Car & Driver Instrumented Road Test: Tesla Model S

[AO River]

Highs:
Thrust, range, splendor.

Lows:
Central command unit missing some key options, can’t make it to Chicago from Detroit on a single charge.

Verdict:
The electric to buy when you’re buying electric.

Specifications >
VEHICLE TYPE: rear-motor, rear-wheel-drive, 5+2-passenger, 5-door wagon
PRICE AS TESTED: $109,600
BASE PRICE: $105,400
MOTOR TYPE: AC permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor
Redline: 16,000 rpm
Power: 416 hp @ 8600 rpm
Torque: 443 lb-ft @ 0 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 1-speed direct drive
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 116.5 in
Length: 196.0 in
Width: 77.3 in Height: 56.5 in
Curb weight: 4785 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 4.6 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 12.1 sec
Zero to 120 mph: 21.4 sec
Street start, 5–60 mph: 4.5 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 1.8 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 2.3 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 13.3 sec @ 104 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 134 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 160 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.91 g

FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway: 88/90 MPGe
C/D observed: 74 MPGe
TEST NOTES: Not a hint of launch wheelspin. During repeated acceleration runs, there is some loss of performance that's likely attributable to heat build-up in the motor, the power controller, and the battery pack.

Full Article:
2013 Tesla Model S Test - Review - Car and Driver

[bradze]

that car's pretty cool and all, but im so excited the US is getting the new shitsubish mirage that gets 57mpg!

[AO River]

Mirage? An attractive price maybe...but that's the only good thing.

I'll take the Tesla. Instant torque FTW.