Jun 10, 2012
goaliemanshark I was just at the Menlo Park dealership and they had 4 S' there. Including beta 49, I spent A LOT of time with it. The car is really incredible, but it led me to ask the question, what is still unknown about the car? I figured we can make a list and cross things off when they are figured out!
Unknowns:
3G/4G connectivity: LTE? Carrier? Cost per month? Will their be hotspot functionality? It has a SIM, meaning most likely ATT or Tmobile
Convenience lighting: Where is it? When does it turn on?
Music control: Can you edit and add to your music library over wifi? What form of iPod/iPhone/MP3 player functionality will it have?
Smartphone app: What will you be able to do? Map? Pre-condition? Cost? Live later this summer?
Panoramic roof shade: What will it look like? What will it be made out of?
Supercharger network: Cost? Locations? One hour charge for 85 ?
Homelink: Where is it located? How many buttons?
Wiper blades: Will there be a off function?
Electrocromatic mirrors: Is the rear view mirror electrocromatic? Is that a standard feature?
Keyless entry: Will it be available at launch?
Speakers: How bad do the standard speakers sound?
"Textile" seats: What will they be like? How adjustable?
Badging: How will it be badged? P85? R60?
Bluetooth: How will the phone contacts work? A2DP?
Center console accessory: Availability? Cost? "Called the opportunity console" Prototypes available to see at the launch event.
Service: How much will it cost? What will be covered? Battery degradation covered?
Charging locations finder: Can you use the touchscreen to find a charging station- YES? Are they in use or not?
Battery swapping: Can you rent a 85 kWh pack for a road trip?
And the real big questions: What will the differences between signatures and regular production be? Headliner difference? Seat difference?
Actual Performance: What will the ACTUAL numbers be? 0-60? Slalom? Skidpad? RANGE?
Things I learned today:
The screen and newest software is really, really, REALLY zippy. It was amazing how fast and responsive it was.
Air suspension is really cool, noticeable and could actually be useful.
The keyfob is awesome, and beautiful.
The screen directly in front of the driver has three zones, the speedo and two zones on either side. Those zones are adjustable using the two scroll wheels on the steering wheel. The left scroll wheel controls volume and on/off. Or, you can map it onto the other side. The options were: Phone, Stats, Music, Nav, and a few others.
Visibility isn't great on the car. The sun shades are also super small.
I CAN'T WAIT!
What else do we still need to find out?�
Jun 10, 2012
TEG How do you use the touch screen to find charging locations?
What will it tell you about them?
Can it tell you if you have the range to reach them? If they are in use?
I suppose with Internet you could just run Plugshare or Recargo or somesuch, but I wonder if they will have their own app for this.
Will those other charge finder apps start to show Tesla supercharge locations soon?�
Jun 10, 2012
Trnsl8r I think I can answer that based on the 4 Model S Santana Row event. They're really slick and therefore easy to miss. The interior lights are tiny buttons which are also the light itself. You press the light to turn it on. They're smaller than a quarter but bigger than a nickel I think. (Did that description make any sense?)�
Jun 10, 2012
Jason S Can you rephrase that question? I don't understand. It has been said that the car will connect over wi-fi and I recall there are screens for configuring that connection.
I've read that it won't be available at launch. Exact features therefore unknown as well.
Yes, I believe that's on the specs page.
I think there is video of #1 demo'ing the doors, but I thought I saw him pressing a button for override. It is available at launch.
I think that's in the specs as well? Not sure.
I can't think of any questions you missed. I'm interested in the skidpad and slalom numbers however.�
Jun 11, 2012
ddruz An extremely pertinent unknown is how to estimate battery degradation. There have been numbers mentioned in the forums such as at least 70% capacity remaining at 5 years or 8 years or 10 years and the example has been given of the Roadster owner who has driven 125,000 miles with 70% capacity remaining. But has anyone seen anything official yet from Tesla other than frequent charging in Range mode (100% max) results in faster battery degradation than charging in standard mode (80% max)?
