Awesome Tesla

Lift the engine cover of this 1973 Porsche 911S, and there it is, a Tesla Model S power system in this vintage sports car.  DriveWithDave met up with its builder Zelectric to scoot around town, the steep hills of San Diego flattened by the massive torque of the electric drivetrain.

From the factory, the Tesla Model S P100D can do 0-to-60 in 2.5s in Ludicrous mode. But this race-prepped version will do it in 2.0s flat, thanks to an 1100 lb. weight loss, a boost to 778hp, an aero body kit, and race suspension. The cars race in the new Electric GT series.

DV Hardware shares this dashcam footage of a road accident in the Netherlands. The video was taken onboard a Tesla Model X, which sensed a sudden deceleration two cars away, then beeped and braked on its own. Fortunately, no one was badly hurt.

Every Tesla rolling off the assembly line now includes the hardware needed for full autonomy. While the capabilities still need to be rolled out to customers via software, this impressive demo video shows off how their self-driving cars see the world.

The third part of Tesla’s bid to make going green appealing and reasonably-priced. The Solar Roof is a set of tempered glass tiles that look just like normal roof tiles. Paired with the new Powerwall 2 batteries, the system can easily power a four-bedroom house.

DragTimes presents a quarter-mile drag race between two cars coming from opposite ends and meeting in the middle. In the red corner, we have a comfortable and mild-mannered entry level supercar. In the blue corner is a family sedan, albeit the world’s quickest one.

Tesla continues to outdo itself with its Model S. The new top-of-the-line variant does 0-to-60 in 2.5 seconds in Ludicrous mode, as fast as the most expensive hypercars, and amazing for a 5-seat family sedan. Battery range is now up to 315 mi, and P90D buyers can upgrade their cars.

Motor Trend’s Head 2 Head compares the world’s fastest SUV, the 2017 Bentley Bentayga, with the world’s quickest SUV, the 2016 Tesla Model X. It’s mostly a sane discussion, except for the silly drag race at 3:31.

Tesla’s most affordable car yet goes from 0 to 60mph in under 6s and lasts at least 215mi per charge. It has Autopilot and Supercharger as standard, as well as a single pane glass roof and a 15″ touchscreen control panel. Drops 2017 for $35K ($27.5K after credits).

Tesla teamed up with wagon and toy maker Radio Flyer to create a diminutive version of its luxurious and eco-friendly Model S Sedan. Like the real deal, it uses fast-charging lithium ion batteries, though its Ludicrous Mode tops out at 6mph. Drops 5/16 for $500 to $800.

Tesla Motors’ latest ad is a real-world demonstration of the Model S’ optional Autopilot technology. When you’re on the highway you can activate cruise control, automatic steering and automatic lane changing. The car can also park on its own.

Car Advice pitted the Tesla Model S P85D against Australia’s fastest road legal four-door sedan, but it was no contest. For a real challenge they brought in a lightweight rocket: a V8 Supercar with no less than pro driver Tim Slade at the helm.

The Tesla Model X is finally in production. The base model 90D has a total output of 518hp, while the P90D has 752hp at its disposal. It has a top speed of 155mph and rockets from 0 to 60mph in 3.2s with an optional upgrade.

Tesla showed off a prototype of a new type of charger that uses snake-like appendage to automatically reach out towards a vehicle, and plug itself into the car’s charging port. Just add a few more arms, and you’ve got Doc Ock.

Tesla is focused on making automobiles, but a speedy Tesla motorcycle could be awesome. Jans Slapins has envisioned just that – a bike with a 150kW motor, carbon fiber wheels, and storage where the conventional engine would be.

The first product from Tesla’s new Energy division, the Powerwall is a home backup battery system. Its liquid-cooled lithium-ion batteries store energy during off-peak hours or from renewable sources like solar energy.

Despite its tremendous torque, it’s not exactly easy to make a Tesla Model S go sideways, Japanese pro drifter Nobuteru Taniguchi proves that it’s at least sort of possible as he burns rubber in the electric executive sedan.

The new entry level Model S has the dual motor all-wheel drive tech previously exclusive to the higher tiers. It has a 70kWh battery, 329hp motors and a range of up to 240mi. It’s also compatible with the optional autopilot package.

(NSFW: Language) The Tesla Model S P85D‘s Insane Mode rockets the car from 0 to 60mph in just 3.2s with the help of its dual electric motors. YouTuber DragTimes captured his friends’ reaction to the breakneck acceleration.

The D Series has dual motors, giving the Model S more power and all-wheel drive. The top of the line P85D has a total of 691hp (221hp front, 470hp rear) and does 0 to 60mph in 3.2s. The car will also get autopilot capabilities soon.

Saleen makes the Tesla Model S sportier on the inside and out, tweaking its drivetrain for faster acceleration and its suspension for more agility. The FOURSIXTEEN also has front and rear air vents, a spoiler and diffuser.

Rinspeed imagines how high-end cars might look like when autonomous driving technology matures. Based on the Tesla Model S, the XchangE is basically a compact hotel on wheels. With a motel bathtub paint job. More here.

Wired takes us inside the Tesla Model S factory. It still amazes us that raw coils of sheet metal can transformed into such a beautiful and functional vehicle. While the plant employs 3000 humans, robots are the true star of the show.