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Tracking Tesla's Quiet Changes To the Model S
cartechboy (2660665) writes "Tesla won't reveal its production figures every quarter, but it has now likely built about 50,000 all-electric Model S luxury sport sedans. Unlike other automakers, Tesla doesn't group its changes to a model year, rather it makes running changes to cars whenever updates are tested, validated, and ready to roll out. Which raises the question, are model year 2012 Model S sedans already outdated? The answer is it depends how you look at it. From a powertrain perspective, no. There are still two battery-size options and the shape is still the same. But under the surface of the car there are a surprising number of updates and new options. Not including software changes (of which there are dozens already pushed to the car), changes range from power folding mirrors and a new cold-weather package (which cannot be retrofitted) to a new ultra-high-fidelity sound package and three-zone, three-mode rear seat heaters. It's worth noting that none of these are mandatory changes — there are merely options that have been added to the roster of available equipment."
I totally concur. I was planning on getting a P85 Tesla with some of my Bitcoin profits, but the price hikes and additional required option add-ons (red brake calipers, CF spoiler) really turned me off. Nicely equipped build is $100k after tax breaks, and $110,000 after sales tax in CA. Also the Tesla LED running lights and tail lights look dated. Decided the BITCAR would be put in production as a Porsche Macan S. Just as sporty, more comfortable seats, better sound, adaptive cruise control, anti-collision auto-braking, roof rails and cooler running lights. $67k (75 after sales tax). Worse nav and crappy gas milage tho 17/23. Saved $35,000, got a nice, though less revolutionary car.
Sounds fancy. Even the cars I've had with heated seats (not a fan - I wear pants anyway) haven't had rear seat heaters. This may be a competitive item in the luxury car class. If you're bringing your kids to school and it's actually cold out they're wearing snow pants, but for those kids in Florida when it his 45*F, I guess.
It could be an attractive option for someone with a non-zero chance of having more than one adult passenger in their car. I'm in 'Merca, so I guess that might be the one guy at the rest home that still has his license and shuttles the neighbors to bingo or the grocery store. The ones that don't yet need to take the wheelchair-lift van, that is. Okay, so it's a niche market.
I am not a crackpot.