Tesla Model S: Range-tested at Last

Aug. 29, 2012 - PRLog -- A major automotive media source has finally put a Tesla Model S electric car through a complete range test, concluding that the sleek EV can travel almost 240 miles on a single charge, based on their sampling of one vehicle. The testers took the S on a round-trip road journey between San Diego and El Segundo, California. The drivers noted that the majority of their miles were on the highway, so if more city driving had been mixed in, the range would likely have been higher.



Tesla Model S: Video

In case you never had a chance to see the original commercial for the Model S, the video clip is linked below, complete with some awesome photos of both the S and the Roadster. After a brief intro featuring the classic Tesla Roadster, the Model S is presented in all its seven-seat, aerodynamic, electric glory. It is easy to forget how groundbreaking its capabilities were when it first arrived. Appointments like a 17-inch touch-screen and 300-mile range pack are unique to the Tesla Model S.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G48qXzs98s0



Tesla Model S: Range

In fact, Tesla’s EPA-stated range is 265 miles, but presumably, that number includes a representative mixture of driving styles, including both highway and city jaunts. The battery pack tested was the 85-kwh version, though the company also offers 65-kwh and 40-kwh models. In any case, the car retains the title as the EV with the longest single-charge range, far exceeding the other production electric cars sold in the U.S.

While Tesla Motors only releases sales and production statistics at irregular intervals, one can visit the company’s website at any time to see news releases and relevant data.

Chevy Volt Tops Quality Index

Results have been tabulated for the 2012 Strategic Vision Total Quality Index survey, and the mid-size car category topper was the Chevrolet Volt hybrid-electric car. Overall, the Volkswagen Group of America ranked highest in total quality, with second-place a tie between Chrysler Group and Ford Motor Company. The Strategic Vision survey interviews more than 45,000 people who bought new vehicles during the last quarter of 2011. In addition to the quality rankings, the survey also names the make that requires fewest repairs. Toyota was best in that category, meaning that the company’s vehicles are the most worry-free.

Chevy Volt: Video

The video clip below specifically addresses how to charge a Chevy Volt. In just over two minutes, you will learn all the basics about how to set up the car for its regular battery-charging sessions, learn what not to do, how and where to connect the cables, and other assorted ‘news you can use.’ If you already own a Volt, then this is a good opportunity to review a by-the-book battery charge.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFstHn56mwQ

Chevy Volt: Others on the List

Chevrolet snagged another win in a separate category besides mid-size car, and that was in the premium coupe division. The Chevrolet Corvette and the BMW 1-Series tied for the best in that ranking. The big winner was Volkswagen Group, which had five bests in various categories.

After that, BMW had bragging rights in four areas, while Chrysler, Ford, and Honda each took home a trio of ribbons. Land Rover and Nissan each won a single category in the Total Quality Index survey rankings. For Chevrolet, or at least for automotive journalists, the mid-size quality win was surprising, given that the segment has more competition than almost every other category on Strategic Vision’s survey.

Moscow Car Show: El Lada EV to Debut

Russia’s biggest carmaker, AvtoVAZ, is set to produce an electric car called the El Lada, which will be constructed primarily from Chinese parts. A concept version of the new EV will be on display at this week’s Moscow International Motor Show (MIMS). AvtoVAZ, better known to the Western world as Lada, has been in business since the late 1960’s when it opened its doors in collaboration with Fiat. Today, Renault owns 25 percent of the Russian automaker. The El Lada EV will apparently be based on the company’s non-electric Kalin, a staple of Russian roadways and a popular favorite.

Moscow Car Show: Video

The video report below highlights some of the sights and sounds of a recent Moscow Motor Show, and features an intriguing interview with one of the display managers, who notes the allure of luxury cars in Russia today. In a nation that does not have a long history of private, luxury vehicle ownership, the idea has blossomed. For the year when the report was filmed, luxury was actually a theme of the show, while this 2013’s event is set to unveil several electric and hybrid models from European, U.S., and Russian manufacturers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-3Bbh7Vr_s

Moscow Car Show: Facts

The Moscow International Motor Show runs from Aug. 29 through Sept. 9, and will feature over 100 vendor displays and almost 50 major manufacturer and component tents. The El Lada EV concept car is expected to be a large draw for the attending public as it has received generous media coverage in and around Moscow and St. Petersburg. Official documentation from AvtoVAZ says the new electric will become a production model next year or soon after, and will retail for the U.S. dollar equivalent of $33,000.

For the official English language version of the Moscow International Motor Show’s website, use the following link:
http://mims.ru/?lang=en-GB

Toyota’s all-new Lexus GS 450h is looking to carve out a leading position in the hybrid-luxury market for 2013, as the 450h returns with lots of extras, added high-tech features, and even more comfort. It boasts an EPA fuel efficiency rating of 29/34 mpg, a 35 percent improvement over the last generation of this model. The five driving modes range from an all-electric choice to “Sport S+,” which, as you can see in the video below, does some rather amazing things.
Lexus GS 450h: Video

Lexus has created a real work of art with this hybrid GS, which not only achieves commendable mileage numbers, but lives up to the luxury reputation the Japanese automaker has spent years building.
Lexus GS 450h: Facts

The GS 450h reaches 60 mph rapidly, in just 5.6 seconds, with a total power output of 338 horsepower. In fact, the 2013 is a certified SULEV, namely Super Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle. That is a roundabout way of officially saying that it has lower emissions than a clean diesel car.

A neat design feature called lightweight timing-chain technology allows for a much quieter ride via reduction in engine noise, mechanical friction, and all-around vibration. The car has so many new, and returning, engineering wonders that simple things like regenerative braking get lost in the hoopla. Lexus is well on its way to populating their entire lineup with hybrids, and the GS 450h is a shining star of the new team.

MPA’s flagship website, www.myperfectautomobile.com, has grown into a major presence on the Internet. The site features a complete shopping mall as well as a free-to-list classifieds section for all things green.

For advertisers, MPA offers the chance to be in front of over 20,000 readers each month who are interested in hybrids and electric vehicles, as well as sustainable transportation in general.

Bob Twaalfhoven: President and Founder of MPA, is an MIT-educated engineer whose primary interest is planetary sustainability.

Larry Judkin, General Manger and Sales Coordinator, has tasked himself with taking MPA to the number-one spot among green transportation websites.

MPA’s offices are located at 307 Orchard City Dr., Suite 210, Campbell, Calif. 95008.
For advertising opportunities, contact MPA directly: Phone: 408-963-6427
Fax: 408-963-6730
Email: driven@myperfectautomobile.com
Web: http://www.myperfectautomobile.com