While in the Menlo Park store in late April I was told the battery warranty would definitely not cover capacity. Should this turn out to be correct it becomes even more critical to have guidelines for estimating battery degradation so people can intelligently determine which battery size to order. We should not be buying a battery size primarily considering its capacity out the door. Our primary consideration should be what our battery's residual capacity is reasonably expected to be at the end of the time we plan to own the car. There are many variables involved, which is why I was told Tesla will not be warrantying battery capacity, but Tesla could explain them all in a blog as they have done so beautifully with range estimates. IMO this remains the most pertinent unknown of all the unknowns because it bears directly on how to most appropriately configure the order for your car based on your driving requirements. Official guidelines from Tesla in making this estimation would be extremely helpful.�
Jun 11, 2012
doug Are they offering a pay upfront battery replacement program like they did for the Roadster?�
Jun 11, 2012
AnOutsider Pretty sure convenience lighting is outside. As others said, we know there will be hotspot functionality.�
Jun 11, 2012
J in MN Here are my questions:
-Can the automatic wipers be disabled?
-When will parking sensors and adaptive cruise control be available?
-How about collision avoidance?
-What charge schedule options are available? Is the a "complete by"?
-What is the minimum service required to maintain warranty? What is the cost?
-Will the service manual be for sale?�
Jun 11, 2012
daniel In the Roadster, Homelink is in the VDS, so there are no physical buttons. It's programmable, and you can have up to 3 devices programmed in. The manual also says the third button on the key fob can be programmed to operate a device, but does not say whether that's in addition to the three, or whether that operates one of the three.
So the S will certainly allow at least three devices, and probably will be operated by the touch screen.
As for battery degradation over time, I'm sure the reason there's no clear statement from Tesla is that they just don't know. These kinds of battery packs are just too new to have any hard information other than a few anecdotal examples. But you definitely want to allow for some loss of range over time, and only charge to 80% except when you're going to need more.�
Jun 11, 2012
daniel How about curb feelers? Does anybody remember curb feelers? My step-father's car in the 1950's had them. Simple, effective, low-tech solution. As a concession to the 21st century, they could be retractible.�
Jun 11, 2012
NigelM There's a reversing camera. Why would you need parking sensors?
I'd be willing to bet "No".�
Jun 11, 2012
goaliemanshark Thanks everyone for your additions! I added most of them to the main list.
The convenience lighting i'm talking about is on the outside, the interior lights are already known.
There was some concern over the automatic keyless entry at launch.
I don't see electrocromatic rear mirror in the specs page, but I did see AD2P, I updated the main page.�
Jun 11, 2012
J in MN Because there is no camera in the front bumper. Actually, a front camera would be better than parking sensors.�
Jun 11, 2012
NigelM Never had a car with front parking sensors and never felt the need for them. (I'm sure someone will post up examples though). I'm generally looking forward when the car is moving that way.�
Jun 11, 2012
AnOutsider Sometimes you can't exactly tell where the curb or concrete barrier is in relation to your lower bumper. When we go to NYC and park in garages that want you to pull all the way forward and make good use of the little space they have, it becomes pretty useful -- especially when the alternative is getting out to see how close you are.
one could also say they are looking backward when the car is moving in that direction as well, but there's no doubt a backup camera is great for seeing what's on the ground behind you.�
Jun 11, 2012
AndyM As for speakers, I think the low-end audio system is what we've seen in the Betas all along. In-store reps have told me the premium sound system hasn't been in any of them yet.
I have an unknown, related to speakers: will the audio be speed-sensitive, allowing (customizable) increases in volume to compensate for wind/road noise at higher speeds?�
Jun 11, 2012
ljbad4life Electrochromatic mirrors are listed underneath the tech package.�
Jun 11, 2012
AnOutsider This is something I believe Mercedes vehicles do, so hopefully it, like the lane-change blinkers, will make it over as well.�
Jun 11, 2012
ElSupreme My GTI does this. My favorite is the volume bump at ~93mph (150kmh, noticeable increase). I doubt that very many people know (or even have used) that tier. It also does it around ~38mph (60kmh, very subtle increase) and ~62mph (100kmh, noticeable increase). The deadband seems to be about 5 seconds and ~10kmh to move back down. It is instant increase.�
Jun 11, 2012
AndyM This thread reminds me: we all have lists of "unknowns" that everyone asks to fill in the gaps from TM's web site.
