# Tesla Model S - My Test Drive **URL:** \ **Category:** NYSpeed Automotive\ **Created:** [April 2, 2014, 8:27pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tesla-model-s-my-test-drive/268875 "2014-04-02T20:27:03Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Jam](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/jam/32/7235_2.png) [@Jam](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Jam)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2014, 6:42am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tesla-model-s-my-test-drive/268875/61 "2014-04-04T06:42:29Z")
@JayS, this one is for you! [https://youtu.be/Nn\_\_9hLJKAk](https://youtu.be/Nn__9hLJKAk) ---
**Author:** ![Blue\_Eyed\_Devil](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/blue_eyed_devil/32/7292_2.png) [@Blue\_Eyed\_Devil](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Blue_Eyed_Devil)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2014, 11:33am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tesla-model-s-my-test-drive/268875/62 "2014-04-04T11:33:01Z")
I have to use Jam’s post as an excuse to post this picture. It is hilarious and sad at the same time. ---
**Author:** ![bing](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/bing/32/7211_2.png) [@bing](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/bing)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2014, 12:39pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tesla-model-s-my-test-drive/268875/63 "2014-04-04T12:39:08Z")
so as a counterpoint to my pro-tesla stance they are working very hard to repress any news of more fires. i found out today of a canadian example that Tesla worked very hard to sweep under the rug that hasnt been in the news at all. i take a half-step back on the whole thing as a result. ---
**Author:** ![RTrac1](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/rtrac1/32/6312_2.png) [@RTrac1](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/RTrac1)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2014, 12:54pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tesla-model-s-my-test-drive/268875/64 "2014-04-04T12:54:24Z")
lithium batteries don’t like to be punctured (or overheated, or cold, or overcharged, or overdischarged…) They just need to protect them better and maybe have a smarter BMS ---
**Author:** ![Jam](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/jam/32/7235_2.png) [@Jam](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Jam)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2014, 1:47pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tesla-model-s-my-test-drive/268875/65 "2014-04-04T13:47:44Z")
> [@bing](#): > > so as a counterpoint to my pro-tesla stance they are working very hard to repress any news of more fires. > > i found out today of a canadian example that Tesla worked very hard to sweep under the rug that hasnt been in the news at all. > > i take a half-step back on the whole thing as a result. How many gasoline powered cars start on fire every day? ---
**Author:** ![JayS](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/jays/32/15375_2.png) [@JayS](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/JayS)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2014, 2:31pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tesla-model-s-my-test-drive/268875/66 "2014-04-04T14:31:29Z")
> [@Jam](#): > > How many gasoline powered cars start on fire every day? This. The fire thing seemed WAY overblown by the media considering no one seems to care about cruising around with 15 gallons of gasoline that goes up in a giant orange fireball at the slightest spark when spilled. ---
**Author:** ![Onyx\_Z32](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/onyx_z32/32/7581_2.png) [@Onyx\_Z32](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Onyx_Z32)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2014, 3:26pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tesla-model-s-my-test-drive/268875/67 "2014-04-04T15:26:58Z")
The fires were big news at first and could certainly put a dent in a new company trying to grow, but they offered a correction and any governmental action in the US was dropped: > Following a spate of fires late last year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced it would investigate the Tesla Model S for a possible recall. As of today, that inquiry is closed, and it’s all thanks to titanium. Go titanium! > Two fires last year in Washington State and Tennessee occurred after the Model S’s undercarriage was struck by road debris, igniting the battery pack that lives in the floorpan of the vehicle. These fires sparked (pardon the pun) a NHTSA investigation into the car’s safety, though fortunately no one was injured in either. > Tesla responded by releasing software update that raised the car’s ride height, and then added a triple underbody shield that includes a layer of titanium onto new cars. Existing cars will be outfitted with the shield at no cost to owners. > Apparently, NHTSA is satisfied enough with these changes to say “case closed”: > > _“The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has decided to close our investigation of the Model S Vehicle. NHTSA believes the company’s revision to the vehicle’s ride height and increased underbody protection should reduce both the frequency of underbody strikes and the risk of resulting fires. Consumers should have their vehicles serviced promptly once they receive notification from Tesla Motors.”