OK the source of this SUV confusion - and the reason why so much of this is currently coming out in the British press - is that Tesla are hosting a media and customer briefing and driving event in London.
An 'investor' presentation was given to journalists and early customers outlining future plans and models, particularly the Model S platform and how it can be used for a family of
potential body styles. Darryl said that, while there were no plans today, it
could even be used as the basis for an SUV, if there was a desire for that in the future. In typical journalistic style, one of them then went off and wrote the story that has sparked this thread.
I'd imagine - and this really is my speculation - that if this is info is going to the press now, a wider announcement is imminent.
Also the £108,000 that we discussed above is another mistake. It is thought that they added VAT twice.
Having seen these mistakes hit the web, Darryl had to nip them in the bud.
How do I know all this? Well I just got back from the event. I didn't say anything earlier because I only got an invite a couple of days ago and I wasn't sure if it was public domain until tonight.
Wow, what an evening. I expected to go down for a glass of wine, some canapés and a chat. I ended up driving VP12 round the neighbourhood, drive train 1.5 and all, with Darryl in the passenger seat.
As much as could be tested in the streets of London (
) this thing is
rapid, yet at the same time very docile at typical town speeds. I expected the lack of power steering to be a problem, but it is not at all. The steering felt very precise around the short course I went on. I would *love* to get it out on the open road.
I was very wary at first of touching the accelerator and leaping forward - and achieving notoriety by hitting something. However I needn't have worried, the speed is very controllable. Nevertheless, on the short sides of Belgrave Square I was briefly able to open it up and the kick in the back is unbelievable
Khadine also came down (Yes Malcolm - this was at her request
) and went for a ride around the square. I think any remaining scepticism she had was blown away in those 3 laps.
When I finally wiped the grin off my face, I was left with a strange feeling - it's almost like I saw the future. Only it's now, and for real. And it has only served to increase my enthusiasm for the car and, I hope, the direction Tesla is going.
Linear Mode
