The Tesla Model S, whose performance version is referred to as P85D, has been undergoing test drives from motoring enthusiasts and critics as of late and thus far the reviews are practically positive even to the point of raving.
According to some reviewers, the P85D will usher the end of internal combustion motoring as we know it and just by its recent testing alone, the Tesla Model S is fast turning out to be the ultimate electric car.
No wonder Tesla Motors is very confident with its hyperaggressive spending and capital expenditures binge. It already has a winner in its Tesla Model S, much more when it is officially unveiled to the global motoring retail markets soon.
Truly groundbreaking
Featuring a four-wheel drive and all electric saloon making, the P85D exudes 691 brake horsepower (bhp) and accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 3.2 seconds. What’s more it can go to a maximum distance of 300 miles between recharges.
That’s truly groundbreaking features for an electric car. While acceleration is often a problem to most hybrids and some electric car, it seems that Tesla has found a way to make it work with the P85D like the typical gasoline engine vehicles of today.
In terms of appearance, the P85D is a family-sized five-door hatch which is capable of conveniently seating seven passengers including the driver. It also comes with a retail price of £80,000 or close to $125,000, details Top Gear.
Many are wondering how the vehicle can get that acceleration although it does not have wheel-spin, no traction control stutter, or no driveline shunt.
The answer actually lies on its maximum torque of 686 pound-feet from a standstill. Once the driver mashes its throttle, the P85D simply hooks itself into the tarmac and Millennium-Falcons off down the road.
The acceleration of the vehicle actually resembles that of a bullet train more than the conventional production car. Because in the addition to the gush of wind, the rumble of tires, there is also the vicious thrust that is accompanied by the sweet sound of nothing.
So even during its acceleration phase, the loudest noise in the cabin room that can be heard is not from what is under the hood but what word or words will come out of the driver’s mouth, especially if he starts being impressed with the P85D’s power.
Elegant engineering solution
Although traditional drivers who have been so used to hearing the beautiful sound of vehicle engine reverberating into the cabin, there is no denying that the electric motor has come of age and is inherently a more elegant engineering solution to the turning-energy-into-movement challenge.