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[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/#commentsFiled 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 stocktslaTue, 14 May 2013 10:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20567088/article-comments.xml 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/#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[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/#commentsFiled 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 safetyWed, 06 Mar 2013 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20488147/article-comments.xml 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/#commentsFiled 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 crostrekTue, 26 Feb 2013 14:45:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #322Autoblog01:26:23 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20477948/article-comments.xml 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/#commentsFiled 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 timesvideoTue, 26 Feb 2013 13:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20478762/article-comments.xml 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/#commentsFiled 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


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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 profitMon, 25 Feb 2013 16:16:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20477193/article-comments.xml 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/#commentsFiled 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 steslavideoSun, 24 Feb 2013 18:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20473446/article-comments.xml 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/#commentsFiled 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 timesteslaThu, 14 Feb 2013 09:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20461908/article-comments.xml 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[Hagerty predicts this year's future classics]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/31/hagerty-predicts-this-years-future-classics/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/31/hagerty-predicts-this-years-future-classics/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/31/hagerty-predicts-this-years-future-classics/#commentsFiled under:



Hagerty Insurance, which specializes in covering cars already deemed classics, is out with its annual Hot List predicting this year's ten cars that will be future collectibles. Even though it stays under $100,000, it spans almost $74,000 in MSRPs starting with the $23,700 Ford Focus ST on the affordable end and peaking with the $97,395 SRT Viper.

Other notables include the Chevrolet Corvette Convertible 427, what with 2013 being both the 60th anniversary of the brand and the last year of the C6, the 505-horsepower 427 special edition being a send-off to the sports car that always does well in the last model year of a particular generation. The Tesla Model S collects yet another award for delivering a welcome and overdue shock to the electric-car game and is the only sedan to make the list, and the Subaru BRZ also adds to its trophy chest, the lightweight coupe doing so much with so little that it might be worth a packet after Father Time has waved his staff a few times.

You can check out the rest of Hagerty's picks in the press release below.

Continue reading Hagerty predicts this year's future classics

Hagerty predicts this year's future classics originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Jan 2013 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AudiBRZCamarocamaro ZL1Caymancayman SChevroletclassicscollectiblesCorvettecorvette 427Focus STFordGTihagertyhagerty hot listhagerty insuranceJohn Cooper Works GPMiniModel SPorscheRS5SRTSubaruTeslaViperVolkswagenThu, 31 Jan 2013 17:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20444538/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/31/hagerty-predicts-this-years-future-classics/20444538/article-detail.xml 20444538 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/hagertyhotlist_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/hagertyhotlist.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[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/#commentsFiled 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 steslavideoThu, 17 Jan 2013 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20430684/article-comments.xml 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 <![CDATA[Dealers' suit against Tesla dismissed in MA court]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/04/dealers-suit-against-tesla-dismissed-in-ma-court/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/04/dealers-suit-against-tesla-dismissed-in-ma-court/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/04/dealers-suit-against-tesla-dismissed-in-ma-court/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Tesla has been facing resistance from dealer associations with its factory-owned dealerships since the start-up automaker first started selling cars, but it won another big case in Massachusetts when a judge dismissed a lawsuit brought on by the Massachusetts State Automobile Dealers Association (MSADA). According to Automotive News, the case was dismissed after the judge said the association "lacked standing to sue" despite the fact that MSADA executive vice president quotes the state law as saying, "A factory cannot own a store."

The latest lawsuit follows a similar suit from back in October where the MSADA attempted to prevent Tesla from opening a store in a suburban Boston mall; the electric car maker received approval to open another store in Natick, MA, which brought on this second lawsuit. It's unlikely this is the last we've heard about this issue in Massachusetts and in other states, but Tesla seems to be coming out victorious in each case so far. While laws pertaining to dealerships vary state to state, factory-owned dealers are usually noncompliant with state law - a lesson Chrysler learned back in 2011.

Dealers' suit against Tesla dismissed in MA court originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Jan 2013 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>factory owned car dealershipmassachusetts state automobile dealers associationmsadastate franchise lawsteslatesla dealershipFri, 04 Jan 2013 15:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20416918/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/04/dealers-suit-against-tesla-dismissed-in-ma-court/20416918/article-detail.xml 20416918 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/tesla-store-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/tesla-store-628.jpg <![CDATA[Why Tesla will need more loans to make it through 2013]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/28/why-tesla-will-need-more-loans-to-make-it-through-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/28/why-tesla-will-need-more-loans-to-make-it-through-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/28/why-tesla-will-need-more-loans-to-make-it-through-2013/#commentsFiled under: ,



It's fun to bet against Elon Musk and Tesla - that's the best reason we can find for so many people doing it even though the man, his company and his cars are still here and still very popular. The latest name inscribed in the column labeled "Skeptical of Tesla" is John Shinal at Market Watch who, in year-end commentary on Tesla's financials, says that the "carmaker's financials are reminiscent of a dot-com's." He does not mean that in the good way.

