Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif 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/<![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/#commentsFiled 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 sSun, 19 May 2013 15:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20564936/article-comments.xml 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[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/#commentsFiled 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 sThu, 09 May 2013 10:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20563544/article-comments.xml 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/#commentsFiled 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 sTue, 07 May 2013 10:16:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20560414/article-comments.xml 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/#commentsFiled 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 creditsMon, 06 May 2013 19:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20559798/article-comments.xml 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[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/#commentsFiled 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 svideoFri, 29 Mar 2013 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20523134/article-comments.xml 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[Tesla Model S sets quarter-mile record for quickest production EV [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/28/tesla-model-s-sets-quarter-mile-record-for-quickest-production-e/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/28/tesla-model-s-sets-quarter-mile-record-for-quickest-production-e/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/28/tesla-model-s-sets-quarter-mile-record-for-quickest-production-e/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Tesla Model S

It looks as if the Tesla Model S has a new feather to stick in its cap. DragTimes.com took the five-door down to Palm Beach International Raceway for a few sprints down the quarter mile, and the EV managed to run a best time of 12.371 seconds at 110.84 miles per hour with a 0-60 time of 3.9 seconds. Those numbers were good enough for the Model S to take the crown as the world's quickest production EV according to the National Electric Drag Racing Association. NEDRA was on hand for the organization's Winter EV Nationals, and verified the new world record.

Near as we can tell, the previous record stood at 12.582 at 104.58 mph. That feat was accomplished with a Tesla Roadster owned by Zachary Vex and driven by Stella Kostolna at the Speedworld Dragstrip in Arizona. You can watch the Model S dust a Dodge Viper SRT10 in the video below. Who says you can't have any fun without internal combustion?

Continue reading Tesla Model S sets quarter-mile record for quickest production EV [w/video]

Tesla Model S sets quarter-mile record for quickest production EV [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jan 2013 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drag racemodel smodel s drag racequarter milerecordteslatesla model sworld recordMon, 28 Jan 2013 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20440673/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/28/tesla-model-s-sets-quarter-mile-record-for-quickest-production-e/20440673/article-detail.xml 20440673 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/tesla-model-s-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/tesla-model-s-628.jpg <![CDATA[Watch <i>Wired</i> go hands-on with Tesla Model S 4.0]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/watch-wired-go-hands-on-with-tesla-model-s-4-0/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/watch-wired-go-hands-on-with-tesla-model-s-4-0/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/watch-wired-go-hands-on-with-tesla-model-s-4-0/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Tesla Model S

Our friends at Wired recently got their hands on the latest software release for the Tesla Model S. The 4.0 release adds a few interesting bits of functionality to the EV, including voice control for the navigation and telephone systems as well as Slacker Radio. Tesla employed Google voice-recognition software for the Model S, and Wired says the system is "far easier and more intuitive than most." High praise.

The update also adds another level of customization to the EV's steering wheel controls. The right knob now offers finer audio volume control while the left knob can be configured to handle everything from temperature setting to fan speed or even the opening and closing of the sunroof.

Wired also reports the 17-inch touch screen on the Model S now seems more responsive and that the update includes new graphical displays for the vehicle's range. Other nice tricks include revised throttle response and an adjustment to the vehicle's door handles - now owners need only approach their Model S for the door handles to pop out from their hiding places. You can check out the video below for a closer look.

Continue reading Watch Wired go hands-on with Tesla Model S 4.0

Watch Wired go hands-on with Tesla Model S 4.0 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Dec 2012 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>model smodel s 4.0software updateteslatesla model stesla model s software updatevideowiredMon, 17 Dec 2012 08:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20404363/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/17/watch-wired-go-hands-on-with-tesla-model-s-4-0/20404363/article-detail.xml 20404363 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/model-s-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/model-s-628.jpg <![CDATA[Tesla Model S is emissions-free burnout machine after pulling fuses]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/13/tesla-model-s-is-emissions-free-burnout-machine-after-pulling-fu/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/13/tesla-model-s-is-emissions-free-burnout-machine-after-pulling-fu/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/13/tesla-model-s-is-emissions-free-burnout-machine-after-pulling-fu/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Road & Track Tesla Model S Burnout

Add one more feather to the proverbial cap of the Tesla Model S. Road & Track West Coast Editor Jason Cammisa figured out how to make the electric luxury sedan extra frisky and then set about nuking the rear tires with electric-motor torque.