Is there a Model S FAQ sticky thread? or, a page to collect these questions and answers, frequently-asked or not, maybe not on TMC?
If not, I volunteer to start one.�
Jun 11, 2012
NigelM Electrochromatic side mirrors are listed underneath the tech package.�
Jun 11, 2012
daniel Because curb feelers are cool. :biggrin:�
Jun 11, 2012
NigelM I've never needed them. :tongue:�
Jun 11, 2012
Grendal And create aerodynamic drag.�
Jun 11, 2012
Kipernicus I'd prefer side mirrors that tilt down when in Reverse. I doubt that the rear camera will be as useful for seeing how close the side of the car is to the curb.
But back on topic, one unknown for me is what map/gps functionality is there without the tech package? Still get up-to-date google maps with car position tracked on the map, but no turn by turn voice? What happens if you have tech package when the 7 years of updates runs out? Up to date when there is a 4g connection but not up to date when you are in the boonies?�
Jun 11, 2012
youlikeadajuice I think these are the standard map lights...I believe the convenience lighting (part of the tech pack) is light emitted from below the "armrest" in the doors. I was at the NYC store checking out the beta there, and noticed it. It too is easy to miss in the daytime, but I assume looks pretty sharp at night when you need it! Not entirely sure this is it, or maybe there are more!�
Jun 11, 2012
Designtime The side mirrors that tilt down are the greatest. I have hard time imaginging not having them living in the city with all of the parallel parking there is to do.�
Jun 11, 2012
KBF There are "convenience" lights on the edges of the front doors when open. This was confirmed by a rep.
edit: sorry, the image is sideways. My first time attaching a portrait-oriented pic apparently, not sure how to change it.�
Jun 11, 2012
spatterso911 When you can't see what is below the hoodline, the front sensors become very useful. I appreciate them in my current car. I dislike the fact that my SUV doesn't have them.�
Jun 11, 2012
dsm363 
Thanks KBF. Is this the right way up? I think I have it 180 from correct now since the light is pointing up. Can't tell. I downloaded your image then rotated in on my computer and reuploaded it.�
Jun 11, 2012
strider Working from a fuzzy memory here but in the Settings screen there was a setting for mirror tilt so I hope that's what this is.�
Jun 11, 2012
KBF Thanks, that's correct dsm. The black is the leather interior, the red is the exterior paint of the door.�
Jun 11, 2012
NigelM 
TEG, eat your heart out.... :biggrin:�
Jun 11, 2012
Lyon Oh good! I love the mirror tilt when parallel parking. I do, however, have to turn it off when backing with the Airstream hitched up. Not a problem I anticipate with the Model S.
�
Jun 11, 2012
Man_Utd That's pretty sweet! Now I want auto, folding-in side mirrors.�
Jun 11, 2012
kendallpb Thanks for mentioning this; I hadn't noticed it and just read something about this elsewhere. It sounds like a manual override is standard, otherwise a little dirt will keep them going and damage the blades on a dry windshield. Is this right?
The concept of auto wipers is new to me and I don't like the idea; wipers, when not needed, are very distracting to me; more than picking my preferred intermittent setting or leaving off when the main part I'm looking through is clear. I can just see a few drops in the "wrong" spot, not interfering with my vision, triggering a random wipe. Also the auto-changing speed part would distract me.... (Yes I know I haven't experienced automatic wipers yet ;-) but I know what distracts me, which isn't necessarily the same as the next person.) Cars aren't smarter than humans and each human's different. /rant ;-)
Anyway, good Q, and my rambling aside, the specs page says "Rain sensing, adjustable" which I'm guessing means you can adjust the sensitivity and/or disable the rain sensing. Well, I'll hope it means at least the latter.�
Jun 11, 2012
favo A few small items I was wondering about:
Do the seatbelts have adjustable upper anchor points, or are they otherwise comfortable for people of various sizes?
