energy - nine years ahead of schedule - and the Model S is selling well enough to put at least a little fear into Audi, but what's next? Well there's the Model X crossover slated for late next year, but it's the long-promised, frequently mentioned "affordable Tesla" that could really help cement the automaker in the automotive industry record books.

According to Bloomberg, CEO Elon Musk talked more about the new baby Tesla recently, saying that the car should come to market by 2017 at the latest. In terms of details, Musk says it will be priced below $40,000 with a range of about 200 miles. Taking a swipe at the would-be competition, he also added that it will be nicer than a Nissan Leaf. Given the recent Tesla-related PR blunders from Audi and Chrysler recently, we hope Nissan won't vent its displeasure at that statement.

Musk sticking to plan for 'affordable' Tesla model originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 May 2013 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> affordable tesla carbaby teslaelon musktesla Tue, 28 May 2013 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20585305/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20585305/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/28/musk-sticking-to-plan-for-affordable-tesla-model/20585305/article-detail.xml 20585305 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/tesla-chairman-elon-musk_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/tesla-chairman-elon-musk.jpg <![CDATA[Move over Audi, now Chrysler has a beef with Tesla's claims]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/move-over-audi-now-chrysler-has-a-beef-with-teslas-claims/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/move-over-audi-now-chrysler-has-a-beef-with-teslas-claims/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/move-over-audi-now-chrysler-has-a-beef-with-teslas-claims/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



In the same week that Audi said "not so fast" to some claims from Tesla, Chrysler has responded to a new press release from the California-based EV-maker by saying "not exactly, Tesla." The statement, released through the company's blog, comes in response to Tesla claiming it was "the only American car company to have fully repaid the government." Chrysler notes that it, too, recently paid back Uncle Sam from its 2008 bailout. Similar to Audi's recent press release, which was eventually and mysteriously deleted from the German automaker's site, Chrysler is both right and wrong in its statement.

Tesla specifically said that it had paid back the Department of Energy loans that many automakers received - including Fisker and VPG Autos - while Chrysler's retort argues Tesla is "unmistakably incorrect" since it repaid the government in 2011 a full six years early. Technically, the statements from both automakers are correct, but Tesla's startup loan originated from the DoE, while Chrysler's loan came in bailout form from the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). Further, as The Detroit News notes, Chrysler's loan still cost taxpayers well over a billion dollars after all was said and done - those negative assets tied to "old Chrysler" in the bankruptcy did not require repayment.

Move over Audi, now Chrysler has a beef with Tesla's claims originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 May 2013 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chryslerchrysler bailoutDepartment of Energydoe loansgovernment loansteslatesla doe loans Thu, 23 May 2013 11:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20581223/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20581223/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/23/move-over-audi-now-chrysler-has-a-beef-with-teslas-claims/20581223/article-detail.xml 20581223 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/chrysler-tesla_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/chrysler-tesla.jpg <![CDATA[CO2 credits: The ultimate rebate?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/co2-credits-the-ultimate-rebate/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/co2-credits-the-ultimate-rebate/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/co2-credits-the-ultimate-rebate/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Time For Buyers To Have Some Skin In The EV Game

CO2 warning

Politicians know that $8- or $9-a-gallon gas like in Europe would end their careers.

The back-and-forth between those writing the fuel economy rules and auto manufacturers is designed to see how far the CO2 regulations can be pushed without inconveniencing the general public.

Rather than taxing fuel like they do in Europe to encourage buyers to opt for the most fuel-efficient vehicles, in America it's up to the manufacturers to develop a fleet that averages some magic number, in this case 54.5 mpg by 2025. That's because most politicians know that $8- or $9-a-gallon gas like in Europe would end their careers.
Matt DeLorenzo is the former editor-in-chief of Road & Track and has covered the auto industry for 35 years, including stints at Automotive News and AutoWeek. He has authored books including VW's New Beetle, Chrysler's Modern Concept Cars, and Corvette Dynasty.

