I'm concerned that Tesla is no longer committed to delivering balanced performance. Here's what we have seen happen in the last few months with the highest performance version of the Model S:
1) In February, Tesla started delivering P85D's with the square Continental wheel/tire setup vs. the staggered Michelin PS2 combo. Not only is there 20mm less rear end rubber, the PS2 had superior dry and wet traction to the ContiSilent tires.
2) In April, Tesla started delivering P85D's with the same rear suspension as the 85D, rather than the stiffer suspension derived from the P85+. While some prefer the softer ride, performance enthusiasts want the superior high performance handling.
3) Yesterday, Tesla announced the P90D with Ludicrous mode with a .3 sec improvement is 0-60 time and a .9 sec improvement in 1/4 mile time. This announcement is solely focused on straight line performance, essentially bragging rights.
High performance sport sedans are about more than straight line performance and bragging rights. I'd like to use the additional available power exiting a corner, not just in a straight line. But with Tesla dumbing down the suspension and wheel/tire configuration of its highest performance model, that is not going to be possible.
1) In February, Tesla started delivering P85D's with the square Continental wheel/tire setup vs. the staggered Michelin PS2 combo. Not only is there 20mm less rear end rubber, the PS2 had superior dry and wet traction to the ContiSilent tires.
2) In April, Tesla started delivering P85D's with the same rear suspension as the 85D, rather than the stiffer suspension derived from the P85+. While some prefer the softer ride, performance enthusiasts want the superior high performance handling.
3) Yesterday, Tesla announced the P90D with Ludicrous mode with a .3 sec improvement is 0-60 time and a .9 sec improvement in 1/4 mile time. This announcement is solely focused on straight line performance, essentially bragging rights.
High performance sport sedans are about more than straight line performance and bragging rights. I'd like to use the additional available power exiting a corner, not just in a straight line. But with Tesla dumbing down the suspension and wheel/tire configuration of its highest performance model, that is not going to be possible.