"Holy hell there's a lot of torque here," Cammisa wrote in his notes after pulling a fuse that took the ABS, stability control and traction control offline. That fuse also took out the speedometer and air suspension - no big deal - but power steering and brake assist went out, too, making hooning a parking-lot-only affair.

The best part is that they shot a video to accompany the hijinks, so you can see for yourself how the Model S does. If you want to try it for yourself, just be careful.

"There's no rev-limiter to contend with," notes Cammisa, and that means "you'll be spinning tire up to the car's 132-mph top speed." That makes the Model S capable of blowing tires very effectively. The upside to disabling the assistance systems is that the raw dynamics of the car show through, and Cammisa reports that the underlying car is very good, indeed. You've waited long enough, scroll down for the video.

Continue reading Tesla Model S is emissions-free burnout machine after pulling fuses

Tesla Model S is emissions-free burnout machine after pulling fuses originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Dec 2012 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burnout videomodel smodel s burnoutteslatesla burnouttesla model stesla model s burnoutvideoThu, 13 Dec 2012 17:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20402205/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/13/tesla-model-s-is-emissions-free-burnout-machine-after-pulling-fu/20402205/article-detail.xml 20402205 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/rt-tesla-model-s-burnout_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/rt-tesla-model-s-burnout.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #308]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/autoblog-podcast-308/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/autoblog-podcast-308/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/autoblog-podcast-308/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Motor Trend Car of the Year, 2013 Honda Civic, 2014 Ford Mustang, Global Ford Ranger wins award

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Episode #308 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff Ross talk about the Tesla Model S being named Motor Trend Car of the Year, the 2013 Honda Civic and the new hybrid systems and Micro Commuter concept also coming out of Honda, the 2014 Ford Mustang and the departure of the Boss 302, and the global Ford Ranger winning an International Truck award. 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 #308:



Topics:

In the Autoblog Garage:
2013 Volvo S80 T6 AWD Inscription
2013 BMW 640i Gran Coupe
2013 Infiniti FX37

Hosts: Dan Roth, Zach Bowman, Jeff Ross
Runtime: 01:17:54

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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #308

Autoblog Podcast #308 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Nov 2012 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 bmw 6 series gran coupe2013 honda civic2013 infiniti fx2013 volvo s802014 ford mustang6 series gran coupeautoblog podcastautoblog podcast 308bmwcar of the yearcivicfeaturedfordford rangerfxhondahonda civichonda micro commuterinfinitimicro commutermodel smotor trend car of the yearmustangpodcastpodcast 308s80teslatesla model stesla motorsvolvoTue, 13 Nov 2012 17:29:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #308Autoblog01:17:54 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20378598/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/13/autoblog-podcast-308/20378598/article-detail.xml 20378598 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[Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #307 LIVE]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/05/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-307-live/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/05/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-307-live/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/05/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-307-live/#commentsFiled under:

Autoblog Podcast graphic

We record Autoblog Podcast #307 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 #307

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #307 LIVE originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Nov 2012 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 scion fr-sautoblog podcastautoblog podcast liveautoblog podcast topicsfr-shyundai fuel economykia fuel economymost reliablemost reliable american carspodcastscionscion fr-sscion fr-s superchargertesla model sMon, 05 Nov 2012 17:10:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20371166/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/05/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-307-live/20371166/article-detail.xml 20371166 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[<i>Time</i> slots Tesla Model S among best inventions of 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/04/time-slots-tesla-model-s-among-best-inventions-of-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/04/time-slots-tesla-model-s-among-best-inventions-of-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/04/time-slots-tesla-model-s-among-best-inventions-of-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Tesla Model S