What does the horn sound like? (Other than Beep. Beep. :wink
For auto-unlocking doors, does it detect you are near a specific door and unlock that one, or does it just detect that you are near the car and unlock the driver's door (or all doors if you have it set that way). Does it unlock just the trunk/frunk if you are at that end of the car? What if two people with different fobs approach the car at the same time, on the driver and passenger sides? Do both doors unlock?
For the Homelink buttons, it would be cool if the car detected you were nearly home and automatically put the buttons on the screen in an easy to use place.�
Jun 11, 2012
Lyon Another huge problem with not being able to turn rain sensing wipers off is if one wants to go through a car wash. I know that many will NEVER subject their Model S to such abuse, but some of us will from time to time and, if it's not possible to turn off the auto-wipers they'll just keep going in there.�
Jun 11, 2012
Kipernicus Brilliant idea!�
Jun 11, 2012
W.Petefish Bad idea. Some people have alarm systems on our houses.�
Jun 11, 2012
Designtime Nice catch Nigel! I am pleased to see that.�
Jun 11, 2012
favo Not sure I understand the objection. Is it because you don't want the car to give any indication when it's close to home in case it is stolen? The buttons would only appear if you are within a couple hundred feet or so, so thief would already have to have a pretty good idea where you live. And s/he could just drive down the block hitting the button anyway. Plus, it should be an option for the auto-popup.�
Jun 11, 2012
dtich not.
..�
Jun 11, 2012
dtich i've gotten SUPER used to and hooked on the curb/obstacle sensors on the front and back on my car (x5)... even in addition to the backup cam. i use them ALL the time. the front and the rear beep with different tones so you know where and how far you are just from the sound, even though it also has a REALLY cool radar-like display showing the sensor data front and back... i could only dream the S will do something like this.... not holding breath. even though it really should. really...
and tiltdown passenger side mirror.
ugh i'm going to hate giving up some things... i've gotten much more reliant on them then i would have thought.�
Jun 11, 2012
kendallpb I should've thought of that. The more I think about it, the more I think there must be an override.�
Jun 12, 2012
ElSupreme I have always seen auto wipers done the same way as auto headlights. You get a Auto/Off/On selection. For the wipers you get various speed in the 'on' range.�
Jun 12, 2012
daniel When I got my Prius I found (as did many others) that the position of the car with respect to objects in front and to the right was very difficult to gauge. So one day I found a pole that I could see easily, and parked by it, getting out as needed until I was just where I wanted to be. Then I sat in the car and memorized its position. Then I did the same with my garage door, pulling up close little by little until I was very close to it, and again memorized the position.
It took a few minutes to do, and then I knew where my car was with respect to obstacles. Cameras and tilting mirrors and sonar/radar, etc., are great parking aids, but you can simply learn the space your car occupies and then you don't really need any of that.�
Jun 12, 2012
AnOutsider Yeah, for this and many reasons I'm sure they'll have an off position. Kendall, it's pretty convenient and i imagine you'll get used to them fairly quickly.
I'm sure there will be a setting to disable if this were an option.
Let's be serious... How many would actually do this? Especially if they could just have cameras or sensors instead. It's like memorizing your way down a hallway instead of just opening your eyes. Sure you could do it, but if you aren't blind, it's likely easier to not.�
Jun 12, 2012
jomo25 Auto/Rain sensing wipers are available on many car brands today. Why would anyone think they would re-invent the way these work? I guess its an unknown technically, but not one I worry about since its not a "new" or "unique" function.�
Jun 12, 2012
jomo25 Here's one that might be known, but I haven't seen it answered. What does the J1772 adapter look like? Is it something I connect directly to the J1772 plug so I can connect it to the charge port on the Tesla? Or is it something I connect to the J1772, then attach to the UMC, which connects to the car's port? I certainly hope its the former, but I can see how it might be the latter since the electrical outlet end of the UMC is adaptable.�
Jun 12, 2012
AnOutsider Going by this picture I assume it's the former:
These adapters are for outlets, but the j1772 arent outlets, they're wires themselves... Can't see how it would work like the above pic without being clumsy and sort of dangerous.�
Jun 12, 2012
jomo25 I agree, thus I'd like to see/confirm it.�
Jun 12, 2012
ElSupreme I have done this with all my cars. But I use cones and broomstick so if I don't have to worry about hitting a pole, you can get really close really fast. I highly recommend it. I have had my car for 6 years, and have only touched a rim to a curb 3 times, twice at almost no speed and producing almost NO curb rash (as I knew I was REALLY close). I did drag my passenger rear driving out of a Chic-fil-A fairly bad. And I regularly put my passenger wheels in the gutter between speed bumps and the curb (at 15mph usually).