_ > **This is good news, and an example of how this process should work. The government raises questions about safety and the automaker makes changes on their own without necessitating a recall.** > I also give a thumbs up to Musk for making good on his word from 2013: > _“While we think it is highly unlikely, if something is discovered that would result in a material improvement in occupant fire safety, we will immediately apply that change to new cars and offer it as a free retrofit to all existing cars,”_ Musk wrote. > And that’s what they did. Titanium! > **[Feds Close Inquiry Into Tesla Fires Thanks To The Power Of Titanium](https://jalopnik.com/feds-close-inquiry-into-tesla-fires-thanks-to-the-power-1553811664)** > > Following a spate of fires late last year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced it would investigate the Tesla Model S for a possible recall. As of today, that inquiry is closed, and it's all thanks to titanium. Go titanium! ---
**Author:** ![Jam](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/jam/32/7235_2.png) [@Jam](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Jam)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2014, 7:31pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tesla-model-s-my-test-drive/268875/68 "2014-04-04T19:31:14Z")
The biggest thing- no one was injured in either. Google “jeep wrangler fire” and see how much stuff pops up. Still no recall ---
**Author:** ![bing](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/bing/32/7211_2.png) [@bing](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/bing)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2014, 7:34pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tesla-model-s-my-test-drive/268875/69 "2014-04-04T19:34:55Z")
[http://www.topgear.com/uk/photos/Maserati-Ghibli-takes-on-Model-S-2014-04-03](http://www.topgear.com/uk/photos/Maserati-Ghibli-takes-on-Model-S-2014-04-03) Top Gear approves it. Chris Harris on a old review of the Roaster: [https://youtu.be/lsCVoYvRaZk](https://youtu.be/lsCVoYvRaZk) ---
**Author:** ![bing](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/bing/32/7211_2.png) [@bing](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/bing)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2014, 1:54pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tesla-model-s-my-test-drive/268875/70 "2014-07-05T13:54:05Z")
this one will be hard to hide given the high profile. Tesla has suppressed a few other fire cars. ---
**Author:** ![Paulo](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/paulo/32/7328_2.png) [@Paulo](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Paulo)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2014, 5:28pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tesla-model-s-my-test-drive/268875/71 "2014-07-07T17:28:33Z")
Why would they hide it? It was a police chase that ended with the person crashing at up to a reported 100 mph and the driver not only survived but only sustained minor injuries. That speaks to the safety of the car if you ask me. And according to [this](http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-07-06/tesla-eager-to-study-stolen-model-s-split-burned-in-fiery-crash.html), Tesla is looking to analyze the car. Probably to help solidify their reputation as being one of the most structurally sound vehicles on the road. ---
**Author:** ![Onyx\_Z32](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/onyx_z32/32/7581_2.png) [@Onyx\_Z32](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Onyx_Z32)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2014, 11:10am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tesla-model-s-my-test-drive/268875/72 "2014-07-08T11:10:15Z")
> So I asked him what was a supercar tuner doing bringing a stock Telsa to the Nürburgring? His response was interesting. > Iain’s feeling is that the Model S is the future of the automobile. Maybe not this year or next or even in 10 years, but inexorably the battery technology found in the Tesla will be the norm rather than the exception and Iain wants to be the first to tune the bejeezus out of it. > … it was able to keep a GT3 RS going full chat, within shouting distance (at the 2:00 mark) far longer than any 4,700lb sedan has a right to. > **[Here's What A Tesla Model S Can Do Around The Nürburgring](https://jalopnik.com/heres-what-a-tesla-model-s-can-do-around-the-nurburgrin-1600644908)** > > Last week at Darren Langenfeld’s awesome Destination Nürburgring track day, I got cornered approached by noted Nissan GT-R tuner Iain Litchfield who said he had a car he wanted me to take around the Nordschleife. I had visions of 750+ hp supercars... ---
