Tesla Model S Named 'Car of the Year'

SternisheFan writes with news that Automobile Magazine has named the all-electric Tesla Model S its Car of the Year. Quoting: "We weren't expecting much from the Tesla other than some interesting dinner conversation as we considered 'real' candidates like the Subaru BRZ and the Porsche Boxster. In fact, the Tesla blew them, and us, away. Actually, the Model S can blow away almost anything. 'It's the performance that won us over,' admits editor-in-chief Jean Jennings. 'The crazy speed builds silently and then pulls back the edges of your face. It had all of us endangering our licenses.' Our Model S was of Signature Performance spec, which means its AC induction motor puts out 416 hp and that it blasts to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. ... You'll note that we haven't even discussed Tesla's raison d'etre, which is, in Musk's words, 'To accelerate the advent of electric cars.' That's another credit to the Model S's overall execution and seductive powers. 'The electric motor does not define this car,' says Nelson. But it is, at the end of the day, what makes this very good sport sedan an absolute game changer. The Model S's range, rated by the EPA at 265 miles with the largest battery, finally fits the American conception of driving."

Comments

Exactly. 78k is luxury territory

[fyngyrz]

I agree, except I'd go a little further to say that $78k is ridiculous.

Wake me up when an electric car is $20k new - it's a motor, controller and a chassis, for crying out loud. Built by non-union robots. Said pricing probably isn't going to happen unless we can roll back quite a few government mommy laws, but I can wait them out. If they never make a reasonably priced electric car, I just won't buy one.

Personally, I feel there are far better things to spend money on than expensive cars, considering there are inexpensive ones to be had that are truly serviceable, particularly in the used market.

Musk has said that his intention is to end up manufacturing a truly affordable electric car, and that this stage (the model S) isn't that; I'll take him at his word. Maybe next time! :)