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[Fallout-NL]

Damn Elon is a terrible public speaker... I'll check in on this tomorrow. It's painful to watch.

I don't know, the off the cuff, sort of insecure style comes off as much more sincere. I like it.

 

[TTG]

I don't have much appeal for 6 figure SUVs. I suppose the novel thing it does is add another bullet point to marketing campaigns and owner rationalizations. Now they can throw in fuel economy and environmentally conscientious driving to the list of other likewise facile reasons for owning these cars(off road prowess, utility). Whatever further distances people intellectually from the somewhat uncomfortable real need to own big, imposing, driver seating height dominating cars.

 

[Fallout-NL]

Fucking incredible shit in this car though. Auto presenting doors - bioweapon defense mode.

So cool . Hope I can afford one someday.

 

[LordOfChaos]

Meh. For the money, give me a Corvette Z06 and the rest of the money in gas, tires and track days.

Make the most of it before California and the rest of the regulators ruin it for the rest of us. Thanks, VW, now we're doomed to self driving pillmobiles.

You're going to seat 7 in that?

 

[Extollere]

I don't understand the appeal of an electric car that cost this much.


I thought the main point of switching to electric was to save gas money. (Not the only point but still)

IIRC, I read an article where Tesla made the statement that they are basically building a brand first and foremost. They want to build a reputation up over time, not just for making good electric cars, but for being a desirable brand name. I guess the idea is once people view the brand as luxurious and high-end, they will flock to it when it becomes affordable.

I think the key goal here isn't just to pull a profit, but to hasten the market's acceptance and desire for EVs in general (which will be good for Tesla in the long run). The approach here is top down.

 

[TTG]

IIRC, I read an article where Tesla made the statement that they are basically building a brand first and foremost. They want to build a reputation up over time, not just for making good electric cars, but for being a desirable brand name. I guess the idea is once people view the brand as luxurious and high-end, they will flock to it when it becomes affordable.

I think the key goal here isn't just to pull a profit, but to hasten the market's acceptance and desire for EVs in general (which will be good for Tesla in the long run). The approach here is top down.

It appears to be working. People are fawning over this thing, calling it bad ass:

 

[Xyphie]

Looks like they realized how ugly the Model S nosecone is. What they came up with to replace it isn't much better though.

 

[LordOfChaos]

Looks like they realized how ugly the Model S nosecone is. What they came up with to replace it isn't much better though.

I'd still like that better than the above. Nose looks too...Flat.

 

[WarMacheen]

Looks great, would love to have an electric car that is actually affordable, goes a decent ways, and doesn't look like complete shit.

2018 hopefully

 

[Luigiv]

IIRC, I read an article where Tesla made the statement that they are basically building a brand first and foremost. They want to build a reputation up over time, not just for making good electric cars, but for being a desirable brand name. I guess the idea is once people view the brand as luxurious and high-end, they will flock to it when it becomes affordable.

I think the key goal here isn't just to pull a profit, but to hasten the market's acceptance and desire for EVs in general (which will be good for Tesla in the long run). The approach here is top down.

I don't know if that's quite right. In fact Elon quite famously stated that he doesn't actually believe in the power of brand and rather if you build a compelling product, they will come. source (apology for the terrible quality, but it's almost time for bed and I can't be bothered tracking the original).

I mean, you have the right sort of idea, but the product strategy is less about the brand (which they are building but is not a real focus) and more about experience, capital/infrastucture, investor confidence, revenue and most importantly plain circumstance. If Tesla could have built and mass produced a truly compelling, affordable car back in 2008 they would have and it would have been a hit even without the halo cars preceding it. Of course such a thing simply wasn't possible for all the reasons listed above so they started with the low volume product first and are working there way down.

 

[dankir]

Meh. For the money, give me a Corvette Z06 and the rest of the money in gas, tires and track days.

Make the most of it before California and the rest of the regulators ruin it for the rest of us. Thanks, VW, now we're doomed to self driving pillmobiles.

Lol you can't even compare the two. They said the new Tesla roadster is coming in a few years.

If the X can do 0-60 in 3.2 with 700 lbs FT of Torque today while it weighs 5000 lbs , can't wait to see what type of output their electric motors will have in a lightweight roadster.