Time Magazine has released its list of the best inventions of 2012, and while a few automotive products made the cut, the Tesla Model S was the only vehicle to nab the honor this year. The magazine cites the electric sedan's sexy aesthetics, lofty 265-mile range and touch-screen cabin controls as reasons for the laurel, though Tesla's network of supercharger stations certainly factored in as well. This is just the latest in long list of accolades for the Model S. As you may recall, Motor Trend recently called the EV the most important car since the Ford Model T, and Automobile Magazine named the five-door its Automobile of the Year.

A total of 25 inventions made the Time list in all, including the self-inflating tires we saw from Goodyear earlier this year. From whimsical indoor clouds crafted by Dutch artist Berndnaut Smilde to a potentially life-saving in-home HIV test, the selections showcase the diversity of human innovation. Check out the complete list here.

Time slots Tesla Model S among best inventions of 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Nov 2012 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best inventions of 2012inventionsmodel steslatesla model stimetime magazineSun, 04 Nov 2012 16:04:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20370016/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/04/time-slots-tesla-model-s-among-best-inventions-of-2012/20370016/article-detail.xml 20370016 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/tesla-model-s-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/tesla-model-s-628.jpg <![CDATA[Jay Leno burns rubber in Tesla Model S]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/29/jay-leno-burns-rubber-in-tesla-model-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/29/jay-leno-burns-rubber-in-tesla-model-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/29/jay-leno-burns-rubber-in-tesla-model-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Jay Leno burns rubber in black Tesla Model S

Jay Leno has a pretty big soft spot for alternative-fuel vehicles. From his steam-powered relics to his beloved Chevrolet Volt, the comedian's automotive interests are nothing if not varied. In the latest episode of Jay Leno's Garage, Tesla Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen stops by the Big Dog Garage to show off his company's new Model S. Jay gets a closer look at the five-door EV's interesting touchscreen controls, expansive moonroof and yes, even the third-row jump seats, before taking to the road. The clip explains why Tesla eschewed the chunky standardized EV charger for a more svelte unit and how the company managed to serve up impressive aerodynamics without sacrificing styling.

Leno takes the time to whir the Model S around the greater Los Angeles area before hopping on the freeway for a quick spin. This particular model features the largest battery pack available, which gives the Model S a total range of around 300 miles. Check out the clip below for a closer look.

Continue reading Jay Leno burns rubber in Tesla Model S

Jay Leno burns rubber in Tesla Model S originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Oct 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 tesla model sbig dog garagefranz von holzhausenjay lenojay lenos garagelenomodel steslatesla model svideoMon, 29 Oct 2012 20:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20364038/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/29/jay-leno-burns-rubber-in-tesla-model-s/20364038/article-detail.xml 20364038 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/jay-leno-tesla-model-s_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/jay-leno-tesla-model-s.jpg <![CDATA[Dealers claim factory-owned Tesla stores are illegal]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/09/dealers-claim-factory-owned-tesla-stores-are-illegal/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/09/dealers-claim-factory-owned-tesla-stores-are-illegal/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/09/dealers-claim-factory-owned-tesla-stores-are-illegal/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Unlike typical dealers, Tesla has a network of "stores" and "retail stores." While reservations can be made for a new Model S or Roadster at the retail store, Tesla says other versions of the store merely direct potential customers to make their reservation online. Most of these boutique-style stores are in shopping malls, and Tesla asserts that they are not sales facilities. It's an assertion with which traditional auto dealers are taking issue.

Dealers associations and networks across the country are doubling down their efforts to make Tesla's OEM showroom network illegal. Tesla has opened 17 stores in 10 states, as well as the District of Columbia.