Continue reading CO2 credits: The ultimate rebate?

CO2 credits: The ultimate rebate? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 May 2013 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> co2 creditselectric vehicleev creditsfeaturedmatt delorenzoopinionteslatesla model s Sun, 19 May 2013 15:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20564936/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20564936/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/19/co2-credits-the-ultimate-rebate/20564936/article-detail.xml 20564936 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/co2-warning_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/co2-warning.jpg <![CDATA[Wall Street loves Tesla's Elon Musk, values the brand higher than Fiat]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/tesla-stock-value-extremely-high-elon-musk/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/tesla-stock-value-extremely-high-elon-musk/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/tesla-stock-value-extremely-high-elon-musk/#comments Filed under: ,

Tesla side marker

Tesla's value on the stock market far exceeds the number of vehicles it contributes to the automotive market. According to a report from Automotive News, Tesla is currently valued at $8.8 billion. Almost unbelievably, though we've never claimed to have a firm grasp on the inner workings of the stock market, that's a full billion dollars more valuable than Fiat and three times more valuable than PSA Peugeot Citroën, says the report.

How unfathomable is that statistic? Consider the fact that Tesla, a ten-year-old company, just managed to turn its very first profit last quarter and has produced fewer than 10,000 vehicles in its lifetime. How does that compare to an automotive giant like Fiat? Well... it doesn't - The brand sold 44,772 Fiat 500s in the United States alone in 2012, and it owns or controls the Chrysler portfolio of brands along with Ferrari and Maserati... not to mention the hundreds of thousands of cars Fiat Group sells yearly in the rest of the world.

Granted, the number of vehicles sold by a brand is just a small portion of its value, but you may still wonder, Why is such a seemingly small player in the global automotive marketplace such a big deal on Wall Street? According to AN, it has a lot to do with its controversial and headline-grabbing CEO, Elon Musk, and the way he disseminates company information to his investors. How so? We suggest you take a good look at the article here for the whole story.

Wall Street loves Tesla's Elon Musk, values the brand higher than Fiat originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 May 2013 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> elon muskstock marketteslatesla stocktsla Tue, 14 May 2013 10:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20567088/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20567088/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/14/tesla-stock-value-extremely-high-elon-musk/20567088/article-detail.xml 20567088 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/tesla-side-marker_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/tesla-side-marker.jpg <![CDATA[Tesla Model S earns 99 out of 100 score from Consumer Reports [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/consumer-reports-scores-tesla-model-s-99-out-of-100/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/consumer-reports-scores-tesla-model-s-99-out-of-100/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/consumer-reports-scores-tesla-model-s-99-out-of-100/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Tesla Model S

Consumer Reports is awfully fond of the Tesla Model S. The EV managed to pull down an impressive score of 99 out of 100 in the organization's evaluation, besting the Porsche Panamera Hybrid by a full 16 points. CR calls the battery-operated sedan "the most practical electric car we've ever tested" thanks to its 200 mile range and blistering 5.6-second dash to 60 miles per hour. Testers also had praise for the vehicle's excellent handling characteristics and clever packaging, but found issue with the large touch screen mounted in the center of the dash. According to CR, the screen requires too much time looking down and away from the road.

The publication also called out the car for skipping the spare tire, compressor and run flat tires, but those issues weren't enough to keep the machine from earning a top nod. You can head over to Consumer Reports to read the full review for yourself, and be sure to check out the video below for a better picture of the machine's highlights, including some EV drifting (even CR likes to have some fun).