It pays off in the long run. You really only need about 2-3 hours one sunday in a deserted parking lot. And a refresher course about once a month, until you get it. After about 3 months total I am within 2 inches on both sides. About 4-6 inches on the front. And about 8 inches on the back. And I lower my seat and sit fairly far back (long legs) so I can't see ANY of my hood.�
Jun 12, 2012
AnOutsider Again... How many people will do this? If you ran a report nationwide telling people they should spend 2-3 hours one Sunday in a parking lot practicing with their vehicle, how many do you think actually would? Heck, I love e art of driving, but I know I wouldn't. I'd eye it when I needed to and rely on my car's sensors when available.
...now if one is bored on a Sunday... Sure.�
Jun 12, 2012
kendallpb Heh. To someone who bought his car in 2000, it's a very new feature. I'd never heard of it before I read this thread! And reading some generic page about how things work like I did . . . isn't the same as knowing how any carmaker has implemented it in the real world. (shrug) Fortunately ElSupreme (thanks!) was pretty clear on how they work, so I will sleep easier ;-) (no this doesn't really keep me up at night).�
Jun 12, 2012
ElSupreme Good point. I agree very few people do this. I even went to a parking lot with a friend, who was impressed by me parking behind a column in a 100% full parking garage. I told him it would be 2-3 hours, and he got bored after about 10 minutes. We left after about 15 minutes.�
Jun 12, 2012
kendallpb Thanks; I'd never heard of this feature before this thread.�
Jun 12, 2012
jomo25 That's cool, I understand it may be new to some people. My tone may have seemed adversarial, but I didn't mean it to be. I was just trying to point out that this is a feature existing on other vehicles and the functionality can (and most likely would) be the same.�
Jun 12, 2012
grisnjam My guess is that since they are sourcing the steering column/turn signal/cruise control from Mercedes that the wiper selector would be the same, off/auto/slow/med/high ...�
Jun 12, 2012
daniel Learn to park your car once, rather than be dependent on gadgets every time? Easy choice for me. And it took me about ten minutes total. I wasn't trying to get it to the centimeter. Just learning my car. And done once, it's done for the life of the car.
I'd turn your metaphor around: Learning to park is like opening your eyes. Being dependent on gadgets is like being blind and having to be led down the hall every time. (Though I've always been able to find my way around my home in the dark. It helps during power outages, though those were more frequent when I lived in rural N.D. than they are here.)�
Jun 12, 2012
kendallpb No problema, and thanks. There's a lot about cars that's changed since my 2000 purchase (and I'm excited to jump to the front of the electric wave with the Model S!).�
Jun 12, 2012
vfx Is there a second, muted pedestrian warning horn for parking lots?�
Jun 12, 2012
goaliemanshark Added some things we have found out thanks to the blog post today. Added the wiper questions...
Keep this going guys! I am so eager to see the entire list ALL green (one day)...�
Jun 13, 2012
Jkam Has anyone figured out what kind of mats will be in the final car? I know at the open house at Santana Row in March the cars had rubber mats. I'm not against it, but most cars of this level have carpet mats.
Also, for my preference I'd like to get a plastic cargo liner for the trunk area. And now that I think about it, I want one for the frunk too. For my current SUV, the cargo liner has worked great for the occasional spill or transportation of dirty things (e.g. potted plants). I'd rather give my money to Tesla if they come up with something, but if a 3rd party offers something first, I'll probably hop on that.
Since I have two young kids, the backs of the front passenger seat and driver seat have mud and footprints from their grubby little feet. I'd like to get something that hangs from the front seat head rest that will keep the backs of the front seats mark free. Something like this (Jeep Back Seat Organizer : Target).