Dealership associations contend Tesla's notion that sales are not made at these stores, stating that the showroom experience is still part of the sales process. To that end, dealer groups across the country have embarked in legal battles with the electric carmaker. The Illinois Secretary of State has informed Tesla that it is illegal to list CEO Elon Musk as the owner of its Chicago store. The Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association is looking into legal options against Telsa's Westchester store, as well as two others in New York. In Massachusetts, the opening of a store in the suburban Natick Mall is having its legality challenged by the dealer association in that state. California has laws in place that allow for a manufacturer to run its own dealership, as long as it is not within 10 miles of an existing dealer. That practice caught the ire of Chrysler dealers when the American automaker opened its own multi-brand showroom near downtown Los Angeles.

Tesla says the way that its stores are run are unique to each location. According to George Blankenship, Tesla's VP of sales, "If we can't be a dealer in a mall, we won't do reservations on-site. We tell people where to go on our website to make a reservation." Blankenship is the former Apple retail guru and the mind behind the Apple Stores - an experience Tesla hopes to recreate in its own sales network. In the eyes of many dealers, that is a threat to their own dealership model. As Tesla seeks to open more stores in more states, this is unlikely to be the end of the pushback against the electric automaker.

Dealers claim factory-owned Tesla stores are illegal originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Oct 2012 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elon muskgeorge blankenshipmodel steslatesla dealerstesla model stesla roadstertesla showroomtesla storesTue, 09 Oct 2012 13:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20344106/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/09/dealers-claim-factory-owned-tesla-stores-are-illegal/20344106/article-detail.xml 20344106 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/tesla-dealer_thumbnail.jpeg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/tesla-dealer.jpeg <![CDATA[In deep with Tesla CEO Elon Musk: Financials, Falcon doors and finding faults in the Model S]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/07/tesla-ceo-elon-musk-q-and-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/07/tesla-ceo-elon-musk-q-and-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/07/tesla-ceo-elon-musk-q-and-a/#commentsFiled under: ,

tesla ceo elon musk

Tesla Motors Elon Musk spends about half his working life - i.e., almost all of his waking hours - in his office at SpaceX in Los Angeles. The automotive CEO is, after all, also in charge of the rocket company, which means that he's thinking about a lot more than just ramping up production of the Model S. But he is thinking about that a lot, too. More than you might expect.

AutoblogGreen recently got to sit down with Musk at SpaceX for a one-on-one, wide-ranging interview. Musk, comfortable and relaxed in an "Occupy Mars" t-shirt, was forthcoming about most things we asked - but questions about Tesla's upcoming Supercharger network of fast chargers, which can deliver so much more juice per minute than any other plug-in vehicle charger on the market, were deflected, since the company is planning a big announcement at the end of this month or early October - and we got into Tesla's financial situation, why the Model X has those falcon doors and how Daimler saved Tesla. We learned a lot, including that Musk really doesn't like the rear seat access in the Audi Q7. Not one bit.

Read the whole interview below.

Continue reading In deep with Tesla CEO Elon Musk: Financials, Falcon doors and finding faults in the Model S

In deep with Tesla CEO Elon Musk: Financials, Falcon doors and finding faults in the Model S originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Sep 2012 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elon muskmodel ssuperchargerteslatesla model stesla motorstesla roadstertesla superchargerFri, 07 Sep 2012 12:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20318685/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/07/tesla-ceo-elon-musk-q-and-a/20318685/article-detail.xml 20318685 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/tesla-ceo-elon-musk-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/tesla-ceo-elon-musk-628.jpg <![CDATA[Tesla Model S officially rated at 89 MPGe with 265-mile range]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/20/tesla-model-s-officially-rated-at-89-mpge-with-265-mile-range/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/20/tesla-model-s-officially-rated-at-89-mpge-with-265-mile-range/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/20/tesla-model-s-officially-rated-at-89-mpge-with-265-mile-range/#commentswhite tesla model s

The numbers are in, and they're looking good. According to the EPA, the Tesla Model S gets a miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) rating of 89 (combined), 88 (city) and 90 (highway). MPGe is defined as the distance a vehicle would travel on the energy contained in one gallon of gasoline, though of course the Model S runs on electrons, not gas.