Continue reading Tesla Model S earns 99 out of 100 score from Consumer Reports [w/video]

Tesla Model S earns 99 out of 100 score from Consumer Reports [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 May 2013 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> consumer reportsmodel steslatesla model s Thu, 09 May 2013 10:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20563544/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20563544/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/09/consumer-reports-scores-tesla-model-s-99-out-of-100/20563544/article-detail.xml 20563544 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/tesla-model-s-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/tesla-model-s-628.jpg <![CDATA[Tesla Model S has secret menu that shows possible upcoming features]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/tesla-model-s-secret-menu-shows-possible-upcoming-features/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/tesla-model-s-secret-menu-shows-possible-upcoming-features/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/07/tesla-model-s-secret-menu-shows-possible-upcoming-features/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

tesla model s hidden menu

The Telsa Model S may have won just about every automotive award it could last year, but that doesn't mean it's a perfect vehicle. Far from it. Drivers have been asking when the already high-tech vehicle will get somewhat normal features, like adaptive cruise control or blind spot detection. Well, a new video of menus hidden within the giant touch screen in the Model S shows that those two features might be coming soon, along with a lane departure warning. When these options might arrive is anyone's guess, but the video (see it below) shows that the software is at least in the prototype stage. In any case, unless Tesla has installed a bunch of sensors and not told anyone about them, turning these features on will require more than just a software update.

The hidden menu also shows some as-of-yet-unannounced apps in the car's software: an image viewer, a sketch pad, a scheduler/calendar and various test apps.

The way you access these menus, apparently, is by holding down the Tesla logo on the main menu for a few seconds and then entering an access code. We don't know this password and we also don't recommend fooling around in there, since it looks like you might be able to muck things up, but good. We have enough trouble rooting our phones and we're not sure we'd like to take the risk with an $70,000+ electric vehicle. But if someone else wants to do so and post a video online, then we're happy to watch.

Continue reading Tesla Model S has secret menu that shows possible upcoming features

Tesla Model S has secret menu that shows possible upcoming features originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 May 2013 10:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> adaptive cruise controlblind spotdiagnosticselectric vehiclehidden menulane departureteslatesla model s Tue, 07 May 2013 10:16:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20560414/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20560414/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/07/tesla-model-s-secret-menu-shows-possible-upcoming-features/20560414/article-detail.xml 20560414 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/tesla-model-s-hidden-menu-upcoming-features_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/tesla-model-s-hidden-menu-upcoming-features.png <![CDATA[Tesla to earn $250 million from sales of California environmental credits]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/tesla-to-earn-250-million-from-sales-of-california-environmenta/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/tesla-to-earn-250-million-from-sales-of-california-environmenta/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/tesla-to-earn-250-million-from-sales-of-california-environmenta/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Tesla Model S

Tesla Motors is expected to release quarterly earnings figures within the next few days, and the Silicon Valley automaker is thought to have attained profitability for the first time ever. As it turns out, a good bit of that profit will reportedly come from the State of California.

According to an article from the LA Times, Tesla, which is reportedly on pace to sell 20,000 vehicles in 2013, receives as much as $35,000 in environmental credits from California for each Model S it sells. These credits can then be sold to other automakers that do business in the state but don't sell zero-emission vehicles of their own. Some experts believe Tesla could earn up to $250 million from such ZEV credits.

While profits from ZEV credits equals good news for Tesla, some experts and rival automakers aren't very pleased with California's strong-arm tactics when it comes to the sales of electric vehicles. "At the end of the day, other carmakers are subsidizing Tesla," said Thilo Koslowski, an analyst at Gartner Inc.

Mary Nichols, chairwoman of the California Air Resources Board, counters by saying, "We are in the air pollution business, not the car business... There is some jealously of Tesla going on here." Check out the entire article from the LA Times here, it's an interesting look into the inner-workings of the business side of the eco-friendly automotive marketplace.

Tesla to earn $250 million from sales of California environmental credits originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 May 2013 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> californiacarbelectric carteslatesla model szero emissions vehiclezev credits Mon, 06 May 2013 19:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20559798/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20559798/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/06/tesla-to-earn-250-million-from-sales-of-california-environmenta/20559798/article-detail.xml 20559798 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/tesla-model-s-sunset-628l_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/tesla-model-s-sunset-628l.jpg <![CDATA[Elon Musk offering more of his own money to help widen LA's 405 freeway]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/teslas-musk-offers-money-to-widen-las-405-freeway/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/teslas-musk-offers-money-to-widen-las-405-freeway/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/teslas-musk-offers-money-to-widen-las-405-freeway/#comments Filed under: , ,



While Henrik Fisker was in Washington, D.C. being grilled by Congress over government loans received by his former company, Fisker Automotive, Tesla co-founder Elon Musk was offering to give the California government money to help widen the 405 freeway.