Lastly I will try the car without the center console, but if I decide I need one, I may buy something like this (Eddie Bauer Car Organizer Box : Target) until Tesla reveals what they have planned.�
Jun 13, 2012
daniel That would be a great idea!�
Jun 13, 2012
AnOutsider I too am hoping for rubberized mat options. Makes keeping the floor clean much easier.�
Jun 14, 2012
JRod0802 That's excellent news! Has anyone else heard this (since sometimes reps can be wrong)?�
Jun 14, 2012
bonnie Posts about minimum sound level have been moved (or are in the process of being moved) to the right location: Auto minimum sound level.
If you don't see your original post, give it a little bit of time. Because this was all in the wrong thread and the wrong section of the forum, it's causing a little more work behind the curtain.�
Jun 14, 2012
W.Petefish Scotchgard? I too would also like to see liners for the trunk and frunk.�
Jun 22, 2012
goaliemanshark Alright what was figured out today?
I'm sure a lot will be figured out in the next two days also!
Front license plate has been revealed!
It has a SIM, and will be a hotspot!�
Jun 23, 2012
NigelM Didn't know where else to post this, but interesting tidbit from USA today regarding the charge port:
�
Jun 23, 2012
smoothoperator are you also going to keep the key fob in a zip lock bag so it does not get scratched up?�
Jun 23, 2012
goaliemanshark Nice! Little things like this are why the model S is going to be such a success. They thought about the little details...�
Jun 23, 2012
doug You should get it covered with invisiSheild or whatever it's called. That clear plastic film that seemed to be the fad to protect your iPod/iPhone a few years ago.�
Jun 23, 2012
Robert.Boston And some people never take the plastic off their lampshades.:wink:�
Jun 23, 2012
cinergi Or off the plastic display areas of new electronics. Drives me nuts! :smile:�
Jun 23, 2012
NigelM Or their couch...�
Jun 23, 2012
AnOutsider ...and some people take it off FOR me. Drives me more nuts!�
Jun 23, 2012
cinergi I might be guilty of doing that. :smile: though I'm pretty sure in those cases, they had no idea it was on there (because it was deteriorating)�
Jun 23, 2012
Arnold Panz USA Today article also said that rear cup holders were an add-on, so not necessarily standard, but a nice option for those who want them.�
Jun 23, 2012
ElSupreme Don't let me in your house. I take that stuff off of everything. It is some weird compulsion.�
Jun 23, 2012
jerry33 +1 I too take it off whenever I spot it. Drives me nuts to see it (not that I have that far to go)�
Jun 23, 2012
Robert.Boston If those are an option, sign me up! My family of 4 has far more need for rear-seat cupholders than for a truly comfy fifth seat. My BMW 535 has a drop-down armrest/cupholder, too; it makes the middle seat less comfy than the window seats, but I think we've used that middle seat exactly twice in three years.�
Jun 23, 2012
NigelM Is apparently part of the Opportunity Console package.�
Jun 23, 2012
KBF Not for me! No one is drinking in my back seat
Plus my kids have cupholders in their booster seats for sippy cups. When they're older maybe they can store a water bottle at their feet or something, but no coffee cups!!!!!!�
Jun 24, 2012
Robert.Boston I'll check back with you in ten years when your kids are old enough to argue. :wink: And believe me, coffee cups are much better than soda. Spilled coffee causes far less damage!�
Jun 24, 2012
NigelM Plenty of non-spill drinking containers on the market (even in the Tesla store). There is a climate element to be taken into account here. We average 361 days sunshine a year and dehydration is a danger for kids so we always have water in the car. Cup holders front and back are important.�
Jun 24, 2012
Robert.Boston The OP kicked off this thread with a laundry-list of questions. Let's see what we can do to answer them based on yesterday's drives. Perhaps those who are driving today can use the time to answer a few unknowns. My responses are in blue, pending questions are in red
Unknowns:
3G/4G connectivity: LTE? Carrier? Cost per month? Will their be hotspot functionality?