Ludicrous mode will be slow by then.

 

[pj]

Meh. For the money, give me a Corvette Z06 and the rest of the money in gas, tires and track days.

Make the most of it before California and the rest of the regulators ruin it for the rest of us. Thanks, VW, now we're doomed to self driving pillmobiles.

The current model s is basically tied with a z06 in the quarter mile, even with its 1800 lb weight disadvantage.

In a few years when batteries aren't as heavy and crappy as they are now, an electric sports car will be able to kick in the teeth of a z06, with the bonus of being cheaper to maintain and not polluting the air with dead dinosaur juice.

 

[Concept17]

I don't know, the off the cuff, sort of insecure style comes off as much more sincere. I like it.

Yup, he's pretty down to earth. Tesla also doesn't do commercials/general marketing for their product. He believes investing 100% into making a great product, rather than having to rely on marketing.

 

[mnannola]

It appears to be working. People are fawning over this thing, calling it bad ass:

 

[Concept17]

IIRC, I read an article where Tesla made the statement that they are basically building a brand first and foremost. They want to build a reputation up over time, not just for making good electric cars, but for being a desirable brand name. I guess the idea is once people view the brand as luxurious and high-end, they will flock to it when it becomes affordable.

I think the key goal here isn't just to pull a profit, but to hasten the market's acceptance and desire for EVs in general (which will be good for Tesla in the long run). The approach here is top down.

Pretty much. Their first hurdle was to get over the stigma electric cars had attached to them, which they succeeded in doing with the Model S.

 

[xsarien]

It appears to be working. People are fawning over this thing, calling it bad ass:

It's such a bad ass car that the driver dngaf that he's going the wrong way down a one-way street.

 

[LucidMomentum]

It's such a bad ass car that the driver dngaf that he's going the wrong way down a one-way street.

You don't get it - Elon Musk doesn't follow the rules of the road, because he's an INNOVATOR.

 

[subrock]

was thinking the exact same thing. people with $100,000 cars do NOT park their cars next to other cars. not like this, anyway.

I don't know man, you should see my boss' model S. It's a full on dog car on the inside with fur slobber and mud all over the place. The outside looks like a daily driver.

 

[LordOfChaos]

You don't get it - Elon Musk doesn't follow the rules of the road, because he's an INNOVATOR.

He's so much of an innovator, he also turned into Tim Stevens (I think?).

 

[The Albatross]

I like it. If I had a spare $150,000 to throw around, maybe I'd get one. We have a whole floor of our work garage reserved for electric cars w/ charging stations in each spot.

That said... if it snows on your car... if you try to open the door you're basically fucked.

 

[LordOfChaos]

I stared at that for a while before deciding why it bothered me

 

[dankir]

I stared at that for a while before deciding why it bothered me

Well there's no engine to cool so it doesn't need a grill lol.

 

[massoluk]

Time for Back to the Future reboot!

 

[LeleSocho]

Model X looks sooo gooood if i had the money i would totally pick the X and not the S.

 

[shadowsdarknes]

Tesla is a fad. The other manufacturers (Porsche, BMW, Mercedes, etc.) will quickly catch up and leave Tesla behind. They are completely wasting their "first mover" advantage and mindshare by not unveiling their Model 3 now.

I sure hope you'll be making a ton of money as you short their stock since you seem so sure of yourself.

 

[friday]

For the record, I have never met someone who drove a Model S and didn't think it was one of the best cars they have ever driven. Electric motors are the shit.

 

[brochiller]

If there's one company that makes me wish I had more money it's Tesla Motors.

 

[KHarvey16]

I don't have much appeal for 6 figure SUVs. I suppose the novel thing it does is add another bullet point to marketing campaigns and owner rationalizations. Now they can throw in fuel economy and environmentally conscientious driving to the list of other likewise facile reasons for owning these cars(off road prowess, utility). Whatever further distances people intellectually from the somewhat uncomfortable real need to own big, imposing, driver seating height dominating cars.

Speaking of elevated seating positions, try not to fall down off that high horse.

 

[LordOfChaos]

Well there's no engine to cool so it doesn't need a grill lol.