To be fair, Shinal isn't exactly betting against Tesla, he's saying that if you check the bottom lines, the only thing keeping Tesla alive is the hundreds of millions in Federal Department of Energy loans it has received. Based on its filings, he says the company has less than six months of cash on hand, hasn't produced as many cars as it promised and had to lower its revenue forecast for 2012, has had a "year of net losses and negative operating cash flow," and was underwater by at least $37 million at the end of the third quarter.

But Shinal's not done there, summarizing Tesla as an operation with "a poor habit of failing to deliver to customers the cars it has promised them, while simultaneously raising the prices of those yet-undelivered cars," and "a lousy level of customer service." He says there are more damning things to be found in Tesla's SEC registration settlement from September, but we'll have to wait for his next column to find out what those are. The takeaway, in Shinal's opinion, is that even though Tesla will keep getting money from the government, that investors have no business dealing in Tesla stock.

Early in his piece, Shinal says Tesla's financials are worse than those of Zynga and Groupon, two hot dot-coms that have fallen on their faces since their IPOs. Shinal knows far more about finances than we do, but we wonder if it makes the most sense to compare a brand new car company developing brand new technologies - with the colossal amounts of up-front cash each one of those things requires, and a company with Tesla's record so far - to a social media game developer and an online coupon distributor. Head over to Market Watch to read the full piece.

Why Tesla will need more loans to make it through 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Dec 2012 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elon muskfinancialsjohn shinalmarket watchstock marketstocksteslatesla stockFri, 28 Dec 2012 08:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20409931/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/28/why-tesla-will-need-more-loans-to-make-it-through-2013/20409931/article-detail.xml 20409931 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/teslamoneycommentary_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/teslamoneycommentary.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[Musk reports positive cash flow for Tesla last week]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/05/musk-reports-positive-cash-flow-for-tesla-last-week/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/05/musk-reports-positive-cash-flow-for-tesla-last-week/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/05/musk-reports-positive-cash-flow-for-tesla-last-week/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Tesla Model S

According to Bloomberg, Tesla actually earned money last week. CEO Elon Musk sent out a message on Twitter saying his company was "narrowly cash positive." That's big news for a company that hasn't turned a quarterly profit as of yet. Tesla is currently in the middle of stepping up production for its Model S sedan, and has announced the vehicle's MSRP will jump by $2,500, presumably to help fund that expansion.

So far, Tesla says it has built will build around 20,000 Model S units at its California production facility next year, though analysts say the ability to repeatedly generate a positive cash flow would go a long way toward the company's evolution into a "sustainable operating entry." So far, the Model S has garnered substantive praise, earning the Motor Trend Car of the Year Award among others. Tesla shares are up 19 percent this year over the same time period in 2011.

Musk reports positive cash flow for Tesla last week originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Dec 2012 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 tesla model selon muskmodel steslatesla cash positivetesla earningsWed, 05 Dec 2012 15:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20394750/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/05/musk-reports-positive-cash-flow-for-tesla-last-week/20394750/article-detail.xml 20394750 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/tesla-model-s-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/tesla-model-s-628.jpg <![CDATA[Tesla Model S will get price increase]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/21/tesla-model-s-will-get-price-increase/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/21/tesla-model-s-will-get-price-increase/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/21/tesla-model-s-will-get-price-increase/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



Tesla has confirmed the Model S will soon see a price increase. The company has yet to release details on how much more the critically acclaimed electric vehicle will cost moving forward, but has released a few details about how the shift will affect buyers with existing reservations. Tesla says the increase will not apply to anyone who has a reservation so long as they configure and finalize their order "within a fair and predefined timeframe." Likewise, those buyers who deferred their reservations will be able to keep the original pricing by finalizing their order within the same timeframe.

Tesla says the price shift will also include changes to the Model S option package structure, and that some features currently considered standard equipment will become added cost options in the future. As with the overall price increase, these changes will not impact those with current orders, reservations or deferred reservations. Expect to hear more about the price increase as information becomes available, and in the meantime you can read the brief press release below for more information.

Continue reading Tesla Model S will get price increase

Tesla Model S will get price increase originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Nov 2012 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>model smodel s price increaseteslatesla model s price increaseWed, 21 Nov 2012 14:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20385853/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/21/tesla-model-s-will-get-price-increase/20385853/article-detail.xml 20385853 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/09-2012-tesla-model-s-fd-1347336765-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/09-2012-tesla-model-s-fd-1347336765-opt.jpg -1 2