With delays and cost overruns plaguing the expansion of one of the busiest stretches of road in the US, Musk has already kicked in $50,000 to move the project along and is apparently willing to spend even more to get the job done.

According to the LA Times, the widening of the 405 is already at least a year behind schedule and about $100 million over budget, and Musk was quoted as saying that he'd be willing to contribute more to hire new workers to help end the "horrendous" traffic. The estimated completion date is now set for fall of 2014, which likely doesn't factor in any more problems that, according to the article, have included structural failure to miles of sound walls and legal battles over some ramp placements.

Elon Musk offering more of his own money to help widen LA's 405 freeway originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 405 freewayelon muskla trafficlos angeles Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20549217/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20549217/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/25/teslas-musk-offers-money-to-widen-las-405-freeway/20549217/article-detail.xml 20549217 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/la-405-freeway-construction_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/la-405-freeway-construction.jpg <![CDATA[Tesla Model S pitted against... Citroën DS-19?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/tesla-model-s-pitted-against-citroen-ds-19/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/tesla-model-s-pitted-against-citroen-ds-19/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/tesla-model-s-pitted-against-citroen-ds-19/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

Citroen DS vs Tesla - Motor Trend Head 2 Head series screencap with Jonny Lieberman

Motor Trend has taken it upon itself to pit the lauded 2013 Tesla Model S against the venerable 1956 Citroën DS-19 in the magazine's latest Head 2 Head video. In what realm do these two machines cross tracks? Host Jonny Lieberman makes a strong case for the fact that both cars represent the pinnacle of automotive innovation from their respective eras, but we're guessing he was really just looking for an excuse to spend a few days whirring around in a DS. Lieberman is an unabashed fan of all things Citroën, and the DS understandably sits at the top of that list.

Still, he would appear to give both cars a fair shake, lauding the Model S for its many innovations over its automotive peers while criticizing the DS for its lackluster powerplant. In the end, the victor of this particular Head 2 Head is no surprise. You can check it out in the video below for yourself.

Continue reading Tesla Model S pitted against... Citroën DS-19?

Tesla Model S pitted against... Citroën DS-19? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 tesla model scitroëncitroën dscitroën ds-19citroenjonny liebermanmotor trendtesla model svideo Fri, 29 Mar 2013 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20523134/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20523134/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/29/tesla-model-s-pitted-against-citroen-ds-19/20523134/article-detail.xml 20523134 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/citroen-vs-tesla-motor-trend-video-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/citroen-vs-tesla-motor-trend-video-628.jpg <![CDATA[Watch the Jaws of Life tear apart a Tesla Model S]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/watch-the-jaws-of-life-tear-apart-a-tesla-model-s/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/watch-the-jaws-of-life-tear-apart-a-tesla-model-s/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/06/watch-the-jaws-of-life-tear-apart-a-tesla-model-s/#comments Filed under: , , ,



As electric vehicles become more prevalent on the roadways, first responders are facing new - and sometimes unknown - challenges when it comes to intense tasks such as the extrication of passengers trapped inside a car. Advanced Extrication, an online training resource for rescue workers, recently posted a video showing how rescuers should respond to vehicles like the Tesla Model S.

The best way to do such a video, of course, is to actually demonstrate the process, so Tesla donated a new Model S just so the Fremont Fire Department could tear it to shreds as the host explains some of the unique dangers specific to electric cars. The unfortunate demo car looks like it just came off the assembly line, meaning it is completely intact to begin with, but we wonder if it would have been more interesting to see how firefighters deal with the car's wiring and DC-DC converter (and other high voltage components) when the vehicle structure has been compromised.