To compare, other pure electric cars on the market include the Honda Fit at 118 combined MPGe, the Mitsubishi i with 112 MPGe, the Ford Focus Electric with 105 MPGe and the Nissan Leaf with "just" 99 MPGe. Even at the bottom of this particular list, these are impressive numbers for the Model S, meaning it makes efficient use of the energy available in its battery.

Tesla says the range has been declared to be 265 miles using the EPA's five-cycle testing procedure, which makes it the long-range mileage champ of the production electric car world. Using the EPA's older two-cycle testing protocol, the Model S would score more than 300 miles per charge - significantly greater than the 244 miles managed by the older Tesla Roadster. Still, that range figure only applies to the top-of-the-line version with the 85-kWh battery that starts at $69,900. There will be Model S sedans available with considerably less range and a smaller price tag, as well as a Performance model starting at $84,900.

We're on the lookout for more information from Tesla, and we expect it'll come before the first deliveries take place this Friday at the company's Fremont factory in California.

Tesla Model S officially rated at 89 MPGe with 265-mile range originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jun 2012 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleepamodel smpgetelsa model s epatesla model stesla model s mpgetesla mpgeWed, 20 Jun 2012 19:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20262903/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/20/tesla-model-s-officially-rated-at-89-mpge-with-265-mile-range/20262903/article-detail.xml 20262903 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/white-tesla-model-s-on-road-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/white-tesla-model-s-on-road-628.jpg <![CDATA[First Tesla Model S delivered to board member Steve Jurvetson]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/06/first-tesla-model-s-delivered-to-board-member-steve-jurvetson/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/06/first-tesla-model-s-delivered-to-board-member-steve-jurvetson/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/06/first-tesla-model-s-delivered-to-board-member-steve-jurvetson/#commentsfirst tesla model s delivery

We noted yesterday that some 2012 Tesla Model S buyers have already received their cars even though deliveries won't officially begin until June 22. Now we've got video proof.

The very first Model S, decked-out with license plate TSLA S1, left the Fremont, CA factory this past weekend, Green Car Reports believes, in the hands of venture capitalist - and Tesla board member - Steve Jurvetson. Now that the U.S. government has fully homologated the car, people who invested early are getting their just desserts. Jurvetson is one of those and made sure he would get the first Model S during a board meeting back in 2010. "Regular" deliveries will reportedly start in two weeks. The entire first batch of Model S vehicles is made up of the sold-out Signature Series that offers the best performance (0-60 in 4.4 seconds, a top speed of 130 miles per hour) and range (up to 320 miles).

The video of the first key handover, available by scrolling below, is unfortunately filled with low-quality audio, but it does offer pretty enthusiastic evidence that scribe Dan Neil is a big step closer to owing $1,000 to charity. We expect there will be a lot more of this sort of excitement as Tesla's new premiere EV makes its way market.

Continue reading First Tesla Model S delivered to board member Steve Jurvetson

First Tesla Model S delivered to board member Steve Jurvetson originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jun 2012 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 tesla model selectric vehiclemodel ssteve jurvetsonteslatesla model sWed, 06 Jun 2012 16:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20253066/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/06/first-tesla-model-s-delivered-to-board-member-steve-jurvetson/20253066/article-detail.xml 20253066 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/first-tesla-model-s-delivery_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/first-tesla-model-s-delivery.png <![CDATA[Tesla Model S "almost ready"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/08/tesla-model-s-almost-ready/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/08/tesla-model-s-almost-ready/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/08/tesla-model-s-almost-ready/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2013 Tesla Model S - front three-quarter studio shot

Tesla Motors is close to rolling out the first Model S electric five-doors from the company's Fremont, California plant, and customers who reserved the Model S Signature Series are already sending in their specification requests, indicating that the company will likely hit its July deadline for first deliveries.