**Author:** ![Onyx\_Z32](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/onyx_z32/32/7581_2.png) [@Onyx\_Z32](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Onyx_Z32)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2014, 6:17am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tesla-model-s-my-test-drive/268875/73 "2014-07-14T06:17:43Z")
![http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/fijpkj0y4hw2ktwpxfii.jpg](http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/fijpkj0y4hw2ktwpxfii.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![bing](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/bing/32/7211_2.png) [@bing](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/bing)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2014, 6:39am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tesla-model-s-my-test-drive/268875/74 "2014-07-14T06:39:10Z")
> [@Onyx Z32](#): > > [Here's What A Tesla Model S Can Do Around The Nürburgring](http://jalopnik.com/heres-what-a-tesla-model-s-can-do-around-the-nurburgrin-1600644908) cant wait for people to to start tuning this thing. ---
**Author:** ![Onyx\_Z32](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/onyx_z32/32/7581_2.png) [@Onyx\_Z32](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Onyx_Z32)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2014, 6:36am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tesla-model-s-my-test-drive/268875/75 "2014-08-07T06:36:03Z")
About the Model X coming up: > “There are no cars available for a test drive,” says Musk. “There is no information about the cars in our stores because we’re only selling the S. In fact, if somebody comes in who wants to buy the X, we try to convince them to buy the S. So we anti-sell it.” > Sure, but why not get out in front of the Model X release, and encourage people to adopt early? According to Musk, Tesla can create demand for the Model X “at will.” He just doesn’t want customers twiddling their thumbs while they wait for their new car to become available. [http://green.autoblog.com/2014/08/04/tesla-trying-to-keep-model-x-demand-low-for-now/](http://green.autoblog.com/2014/08/04/tesla-trying-to-keep-model-x-demand-low-for-now/) ---
**Author:** ![Onyx\_Z32](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/onyx_z32/32/7581_2.png) [@Onyx\_Z32](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Onyx_Z32)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2014, 3:32pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tesla-model-s-my-test-drive/268875/76 "2014-08-15T15:32:19Z")
And now _infinite mile warranty_: ![http://www.nyspeed.com/pictures/infinite.jpg](http://www.nyspeed.com/pictures/infinite.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Joe](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/joe/32/7219_2.png) [@Joe](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Joe)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2014, 5:26pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tesla-model-s-my-test-drive/268875/77 "2014-08-15T17:26:10Z")
Wow, does that include the battery? All of my laptop batteries strangely seem to die a couple weeks before my warranty ends, I’d expect everyone’s car ones to the same after 7 years, 11 months, and 200,000 miles ---
**Author:** ![Onyx\_Z32](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/onyx_z32/32/7581_2.png) [@Onyx\_Z32](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Onyx_Z32)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2014, 5:54pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tesla-model-s-my-test-drive/268875/78 "2014-08-15T17:54:23Z")
> [@Joe](#): > > Wow, does that include the battery? All of my laptop batteries strangely seem to die a couple weeks before my warranty ends, I’d expect everyone’s car ones to the same after 7 years, 11 months, and 200,000 miles Battery already is 8 years, infinite miles. :tup: ---
**Author:** ![Joe](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/joe/32/7219_2.png) [@Joe](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Joe)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2014, 6:07pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tesla-model-s-my-test-drive/268875/79 "2014-08-15T18:07:27Z")
Wow. If a guy as smart as Musk has run the numbers on this and went forward with it it tells you they really believe in their build quality. I wonder about cannibalization of future sales but I assume the battery technology in 6 years will be leaps and bounds better, to give the people with money incentive to keep moving up. Especially if this props up resale and makes their trade-in worth more. Keep sending my TSLA stock to record highs, my 401k appreciates it 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Blue\_Eyed\_Devil](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/blue_eyed_devil/32/7292_2.png) [@Blue\_Eyed\_Devil](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Blue_Eyed_Devil)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2014, 6:56pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tesla-model-s-my-test-drive/268875/80 "2014-08-15T18:56:55Z")
If it is all about the batteries then I guess you could buy one today and in 8 years just simply upgrade to the latest kick ass batteries. (?) [Previous page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tesla-model-s-my-test-drive/268875.md?page=3) [Next page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/tesla-model-s-my-test-drive/268875.md?page=5)