Either way, the entire 37-minute video (posted below) goes in depth showing what rescuers face as they deal with a growing number of EVs. Of course, if all you want to see is the business end of the Jaws of Life going to town on the Model S' subframe, you should skip to the 27-minute mark.

Continue reading Watch the Jaws of Life tear apart a Tesla Model S

Watch the Jaws of Life tear apart a Tesla Model S originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Mar 2013 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> electric vehicle safetyfirst respondersjaws of lifemodel steslavehicle extricationvehicle safety Wed, 06 Mar 2013 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20488147/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20488147/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/06/watch-the-jaws-of-life-tear-apart-a-tesla-model-s/20488147/article-detail.xml 20488147 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/tesla-model-s-jaws-of-life_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/tesla-model-s-jaws-of-life.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #322]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/26/autoblog-podcast-322/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/26/autoblog-podcast-322/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/26/autoblog-podcast-322/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,

2014 Jeep Cherokee, Tesla profit, 2014 Bentley Continental Flying Spur, Ford Atlas chief designer Gordon Platto autoblog podcast logo

Episode #322 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff Ross talk about the 2014 Jeep Cherokee, Tesla's cautious announcement of a first-quarter profit, the 2014 Bentley Flying Spur and Zach and Dan share an interview with Gordon Platto, chief designer for the Ford Atlas Concept truck from this year's Detroit Auto Show. We wrap with a couple of your questions, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Keep reading for our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #322:



Topics:


In the Autoblog Garage:
2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek
2013 Toyota Prius V
2013 Lincoln MKS


Hosts: Dan Roth, Zach Bowman, Jeff Ross


Runtime: 01:26:23

Get the podcast
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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #322

Autoblog Podcast #322 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 lincoln mks2013 subaru xv crosstrek2013 tesla model s2013 toyota prius v2014 bentley flying spur2014 jeep cherokeeautoblog podcast 322bentleycherokeefeaturedflying spurford atlas conceptgordon plattojeeplincolnmksmodel sprius vsubaruteslatesla profittoyotaxv crostrek Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:45:00 EST Autoblog Podcast #322Autoblog01:26:23 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20477948/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20477948/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/26/autoblog-podcast-322/20477948/article-detail.xml 20477948 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[Musk says <i>New York Times</i> debacle may have cost Tesla $100 million]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/26/musk-says-new-york-times-debacle-may-have-cost-tesla-100/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/26/musk-says-new-york-times-debacle-may-have-cost-tesla-100/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/26/musk-says-new-york-times-debacle-may-have-cost-tesla-100/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Tesla CEO Elon Musk being interviewed by Bloomberg TV - screencap

Despite the old chestnut that there's no such thing as bad publicity, there's always a cost incurred - sometimes it's hidden, and sometimes it's front and center. Enigmatic Tesla CEO Elon Musk seems to think his company's now-infamous Model S range dustup with The New York Times is falling squarely into the latter category. According to Musk, fallout from the back-and-forth battle over the newspaper's cold-weather road trip story may have decimated Tesla's stock value by as much as $100 million. Musk believes the report resulted in a lot of cancelled orders, probably costing Tesla "a few hundred" Model S purchases.

According to the report, Tesla's shares have tumbled some 12 percent (going from $39.24 to $34.38) since the report was published. Bloomberg further notes that the company's market capitalization has skidded by around $553 million over that same period. With the company's stock-market value pegged at $3.91 billion, $100m represents a not insignificant chunk of money to Tesla.

So how does Musk feel about embattled Times writer John Broder, whose controversial report he previously called "fake"? During the interview with Bloomberg TV, which you can watch below, Musk opines, "I don't think it should be the end of his career - I don't even think necessarily he should be fired - but I do think he fudged an article." No word has surfaced about any actions taken against Broder after the Times' public editor admitted he did "not especially" exercise "good judgement" in the course of his reporting.