I'm aware of the logic behind it, but neither does the Model S and that still has a black nose cone to break up the visual uniformity.

 

[ronco2000]

And why is that?

The price of the two are nowhere near to begin with.

Unless you have the $$$.

Someone it's not up to date with the word sarcasm!!

 

[subrock]

I like it. If I had a spare $150,000 to throw around, maybe I'd get one. We have a whole floor of our work garage reserved for electric cars w/ charging stations in each spot.

That said... if it snows on your car... if you try to open the door you're basically fucked.

Just so everyone's clear, the production version won't cost $135k. Elon said the prices based on similar specs will be about $5k more that the Model S. Starting at about $75-80k I'm guessing.

 

[RBH]

New website for the Model X:


http://www.teslamotors.com/modelx

 

[SimleuqiR]

Here it is opening like a gullwing door

https://youtu.be/6UM28Ygkg1I?t=21s

"Ooohh..he had to shut it? What? That's kind of ghetto"

 

[ronco2000]

I saw one in person. I, for one, wasn't impress with the exterior design. I think it's ugly. Looks like a Honda SUV with a better interior.

 

[CassidyIzABeast]

Here it is opening like a gullwing door

https://youtu.be/6UM28Ygkg1I?t=21s

So do you have to stand there getting soaked in a heavy rain or can you manually open the door faster in those situations?

 

[Easy_G]

I don't think I get the gull wing does. I thought it was mainly for tight spaces, but what about the driver? I guess it's really just "cause the can?"

 

[Stinkles]

Looks like they realized how ugly the Model S nosecone is. What they came up with to replace it isn't much better though.

I realize it's desperately unpopular and irrational, but if I win the lottery, first thing I do is buy a model S (D series) and murder out everything in anthracite and put on a fake grille. Makes no sense but it needs an Audi/Merc mesh face.

 

[Unknown Soldier]

I saw one in person. I, for one, wasn't impress with the exterior design. I think it's ugly. Looks like a Honda SUV with a better interior.

Tesla isn't targeting the Lamborghini crowd with these cars. Their cars are conservatively styled for a reason.

The cost of a Tesla less than six figures, they are obviously just trying to turn enough cash flow to make it until they can sell the Model 3 and take over the automotive world.

 

[ronco2000]

Tesla isn't targeting the Lamborghini crowd with these cars. Their cars are conservatively styled for a reason.

The cost of a Tesla less than six figures, they are obviously just trying to turn enough cash flow to make it until they can sell the Model 3 and take over the automotive world.

Well they should rethink about the style if they want additional sell because that ugly exterior will not help. I'd pick the Model S over this.

 

[E-Cat]

Damn Elon is a terrible public speaker... I'll check in on this tomorrow. It's painful to watch.

Um, who cares? Goddamn Americans.

 

[neorej]

I don't think I get the gull wing does. I thought it was mainly for tight spaces, but what about the driver? I guess it's really just "cause the can?"

These type of crossover-SUVs are insanelypopular with parents. Getting your kid in his seat with conventional doors is inconvenient even when they are fully open, it's near impossible if someone is parked next to you at a regular distance (door half way open).
The Falcon-doors just give you a more convenient way of getting your kid into his seat.

 

[MrCow]

(stolen from reddit)

There is probably lots to critique about Tesla and Musk himself but i have no doubt that Tesla and Space X will succeed in the long run. The man has a clear vision of the future and is on his way to get to that future. Up to the Model 3 is just to get Tesla and Electric Cars on it's feet. After that comes the Electric Car for the masses and that is the step into the future with only e-cars driving around.

For example the new VW ad here in Germany praises it's 50km electronics drive (hybrid car) - the Model X on the contrary can go 580km (fully electric). Nissan Leaf is also far behind.

I just read the Bio on Musk and can only recommend it, it's a good and insightful read and gives lots of info about Musk the person and the technology and the firms he has created.

 

[El Topo]

Are you referring to the VW e-up? Because that has a 160km radius and starts at €9.975 over here, whereas the Nissan LEAF starts at €23.060. The cheapest Tesla model seems to be the Model S 70D, which starts at €74.800? I didn't bother to go through all the menus or look up if there are tax reductions included or not. It's entirely possible that I misread things, only checked their German sites and only briefly.

