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There is more to driving a sports car than just straight line power and speed. Weight is the key component. These EVs are too heavy with current technology, even the hybrid sports cars face a struggle to keep the weight down with the batteries and motors and regen brakes, etc. And few sports cars have carbon fiber tubs.
Actually with BEV's, weight is not really an issue like it is with ICE. It gives the vehicle a good center of gravity. For sports cars that are track focused, you definitely need beefier brakes and rotors if they are BEV
Tesla will soon announce “good news” in Mexico, where it has been rumored to be mulling locations for its next automotive production plant, Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said on Tuesday.
For months, Tesla has been considering several new locations for its next Gigafactory. The company has been rumored to be looking for suitable land in Canada, South Korea, Indonesia, and Mexico for some time.
Mexico emerged as the front-runner several months ago. Toward the tail-end of 2022, Tesla was reportedly just days away from announcing it would build a factory in Nuevo Leon, a state in Mexico located in the northern portion of the country.
The announcement never came, and Tesla started considering other locations, including one near Mexico City and another in Hidalgo, another state located in Central Mexico.
Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard met with several Tesla executives, including Rohan Patel, who is the automaker’s Senior Global Director of Public Policy and Business Development, and Eugenio Grandio, Director of Business Development and Policy for Latin America.
“I appreciate the visit of Rohan Patel, Tesla’s Director of Business Development as well as Eugenio Grandio, Market Director in Mexico,” the Tweet said (via Google Translate). “There will be more good news soon.”
A Gigafactory in Mexico would help expand Tesla’s North American operations, but the company has not yet committed to any specific location.
The announcement could come as soon as early March, as Tesla’s Investor Day is slated for March 1. The company said it would discuss its Master Plan Part 3, scaling to “extreme size,” and information regarding SpaceX and the Boring Company.
There is more to driving a sports car than just straight line power and speed. Weight is the key component. These EVs are too heavy with current technology, even the hybrid sports cars face a struggle to keep the weight down with the batteries and motors and regen brakes, etc. And few sports cars have carbon fiber tubs.
I own the following cars: 2007 BMW E92, 2005 S2000, 1997 993, 2023 Tesla Model Y LR.
In most driving conditions, the Model Y handles as well or better than the other cars I have. I think it weighs nearly twice as much as my ICE cars, but the weight is so low, I can't feel it, and there isn't very much understeer. It can't induce oversteer like the S2000 can, and the seats suck at spirited driving, but I can't blame either on weight.
Just my limited experience, obviously I don't own a Lamborghini or something like that, but I think we're okay with an EV sports car future. Also way back in the day I had an opportunity to drive a Tesla Roadster, and if my memory serves me correctly, no one ever complained about its handling abilities.
I own the following cars: 2007 BMW E92, 2005 S2000, 1997 993, 2023 Tesla Model Y LR.
In most driving conditions, the Model Y handles as well or better than the other cars I have. I think it weighs nearly twice as much as my ICE cars, but the weight is so low, I can't feel it, and there isn't very much understeer. It can't induce oversteer like the S2000 can, and the seats suck at spirited driving, but I can't blame either on weight.
Just my limited experience, obviously I don't own a Lamborghini or something like that, but I think we're okay with an EV sports car future. Also way back in the day I had an opportunity to drive a Tesla Roadster, and if my memory serves me correctly, no one ever complained about its handling abilities.
Back when the Roadster was out, we had a venture partner that owned one (among other sports cars) and he loved it. Basically a Lotus with electric motors. He told me it didn't have power steering, so he could feel all the inputs when driving
Tesla is preparing to launch its new Autopilot hardware 4.0 upgrade, according to a filing with European regulators.
The automaker is expected to announce a new Autopilot/Self-Driving hardware suite, which has been referred to as Hardware 4.0 (HW4), any day now.
There have been quite a few indications that some major changes are coming. For example, after famously removing radar sensors from its hardware suite, we learned in December that Tesla is planning to add one as soon as this month.
Additionally, we also reported on a Tesla Model 3 prototype that potentially featured a new Autopilot/Full Self-Driving hardware suite.
Now Tesla has done the same in Europe where it files for changes to its vehicles with regulators in the Netherlands.
The Tesla forum TFF has a neat tracker to follow all the changes that the automaker applies for with the regulator, and it revealed a new application for Model S and Model X with a significant list of changes:
Introduction of Generation 4 complex vehicle control system (Autopilot)
Introduction of new car computer and GNSS antenna
Introduction of Gen3 inverters to ######m1# drive units
Change to Automatic Dipped and Main Beam Sensor
Unification of Model X brake system application
Introduction of new stay arm for Model X interior rear-view mirror
Update to manufacturer’s engine code
Update to vehicle’s rear badging
Update to vehicle’s maximum vehicle speed
It confirms that Tesla is about to release the new Autopilot hardware 4.0, and it is going to include a new computer.