There's a lot of interesting ground covered in the Musk interview, including a discussion on the impact of early adopters on Model S sales, as well as how demand might be affected if the federal $7,500 tax credit were to end, so check it out by scrolling below.

Continue reading Musk says New York Times debacle may have cost Tesla $100 million

Musk says New York Times debacle may have cost Tesla $100 million originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Feb 2013 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 tesla model sbloomberg tvelon muskevmodel snew york timesteslatesla new york timestesla rangethe new york timesvideo Tue, 26 Feb 2013 13:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20478762/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20478762/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/26/musk-says-new-york-times-debacle-may-have-cost-tesla-100/20478762/article-detail.xml 20478762 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/tesla-ceo-elon-musk-bloomberg-tv_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/tesla-ceo-elon-musk-bloomberg-tv.jpg <![CDATA[Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #322 LIVE!]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-322-live/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-322-live/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-322-live/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Autoblog Podcast graphic

We're set to record Autoblog Podcast #322 tonight, and you can drop us your questions and comments regarding the rest of the week's news via our Q&A module below. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #322


[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator

Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #322 LIVE! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 16:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 bentley flying spur2014 jeep cherokeeatlasautoblog podcast 322autoblog podcast topicsbentleycherokeeflying spurfordford atlas conceptjeeppodcast topicsteslatesla profit Mon, 25 Feb 2013 16:16:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20477193/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20477193/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/25/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-322-live/20477193/article-detail.xml 20477193 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[And now for a different sort of Tesla Model S review...]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/24/and-now-for-a-different-sort-of-tesla-model-s-review/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/24/and-now-for-a-different-sort-of-tesla-model-s-review/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/24/and-now-for-a-different-sort-of-tesla-model-s-review/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

KBB Tesla Model S Video

Our friends at Kelley Blue Book have taken an unflinching look at the Tesla Model S in a new video. The crew originally planned to pack up and whip the electric sedan all the way to Las Vegas from Los Angeles, but got sidelined by a flat tire. The ensuing detour to a Tesla service center resulted in a day of hopping from charge point to charge point and a number of close calls on the range front. Confronted with cold temperatures, a desire to make time and some serious topography, the Model S pulled up short on projected range but never left the guys stranded.

The team eventually makes it to Vegas and discovers the aggravation of trying to charge the car with anything other than the company's supercharger stations. The return trip goes quite a bit better, however, and KBB starts to figure out what makes the Model S so special. We won't ruin the end for you. You can check out the full clip below.

Continue reading And now for a different sort of Tesla Model S review...

And now for a different sort of Tesla Model S review... originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 24 Feb 2013 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 tesla model skbbkelley blue bookmodel steslavideo Sun, 24 Feb 2013 18:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20473446/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20473446/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/24/and-now-for-a-different-sort-of-tesla-model-s-review/20473446/article-detail.xml 20473446 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/kbb-model-s-video-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/kbb-model-s-video-628.jpg <![CDATA[Tesla takes <i>New York Times</i> to task for damning Model S review]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/14/tesla-takes-new-york-times-to-task-for-damning-model-s-re/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/14/tesla-takes-new-york-times-to-task-for-damning-model-s-re/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/14/tesla-takes-new-york-times-to-task-for-damning-model-s-re/#comments Filed under: , ,



The social media tête-à-tête between The New York Times and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, stemming from a defamatory review by John Broder of the Model S and Tesla's new "Supercharger" network on the East Coast, is heating up in a major way. Just yesterday we summarized the Twitter spat, and now Musk has expanded upon the data recorded during Broder's test drive - adding major credence to the criticism of the NYT writer.

The smoking gun in this case is the information that was captured by the data recorder in Broder's loaned Model S. The data recording function is one that is only activated for consumers when permission has been expressly granted, says Musk, but is always turned on in the case of media vehicles. Thusly equipped, Broder's vehicle was keeping track of speed, charging data, map data and more, presumably without the writer's foreknowledge.

