Tesla’s Model S Gets “Ludicrous” Mode, Will Do 0-60 in 2.8 Seconds

Post by bodyfour » Fri, Jul 17, 2015, 10:40 PM UTC

ctdonath wrote: post #151

coldpie wrote: post #105

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I will never buy a vehicle with both an infotainment system and a steering wheel. Subaru lost a sale of a brand new car when the dealer sat down, turned the key, and the radio showed.... a loading bar. Fuck that. I deal with shitty software enough everywhere else in my life. I'm not going to put up with that in a 4000lb piece of metal going 70 MPH.

Has long irritated me that car audio systems have a discernible boot time, having come from the days of instant-on radios. There really is no excuse, between optimizing the boot process and starting it the moment the car starts (not like there's that much of a draw, speakers off, from the alternator).

Post by eric_h » Fri, Jul 17, 2015, 10:46 PM UTC

waterlesscloud wrote: post #120

jakemoshenko wrote: post #113

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Here I am trying to imagine a vehicle with infotainment but without a steering wheel. It raises so many questions! Do you assume that we will purchase self driving cars frequently enough that the infotainment will keep pace? Do you anticipate purchasing a personal train or fighter jet? Do the handlebars on a motorcycle count as a steering wheel?

I'm trying to imagine a personal car without a steering wheel without an infotainment system. Of course such vehicles will have infotainment. I've long been thinking about what sort of content would work best. Short, serialized content released on a weekday schedule would certainly be an opportunity. Perfect watercooler fodder.

Post by eric_h » Fri, Jul 17, 2015, 10:51 PM UTC

Retric wrote: post #132

jakemoshenko wrote: post #113

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Here I am trying to imagine a vehicle with infotainment but without a steering wheel. It raises so many questions! Do you assume that we will purchase self driving cars frequently enough that the infotainment will keep pace? Do you anticipate purchasing a personal train or fighter jet? Do the handlebars on a motorcycle count as a steering wheel?

People used to buy aftermarket stereos fairly frequently and I don’t see any reason why the infotainment system can’t have that kind up upgradeability. Worst case strap an iPad over the old system. PS: I can see the argument for a highly limited system when they can distract the driver, but if I am effectively a passenger that's a non-issue.

Post by fowlslegs » Fri, Jul 17, 2015, 10:53 PM UTC

Post by adevine » Fri, Jul 17, 2015, 10:58 PM UTC

dntrkv wrote: post #208

city41 wrote: post #125

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Why do you say the other makers are passive? BMW, Mercedes, Nissan, VW, Ford and Fiat all have fully electric cars. Sure none of them get near the range the Model S does, but they are getting involved in this. A Nissan Leaf offers roughly one third the specs of a Model S, but also at one third the price. Seems like progress to me.

Problem with the Leaf is that a 75 mile range is unusable for most people. A 30 mile commute is pretty common, to and from work and you're almost out. Pick up kids and groceries and you'll probably be stuck on the side of the road somewhere. Forget to charge the car overnight and you're screwed. If we take the base Model S, which has a 230 mile range, 315hp, and 0-60mph in 5.5 seconds, it goes for $70k minus $10k in…