With Tesla now applying with regulators, it is fair to expect the launch of the new hardware to be imminent.
Interestingly, more changes are being introduced at the same time, including a new drive inverter, though more details are not available.
Also, this is the new rear badging for those who are curious:
The new top speed appears to be linked to the Plaid models, which have yet to deliver on Tesla’s original top speed promises when first announcing its new top-of-the-line models.
The automaker has been software limiting the top speed until it can release its carbon ceramic brake kit to improve braking performance and make that insane top speed of 322 km/h (200 mph) safer.
Anyone knows why they don't have color matched fender flares on model X? Is it even an option? I don't remember seeing any with one. This is something that I think would make the SUV look nicer/more luxurious.
Anyone knows why they don't have color matched fender flares on model X? Is it even an option? I don't remember seeing any with one. This is something that I think would make the SUV look nicer/more luxurious.
The only options Tesla has is 5 different paint colors, black or white interior, and full or partial Autopilot. There's always vinyl wrap
For real? Even iPhones have more options than this... why people buy tesla then? Are they that simple/easy to please? doesn't sound fun to me.
I don't own a Tesla currently, I can only speak for myself being around Tesla's and their owners. The simplicity of the car is one of the main attractions. Easy to order, simple layout and very few add on options. Also, not having to deal with a stealership. But the main reason for me is the way they drive, and their almost lack maintenance and utility. You just have to go drive one for yourself to know what I'm talking about. Anyway actual Tesla owners can probably give you a better answer. If you are looking for more luxury and custom options from the dealer, than a Tesla is not for that person.
BTW there is a large aftermarket for Tesla, so if you want to customize, it's right there. When I buy my Model 3P this summer, I plan to change out the 20" tires for 19", and I may change the rims as well to lighter ones
For real? Even iPhones have more options than this... why people buy tesla then? Are they that simple/easy to please? doesn't sound fun to me.
Because they broadly deliver what customers want and prioritize as standard. Doesn't necessarily mean their customers are simple or easy to please, it just means they like what they get out of the box. Others manufacturers might have more option choices, but their model is fundamentally different in that options drive much of their margin. In Tesla's case, there's significant margin in the standard car.
There are optional wheels over and above the things that AMIRZA786's listed out by the way. Sales numbers tell you Tesla probably has it right.
Because they broadly deliver what customers want and prioritize as standard. Doesn't necessarily mean their customers are simple or easy to please, it just means they like what they get out of the box. Others manufacturers might have more option choices, but their model is fundamentally different in that options drive much of their margin. In Tesla's case, there's significant margin in the standard car.
There are optional wheels over and above the things that AMIRZA786's listed out by the way. Sales numbers tell you Tesla probably has it right.
Of course, less options, less stock to store/manage. Less margin. But wouldn't you be happier when you could have different leather choices/colors and other things? What do you think would happen to the sale numbers if there are more options? Margin may change but so will sale numbers. No? It's easy to say, well, you don't like the non painted flares, you could wrap. Wrap what? Wrap the flares or the whole car? In a way, their customers are not picky when it comes to options. Or they value other things more. And they don't currently have an equivalent product to choose. That's why their model works IMO. Many other brands don't offer many options either but they don't do as well. And it's because there are other choices. When there's a similar brand, Tesla sale will be different and they will have to offer more options to make it work. Until then, they can enjoy their ride.
Of course, less options, less stock to store/manage. Less margin. But wouldn't you be happier when you could have different leather choices/colors and other things? What do you think would happen to the sale numbers if there are more options? Margin may change but so will sale numbers. No? It's easy to say, well, you don't like the non painted flares, you could wrap. Wrap what? Wrap the flares or the whole car? In a way, their customers are not picky when it comes to options. Or they value other things more. And they don't currently have an equivalent product to choose. That's why their model works IMO. Many other brands don't offer many options either but they don't do as well. And it's because there are other choices. When there's a similar brand, Tesla sale will be different and they will have to offer more options to make it work. Until then, they can enjoy their ride.
I used to feel the same way until I bought my Polestar, which also takes a minimalist approach. Of course they offer more options than Tesla (Napa Leather, Panoramic glass roof and three different wheel options), but if I had to do it all over again, I would have bought the Tesla. But as I mentioned earlier, those that are looking for more available options, Tesla is just not the brand for them. And honestly, I don't think Tesla is going change their offerings much other than advancements in hardware and software