Motor Trend Car of the Year
 

Motor Trend has published their car of the year in their January '13 paper edition and both the Carrera and the Boxster made the finalists (but neither won). Most of the comments on the Carrera were positive (e.g. "the best everyday supercar on the market" and "Porsche has raised the bar"- but not enough to make car of the year), but interestingly they thought the Carrera was better than the CarreraS. They thought the CarreraS's PDCC was demonstrating significant under-steer even under "mild lift-throttle conditions" and slower times / lower g's in the figure 8.

Two questions for you guys:
1. Have any of you noticed under-steer in your S models?
2. Has anyone driven both on the track and can comment on these points?

ChuckJ
PS: the winner, Tesla Model S 7 passenger, 4 door, 4700 pound sedan is also declared to have a lower Cd.

Hard to believe that they praise the 911 as the best everyday car, but award a car that is not in production, has inferior handling, has a range in the city close to 80 miles, and when reviewed on a drive from Los Angeles to Las Vegas the drivers has to think about when to use the air con, staying at a constant speed, and hoping they get there. I can buy a ford fushion and make it without a worry. I will just say, Tesla paid motortrend for the review.

The model S is in production. Its range is more like 300 with the premium package. That trip from LA to vegas was an exercise to see if they could make it in one charge, which they did with 65 miles of charge to spare.

I've not seen anyone say it handles poorly, on the contrary I've heard it handles extremely well due to its low center of gravity.

The Motor Trend Car of the year isn't the best car of the year, it's the most surprising car of the year. You have to look to their best driver's car award for the best car.

I've test driven the Tesla S and it's a nice car, but it's nothing next my 991.

The trip from LA to Vegas occurred outside the Los Angeles traffic area, so it cut about 1-2 hours off the drive, and missed the normL traffic. Therefore if they started in Los Angeles, it is doubtful they would have made it in one shot. For 106k for the extended range version, it does not seem that special. At least with a ford fushion, there is no worrying and 70k cheaper.

I do admit it is a beautiful car and may be as advertised but it is not ready for the car of the year. In fact they currently do not have any showrooms open yet.

1 Re understeer, yes but just a little bit. Also they are correct that it's tough to eliminate completely with throttle steer (or trail braking). But hey It's a mass produced street car after all -- are there any such cars out there that dont understeer? I'll bet dollars to donuts even the new viper will have the same "problem" - necessary reality of who mostly buys these cars.
In relation to the PDCC, I've been thinking about this lately. Since the stabilizer bars are both variable, theoretically the ECU should be able to use the bars to reduce understeer (soften the font bar) under track conditions. Re g's and times, other than the GTR, i can't think of another car at this price point that handles as well. A others mentioned check out the best drivers car comparison. The 991 on track overall is a dream.
2. Comparing a 991 to the Tesla is apples and bowling balls. That said, I think the tesla is very impressive. Having 100pct torque available at all times is huge. The low cod is due to the lack of plumbing underneath the car. The dashboard and console look amazing in real life. The only thing I didn't like in person were the seats - they look very cheap.
To those in the NY area who are interested, there is a showroom in the Garden state mall.

I wasn't really trying to compare it to the Tesla, and was trying to get input on the S's under-steer when it has PDCC like KonaKai did. I haven't noticed any under-steer with the base model without PDCC.

ChuckJ

Hey Chuck!
Great question... I'm very interested in the answer as well since I have added PDCC to my C4S build to compensate for the stiffer anti-roll bars used in the C4S.

Subscribed!:)

Cheers!

HUH?

http://www.teslamotors.com/service/seattle

I guess the warranty will be void once they go out of business.

I think Tesla has a future, Fisker Auto does not, what a POS.

I have a Tesla on order. I'll get it in about a year, it will look great in the garage along side my 991.

In regards to the OP question, I have noticed very little under-steer in my PDCC equipped 911. But, I am no expert. I never track and the best workout I give the car is primarily at on and off highway ramps. YMMV.

Tesla is doing very well. They have partnership with Toyota and is the leader in electric cars. I don't foresee them going out of business like Fisker for example.

Gas prices are at a recent low now. Once we go up and over $5, you can bet there will be more Teslas and electric cars.

How often do you drive 400+ miles? I rent a car to put the miles during road trip so it's meaningless to me. A 150-200 mile range is good for most of commutes, errands, etc.

My issue with Tesla are the company's warranty policies / business practices rather than the car itself. The S is being sold at over $100k. I will have to wait 1-2 years to get a base trim S at $60k. Tesla is all about profitability and i wouldn't want to rely on a company based on profitability and sketchy warranty coverage. Giving out a depsit is also not something I would do.

I would consider the Volt but the range is so low. If Toyota makes a Camry based on Tesla technology, I may be ready.

Once, I get. Spelling error - we all make 'em. Twice? Exactly the same way? Is there a new model coming out of the Ford plant?

What is this fushion you speak of?
I somewhat agree. We must always take these with a grain of salt. I believe a lot of these 'reviews', 'opinions' or 'awards' are skewed in some way.