| Drivetrain |
|---|
| Configuration | Transverse rear-mounted electric motor, rear-wheel drive |
| Engine type | Liquid-cooled 3-phase, 4-pole AC induction motor |
| Fuel cutoff/rev limiter (rpm) | 16,000 |
| Horsepower (hp @ rpm) | 416 @ 5,000-8,600 |
| Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) | 443 @ 0-5,100 |
| Fuel type | Electricity |
| Electric motor rating (kW) | 310 |
| Battery type | Liquid-cooled, lithium-ion |
| Battery capacity, rated (kW-hr) | 85 |
| Transmission type | Single-speed direct drive |
| Final-drive ratio (x:1) | 9.73 |
| Differential(s) | Open |
| Chassis |
|---|
| Suspension, front | Independent high-mount upper wishbone with dual-pivot lower links, pneumatic spring, monotube damper, stabilizer bar |
| Suspension, rear | Independent multilink with lower wishbone, pneumatic spring, monotube damper, stabilizer bar |
| Steering type | Electric-assist, speed-proportional rack-and-pinion steering |
| Steering ratio (x:1) | 13.0 |
| Tire make and model | Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 |
| Tire type | Asymmetrical summer, high-performance |
| Tire size, front | 245/35ZR21 96Y |
| Tire size, rear | 265/35ZR21 101Y |
| Wheel size, front | 21-by-8.5 |
| Wheel size, rear | 21-by-9 |
| Wheel material | Cast aluminum |
| Brakes, front | 14-by-1.3-inch ventilated cast-iron discs with four-piston fixed calipers |
| Brakes, rear | 14.4-by-1.1-inch ventilated cast-iron discs with four-piston fixed calipers |
| Track Test Results |
|---|
| Acceleration, 0-30 mph (sec.) | 2.0 |
| 0-45 mph (sec.) | 3.0 |
| 0-60 mph (sec.) | 4.3 |
| 0-75 mph (sec.) | 6.1 |
| 1/4-mile (sec. @ mph) | 12.6 @ 108.3 |
| 0-60 with 1 foot of rollout (sec.) | 4.0 |
| 0-30 mph, trac ON (sec.) | 2.0 |
| 0-45 mph, trac ON (sec.) | 3.0 |
| 0-60 mph, trac ON (sec.) | 4.3 |
| 0-75 mph, trac ON (sec.) | 6.1 |
| 1/4-mile, trac ON (sec. @ mph) | 12.6 @ 108.2 |
| 0-60, trac ON with 1 foot of rollout (sec.) | 4.0 |
| Braking, 30-0 mph (ft.) | 27 |
| 60-0 mph (ft.) | 108 |
| Slalom, 6 x 100 ft. (mph) | 66.8 |
| Slalom, 6 x 100 ft. (mph) ESC ON | 66.0 |
| Skid pad, 200-ft. diameter (lateral g) | 0.86 |
| Skid pad, 200-ft. diameter (lateral g) ESC ON | 0.86 |
| Sound level @ idle (dB) | 35.4 |
| @ Full throttle (dB) | 64.2 |
| @ 70 mph cruise (dB) | 61.2 |
| Engine speed @ 70 mph (rpm) | Not displayed |
| Test Driver Ratings & Comments |
|---|
| Acceleration comments | As you would expect in an electric car with a ton of instant torque, the Tesla gets off the line in a hurry, and with zero wheelspin. The seemingly endless forward thrust does level off toward the end of the quarter-mile. First and second runs were quickest. After that, times get slower despite plenty of remaining charge, most likely because of heat buildup in the motor's starter. By the 6th and final run it had dropped of by 0.3 second. |
| Braking comments | Very firm pedal, feels like a normal car. Just a bit of extra travel at the end of the stroke. No fade and rock-solid stability. First stop was 110 feet. Second stop was shortest at 110 feet. Third stop (out of six) was longest at 112 feet. Consistent. |
| Handling comments | Skid pad: Definitely felt the weight here, and the lack of a free-revving internal-combustion engine means changes in throttle have less effect on the chassis. Still, the Tesla feels quite precise. Slalom: The stability control system cannot be fully defeated, but I was impressed with the lack of intervention. And it would even allow some power-on oversteer at the end of the run before it would dab the brakes. I preferred the steering set to the midlevel Standard mode. Sport seemed like it was fighting me more than helping. This is a very long and heavy car, and that it does this well around the cones points to an excellent suspension tuning compromise. |
| Audio and Advanced Technology |
|---|
| Stereo description | AM/FM/HD radio, 580 watts, 12 speakers, Dolby Pro Logic 7.1 surround sound |
| iPod/digital media compatibility | Standard Bluetooth audio, USB stick (iPod charge only) |
| Satellite radio | Standard Sirius/XM ready |
| Hard-drive music storage capacity (Gb) | Standard flash memory storage for 3,000 songs |
| Rear seat video and entertainment | Not available |
| Bluetooth phone connectivity | Standard |
| Navigation system | Standard with traffic |
| Telematics (OnStar, etc.) | Not available |
| Smart entry/Start | Standard ignition (via sitting down), doors, trunk |
| Parking aids | Standard back-up camera |
| Blind-spot detection | Not available |
| Adaptive cruise control | Not available |
| Lane-departure monitoring | Not available |
| Collision warning/avoidance | Not available |
| Night Vision | Not available |
| Driver coaching display | Standard |