Tesla has also added three colors - Piano Black, Lacewood and Banana Leaf - to its interior options and Internet connectivity will be an option on all cars, the company said in a letter to prospective customers that was posted on its blog last week. Tesla also said it would personally deliver the cars to the location of the customer's choice.

The Model S, the second model from Tesla after the Roadster, will be priced starting at $57,400 for a version with a 160-mile single-charge range before the $7,500 tax credit goes into effect. A 300-mile-range version goes for about $77,000. Read here for Autoblog's "First Ride" impressions.

Earlier this year, Tesla said 2012 sales may triple last year's revenue of $204.2 million and forecast Model S sales at 5,000 units for this year. That's more than double the 2,100 of the $109,000 Roadsters that Tesla sold over the past four years.

Tesla Model S "almost ready" originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Apr 2012 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 tesla model selectric vehiclemodel smodel s deliveriesteslatesla model stesla motorstesla salesSun, 08 Apr 2012 16:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20210434/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/08/tesla-model-s-almost-ready/20210434/article-detail.xml 20210434 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2013-tesla-model-s-white_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2013-tesla-model-s-white.jpg <![CDATA[Tesla takes 500 Model X reservations worth $40M, Model S sales also spike]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/15/tesla-model-x-reservations-model-s-sales-40-million/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/15/tesla-model-x-reservations-model-s-sales-40-million/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/15/tesla-model-x-reservations-model-s-sales-40-million/#commentsFiled under: , ,

tesla model x s

If the prevailing opinion of a new design can be judged by initial sales, then the jury is in on the Tesla Model X. They like it. They really, really like it. From the time the electric crossover was driven out on stage at Tesla Design Studios late Thursday night/early Friday morning until Valentine's Day four days later, the company says it has received over $40 million worth of reservation love.

What that means is that over 500 people have plunked down a significant amount of cash - $5,000 for regular production version or $40,000 for a Signature package - to reserve a vehicle that won't even begin serious production until 2014. Think about that for a moment. Nobody, except a lucky few employees, has even driven the X prototype. Hell, barely anyone has ever taken the wheel of the Model S, with which it shares its platform.

While some of the orders did come from people switching their Model S reservation to the X, Tesla says sedan sales weren't cannibalized. In fact, the company says, sales of the S saw a boost of 30 percent following the big event.

Another indication of sentiment for publicly traded companies like Tesla Motors (TSLA) is its stock price. If you panicked and sold off shares a month ago when the price plunged 20 percent on news of the departure of a couple personnel, you may want to begin kicking yourself now. (Go ahead, we'll wait.) From that $22.79 low, it has climbed to $33.17 (as of this writing). Now, we're not financial experts, but that would seem to indicate that the market likes the company's outlook.

Make your way past the break to read the press release and, if you were unable to see the live presentation of the Model X on Tesla's website, we have that official footage waiting there as well.

Continue reading Tesla takes 500 Model X reservations worth $40M, Model S sales also spike

Tesla takes 500 Model X reservations worth $40M, Model S sales also spike originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric crossoverelectric cuvelectric suvelectric vehiclemodel smodel xteslatesla model stesla model xtslaWed, 15 Feb 2012 10:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20172401/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/15/tesla-model-x-reservations-model-s-sales-40-million/20172401/article-detail.xml 20172401 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/tesla-model-x-2-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/tesla-model-x-2-628.jpg <![CDATA[Next Tesla Roadster delayed until after mass-market EV launch]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/10/next-tesla-roadster-delayed-until-after-mass-market-ev-launch/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/10/next-tesla-roadster-delayed-until-after-mass-market-ev-launch/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/10/next-tesla-roadster-delayed-until-after-mass-market-ev-launch/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



With the demise of the Lotus Elise in the United States, the Tesla Roadster's fate was sealed. With no chassis rolling out of Hethel, Tesla had to end production of the Roadster and shift its focus to the Model S and the just-revealed Model X.

