Power steering?

[storm9]

It will probably have electric power steering. Less weight. Also I hope it has speed sensitive steering it helps make the car feel a lot lighter in low speeds.

[walk_n_wind]

...because I asked Tesla back in May of 2009. Of course, a lot can change in that time, but this was their response:

...The Model S will use a power steering system. The Roadster can get away without power assist because of the lightweight carbon body and rear-biased weight distribution.

In general, the Model S will be much more like a BMW 5-Series or a Mercedes E-Class than the Roadster. The drivetrain is obviously similar but Model S will have all the same features and high quality materials used by BMW and Mercedes Benz.

Regards,
Ted

My guess is that the S wheels would be nearly impossible to turn @ a stand-still w/out power steering. The contact patch must be gigantic. Doesn't mean I wouldn't like to remove it temporarily to confirm it's necessary :)

[trevorlsciact]

does anyone think that they might use drive by wire? just throwing it out there

[ChrisC]

I didn't think it was possible, but this thread has now gotten even sillier.

[Kevin Harney]

Why is that so silly ?!?!?!? Many of the luxury manufacturers use it now .... although not for steering i guess...

[TEG]

HowStuffWorks "How Car Steering Works"
HowStuffWorks "How GM's Hy-wire Works"
Citroen Develops Drive-by-Wire System for Mainstream Family Sedan