Either way, really not a good comparison.

Edit:
I think one can get the price for the Tesla model down by €5.400 through configuration. I'm not entirely sure about how their price is derived though. The actual lowest price seems to be €76.400, then there's one that apparently includes tax savings (and gas savings) that is €65.900? Really not comparable to the other cars.

 

[battousai11]

(stolen from reddit)

There is probably lots to critique about Tesla and Musk himself but i have no doubt that Tesla and Space X will succeed in the long run. The man has a clear vision of the future and is on his way to get to that future. Up to the Model 3 is just to get Tesla and Electric Cars on it's feet. After that comes the Electric Car for the masses and that is the step into the future with only e-cars driving around.

For example the new VW ad here in Germany praises it's 50km electronics drive (hybrid car) - the Model X on the contrary can go 580km (fully electric). Nissan Leaf is also far behind.

I just read the Bio on Musk and can only recommend it, it's a good and insightful read and gives lots of info about Musk the person and the technology and the firms he has created.

All I could think of was this

http://i.imgur.com/k5RYAgh.webm

 

[twinturbo2]

Tesla isn't targeting the Lamborghini crowd with these cars. Their cars are conservatively styled for a reason.

The cost of a Tesla less than six figures, they are obviously just trying to turn enough cash flow to make it until they can sell the Model 3 and take over the automotive world.

GM is going to beat the Model 3 to market with the Bolt EV.

 

[twinturbo2]

Lol you can't even compare the two. They said the new Tesla roadster is coming in a few years.

If the X can do 0-60 in 3.2 with 700 lbs FT of Torque today while it weighs 5000 lbs , can't wait to see what type of output their electric motors will have in a lightweight roadster.

Ludicrous mode will be slow by then.

Meh. Let me see the Nurburgring lap times first. Provided that it won't go into limp-home mode first.

You're going to seat 7 in that?

😕

 

[mario_O]

Looks orthopedic, like all Tesla cars.

 

[neorej]

Are you referring to the VW e-up? Because that has a 160km radius and starts at €9.975 over here, whereas the Nissan LEAF starts at €23.060. The cheapest Tesla model seems to be the Model S 70D, which starts at €74.800? I didn't bother to go through all the menus or look up if there are tax reductions included or not. It's entirely possible that I misread things, only checked their German sites.

Either way, really not a good comparison.

Edit:
I stand corrected. By configuration one can get the price for the Tesla model down to at least €69.400. Still not comparable to cars that cost much less.

I think he refers to the hybrid Golf GTE, which is no comparison at all. It has the downside of having to lug around a heavy ICE all the time, something a fully electric car will never have to.

 

[El Topo]

I think he refers to the hybrid Golf GTE, which is no comparison at all. It has the downside of having to lug around a heavy ICE all the time, something a fully electric car will never have to.

It seems that's what MrCrow meant. That makes sense. It's still weird to compare Nissan LEAF to a Tesla model, given that the former costs maybe a third (in Germany).
Either way, I think most manufacturers are aware that hybrid cars are at best a stopgap solution. Don't think they're a particularly good one though.

 

[MrCow]

i have to admit, kind of a bad comparison if you factor in pricepoint.

the ad for the hybrid VW just came to mind because it's new and they sound so proud announcing that it can go 50km (i think) in all electric range.


anyways my point is more like this ->
1. tesla is leading and has a head start in the electonic vehicle technology. part of that comes from that they produce most of the tech in house.
2. the roadster, model s and model x are aimed at rich people to establish the technology and fund the company for a change to a mass production.
3. model 3 will be the start of a mass produced car from tesla and will be cheaper than the current models - with each new tesla model becoming cheaper and cheaper to reach more and more customers.
4. tesla has made it's patents on electric technology open. they want the other companies to adopt more and more electric cars. Musks vision is not to have the most successfull car company or produce eletric toys for the rich but to have a future with only eletric cars driving around.

btw you can charge a tesla for free at one of their (more increasing) charging stations all across the world
bonus fun fact: Model S, 3, X. ... Musk wanted to name the third Car Model E but Ford grabbed a patent on the name before Musk could troll the whole automobile industry.