I like the looks of the Tesla myself, it's a nice car (based on passenger time): tons of space, great performance, the interior isn't quite up to par compared to some other higher end sedans, and I'm not sure I dig the giant screen console. But to be fair, it's not competing with the 991, kind of a different animal.

I agree with you that sound is tied to emotions, but not that some other trigger will come along and replace it.

Watch a 'scary' scene in a movie without the sound - quite funny, almost certainly not scary. As animals we respond at a gut level to sounds, and taking them away... I mean, better acceleration is something, but a pure electric sports car... Yeah, I don't know. I just think we're not so much conditioned as wired to connect with the sound.

[Edit] Specifically this line: "causing another type of bond that lends itself to real numbers instead of the sensation of numbers". It's all about sensation for us. Yes, we're accustomed to hear the roar of an engine and think "fast", but watch a few electrics go fast silently and that's easy enough to get past. But we don't connect with numbers.[/Edit]

As my wife said of a 458 in a tunnel behind us in Italy, 'why does that guy keep slowing down and then accelerating again?'. Uh... because it sounds so good? Does anyone on this board NOT do the same?

 

We are the generation that has the luxury of connecting with the sound. Certainly we are engineered to react to sounds around us, and adding an additional sensor brings us closer to something... But I love the movie analogy - because before there were movies with sound, there was silent film. People enjoyed those on a completely different level. There was only black and white. No HD, no surround sound. As the pictures changed, our perceptions changed. Some still latch on to the scratchy static filled vinyl records, and oppose the clear CD's we listen to today - saying that CD's are numb and distant.

All I'm suggesting is that the generation that doesn't connect to the combustion sounds will learn another behavior. One that may seem foreign to you and me.

And - yes, there is no way to compare a Tesla S and a 911. But soon, I believe there will be a marketable (not prototype) electric sports car that will rival the best combustion engine equipped sports cars around.

 

As a long time detailer of Porsches, and owner of them, I've now the distinct pleasure of also specializing in Teslas and we've done our fair share of work on them. I've driven them as well. I can tell you that as a whole package, it's an amazing vehicle. Is it the most beautiful car to look at? Probably not. But does it provide you with performance, styling, comfort, and did I mention performance....yes!!!

The ride is not as stiff as a panamera or 911, but the power can be felt. Some complain about the range, but most owners really drive to work/home/errands. For that, you're never gonna run out of juice. And now, depending on where you are, there are charging stations and tesla owners that offer their chargers to others...for free.

I feel the MS has made a quantum leap and shift in automotive history. Several of our MS clients are actually Porschephilles. So, anyone considering a MS, just go drive it...if you're a car nut, you'll end up buying it.

 

Well for what it's worth, I love the Tesla Model S personally. I think it's the future of automobiles for the most part. The other thing I wanted to point out is that Elon Musk is a Porsche 911 owner. He's also an Audi Q5 owner, but hey he's a Porsche guy for god's sake.

My point is here's one of the most influential geniuses walking the earth and he's a 911 owner. That's cool. It says something to me. It says the 911 is one of the best sports cars in the world at least according to the taste of Mr. Musk. Which I'll take as good enough for me.

Alec

 

No wonder he compared MS to 911 many times and so I think tesla's website...

 

I'm sold. Now which exhaust do I get for it?

 

Yeah, will PSE affect the range?

I can just see it now in about 30 years should electric cars ever become truly feasible and replace gas.... An option (possibly after market) which "simulates" the sound of the combustion engine just for us old purists..

 

Downloadable sounds. Instead of aftermarket companies developing those systems - they'll be apps with specific models of engines, years, etc..., like vintage wine.

"Ahhh 430 Scud. Let's listen to this for the trip there, then we can put on Foxbody 5.0 on the way home."

 

Humans hate complete silence. Have you noticed that there is always music or a background noise (i.e. from a fountain) in hotel lobbies, elevators, restaurant. Do you also turn the TV on when you are alone in your hotel room without even listening to it.
Sound is part of our natural environment.
So yes, there should be a 'soundtrack' to electric cars...

 

In that scenario, gas will be stupid cheap and we will be driving 'vintage' cars with huge combustion engines without paying taxes and minimum insurance cost

 

coincidently today in office garage parking with pse on...folks had a neck lock staring at my car....just love pse...never get tired!!

 

Wonder how the electric cars would hold their value over years vs internal combustion engines?....IC engine hold value forever! ...guess electric cars are like electronic gadgets...quickly getting obsolete with rapid emergence of newer technologies...wonder if current battery packs could be replaced by longer range batteries as these become available...???

 

Yes, I'm sure battery packs will be the next big aftermarket - no more tuning, exhaust, timing, air/fuel, race gas, etc...
Eventually - cars will be able to be downloaded and printed in 3D, and upgrade plans will start off every 2 years (under contract).

Can't wait for the iCar.

Anyone think I'm too far off? I don't. Way off in the future, perhaps, but it will happen.

 

That's why I hate the Tesla and consider it the antichrist of the automobile. I upgrade my iPhone every year when a new model comes out and don't think twice about the previous model. Tesla's are the same. Soulless and cold electric gadgets which will get replaced by a newer program every few months or years. I don't think you can say the same thing about IC engine cars within the same category.
That said most of the big auto companies are putting their R&D money in hydrogen fuel cell technology. Lithium ion battery technology is said to be plateauing.

 

I don't disagree with anything you mentioned... Including the lithium ion battery tech. The demand will make for a new tech that will trump the old archaic lithium battery powered cars.