But some kind of Roadster successor has always been in the cards and as Tesla's SEC filings revealed two years ago, the new sports car was supposed to arrive next year. But according to Elon Musk, the release of the next Tesla Roadster could be as far as four years away. And probably longer.

Speaking with Inside Line, Musk said said that Tesla's next project will be its "Gen 3" electric car; a smaller, mass-market EV that will carry a more affordable price tag. Originally, this new model was going to launch in 2016, but Musk revealed that the automaker is now "thinking early 2015."

While the escalated timeline is good for EVs, it's not good for EV enthusiasts. According to Musk, the next Roadster won't be out until after the Gen 3 launches, and that means Tesla won't have another sports car until 2016 at the earliest.

Next Tesla Roadster delayed until after mass-market EV launch originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gen 3teslatesla gen 3tesla model stesla roadsterFri, 10 Feb 2012 15:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20169253/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/10/next-tesla-roadster-delayed-until-after-mass-market-ev-launch/20169253/article-detail.xml 20169253 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/45-living-with-tesla-6281_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/45-living-with-tesla-6281.jpg <![CDATA[More on Tesla Model X crossover EV unveiled, set for late '13 launch]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/10/more-on-tesla-model-x-crossover-ev-unveiled-set-for-late-13-la/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/10/more-on-tesla-model-x-crossover-ev-unveiled-set-for-late-13-la/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/10/more-on-tesla-model-x-crossover-ev-unveiled-set-for-late-13-la/#commentsFiled under: , ,

tesla model x

The all-electric Tesla Model X crossover was unveiled at a red-carpet, velvet-rope style event at the Tesla Design Studios in Hawthorne, CA tonight, with company co-founder Elon Musk confirming that the Model X will start production late next year and that full production is expected in 2013.

With luminaries such as California Gov. Jerry Brown in attendance and a post-announcement concert by Foster the People, Musk presented a CUV that, as rumored, has so-called "falcon-wing" doors that are similar to those of the old gull-wing vehicles but bend in the middle, allowing them to be opened in tight spaces while offering better access to the rear and third row of seats. Musk said the Model X, which is expected to be priced similar to the $57,500 Model S sedan set to debut this summer, can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.4 seconds, or 0.2 seconds quicker than a Porsche 911. The vehicle, which Musk says can seat "seven real adults," actually has front and rear electric motors that instantaneously shift power from one to the other to maximize traction, Musk said. He added that the CUV's turning radius was comparable to that of a Mini Cooper.

Musk, speaking to an enthusiastic crowd of about 1,000 people, touted the Model X as having, "more room than a minivan, more style than an SUV and more performance than a sports car." Indeed, with no internal combustion engine, the vehicle has substantial rear cargo space behind the third row of seats as well as a "frunk" in front of the car (which provided the evening's only glitch with a sticky latch. See video of that after the jump). Musk said that the "frunk" has the same storage space as the rear cargo area of an Audi Q7. Musk should know, since he owns one.

Musk also said Telsa will start deliveries of the Model S sedan - upon which the X is based - "no later than July" and will start taking online reservations for the Model X at noon Pacific time Friday. Tesla is expected to produce between 10,000 and 15,000 Model X units a year starting in 2014.

Continue reading More on Tesla Model X crossover EV unveiled, set for late '13 launch

More on Tesla Model X crossover EV unveiled, set for late '13 launch originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 02:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crossoverelectric vehicleelon muskmodel xmodel x cuvteslatesla model stesla model xFri, 10 Feb 2012 02:21:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20168792/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/10/more-on-tesla-model-x-crossover-ev-unveiled-set-for-late-13-la/20168792/article-detail.xml 20168792 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/modelx20_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/modelx20.jpg -1 2