The evidence recorded by the in-car systems happens to contravene Broder's most damning claims of the Tesla, says Musk in his article titled A Most Peculiar Test Drive. First, and perhaps most shockingly, the Model S "State of Charge" log shows that Broder's test car "never ran out of energy at any time." Broder's reporting indicated that the car ran completely out of juice at one point and had to be evacuated on a flatbed truck. The data log also points out that the trip was made at speeds ranging from 65 to 81 miles per hour, where the writer claimed to have set the cruise control at 54 mph, with periods of driving as slowly as 45 mph.

Musk's piece also indicates that Broder - who was ostensibly driving to test the charging network - didn't tell the truth about how long he charged his Model S. At one stop he specifically writes that he charged the car for 58 minutes on his second stop, where the log indicates that he was on the Supercharger for just 47 minutes. Tesla claims that the writer charged his car to 90 percent of capacity on his first stop, 72 percent on his second and just 28 percent on his third - all despite his concerns over just barely having enough energy to complete the respective legs of his trip.

Taken at face value, Tesla's data seems compelling to say the least. With that said, we're no more in a position to attest to the veracity of the logged data than we are the claims of Mr. Broder. At the very least it will be fascinating to see what the NYT does to respond, if anything at all, to this rather serious, high-profile assault on its credibility.

For its part, Tesla is taking Elon's article as the final word on the matter. A company spokesperson released this statement, just this morning: "Please note, no one from Tesla - including Elon - will be providing additional comment on this topic moving forward as we feel the blog speaks for itself. At this time, this post is the company's final statement on the issue." We've collected all of Tesla's charts and graphs from Broder's trip in our attached gallery, so you can have a closer look for yourselves, too.

Tesla takes New York Times to task for damning Model S review originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Feb 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 tesla model selon muskjohn brodermodel snew york timestesla Thu, 14 Feb 2013 09:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20461908/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20461908/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/14/tesla-takes-new-york-times-to-task-for-damning-model-s-re/20461908/article-detail.xml 20461908 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/tesla-model-s-supercharger_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/tesla-model-s-supercharger.jpg <![CDATA[Tesla Model S finally has its date with a dyno]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/tesla-model-s-finally-has-its-date-with-a-dyno/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/tesla-model-s-finally-has-its-date-with-a-dyno/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/tesla-model-s-finally-has-its-date-with-a-dyno/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Tesla Model S on dyno

The performance abilities - and even the burnout potential - of the Tesla Model S has already been well documented, but, surprisingly, we haven't yet seen the all-electric luxury hatchback strapped to a dyno. Fortunately, the crew over at Dragtimes has posted a video that finally gave us some real-world numbers for the family- and environmentally friendly Tesla.

As the article points out, the results might be off a little (on the low side) due to the run not starting from a dead stop, but the numbers are impressive nonetheless. Immediately upon throttle application, the dyno records almost 300 horsepower at zero miles per hour, and power peaks at 368 hp at around 55 mph (we imagine the "386HP" quoted on the video title is a typo) before trailing off to around 220 hp closer to the car's limited 130-mph top speed. This compares quite favorably to the power numbers provided by Tesla putting max output at 416 hp; the dyno provided no torque figures for the car. Dragtimes also believes this number bodes well for the car on the track, too, quoting a quarter-mile time of 12.2 seconds at 112 mph.

The video of the quiet, zero-emission dyno session is posted below, so check it out.

Continue reading Tesla Model S finally has its date with a dyno

Tesla Model S finally has its date with a dyno originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 tesla model sdynodyno videoelectric carevmodel steslavideo Thu, 17 Jan 2013 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20430684/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20430684/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/17/tesla-model-s-finally-has-its-date-with-a-dyno/20430684/article-detail.xml 20430684 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/tesla-model-s-dyno_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/tesla-model-s-dyno.jpg -1 2