Convenience lighting: Where is it? When does it turn on?
- It has a SIM, meaning most likely ATT (or Tmobile? unlikely)
- Definitely has hotspot capability
- Signature cars come with one year free
Music control: Can you edit and add to your music library over wifi? What form of iPod/iPhone/MP3 player functionality will it have?
- Includes down-firing LED lights on handles when opened
- Possibly includes other internal lighting (or are these other internal lights standard?)
Smartphone app: What will you be able to do? Map? Pre-condition? Cost? Live later this summer?
Panoramic roof shade: What will it look like? What will it be made out of?
- App is expected to be free
- Definitely can pre-condition car, open charge port, check SOC
- Other functionality?
Supercharger network: Cost? Locations?
Homelink: Where is it located? How many buttons?
- One hour charge for 85 ? 150 miles of range added in 30 minutes. Charging slows as the battery gets to high SOC, so a complete 0-100% charge will take more than an hour
Wiper blades: Will there be a off function?
- Almost surely on touchscreen, so "many" buttons. Any field reports?
Electrocromatic mirrors: Is the rear view mirror electrocromatic? Is that a standard feature?
- Yes; wiper setting can be on/auto/off
Keyless entry: Will it be available at launch?
- Yes, internal rear mirror is electrochromatic [standard?]
Speakers: How bad do the standard speakers sound?
"Textile" seats: What will they be like? How adjustable?
Badging: How will it be badged? P85? R60?
- 8-way adjustable (no lumbar support, which is only on leather seating)
- No memory settings (again, found only on leather)
- Comfort? Impressions?
Bluetooth: How will the phone contacts work? A2DP?
- Badging other than "Model S" seems to have disappeared. Not even a signature on the Signatures!
Center console accessory: Availability? Cost?
Service: How much will it cost? What will be covered?
- "Called the opportunity console" Prototypes available to see at the launch event.
Charging locations finder: Can you use the touchscreen to find a charging station- YES? Are they in use or not?
- Battery degradation covered? No.
Battery swapping: Can you rent a 85 kWh pack for a road trip?
And the real big questions: What will the differences between signatures and regular production be? Headliner difference? Seat difference?
Actual Performance: What will the ACTUAL numbers be? 0-60? Slalom? Skidpad? RANGE?�
Jun 24, 2012
BYT_P1837 Here is the list of questions I will attempt to get answered today at the test drive event in Fremont, wish me luck as I might get distracted by all the shiny, pretty Model S'...
* Under which conditions does the car creep and is creeping user modifyable?
* How will the 21" handle many potholes over time and those low profile tires?
* How are the electric motors wound? I heard by machine for standard and by hand for tighter wire overlays for performance?
* Are these cars 100% production? If not, what might be the 1% difference?
* How will the leather hold up after 6 or 7 years? My Accord started cracking after 4! Longevity tests done?
* Where is the SIM swap slot for GSM?
* Panoramic roof shade looks like?
* Home link buttons?
* May I please see the keyless entry in action? How will it work exactly with the tech package?
* No Signature badging? Any identifying markers besides the trim on the outside for Signature cars?
* Is the front plate mounted required? How are front plate bracket�s attached(are holes drilled)?
* Any new details on battery swapping? Can a person with a 40kw battery swap to the 85kw for a long trip and swap back on returning for example?
* Can I see examples of all the opportunity center consoles and do we have estimated prices on them? How do they attach? Is the new ribbed floor now a "standard" feature?
Did I miss anything glaring from the above, if it interest me and I have the time, I'll ask it!
EDIT: Just updated the list of questions 8:40AM PDT, I am out of here in about 2 hours to the even, so EXCITED!�
Jun 24, 2012
jerry33 That's really good for leather. One year is the usual cracking start date for the cars with leather that I've had/seen. I really don't understand why anyone would want uncomfortable and short lived leather. And I wish there were more colours in cloth.�
Jun 24, 2012
dsm363 Thanks for looking into those questions. Can you ask how front plate bracket is attached (are holes drilled)? Thanks.�
Jun 24, 2012
BYT_P1837 I was wondering about that too but forgot to add that question to the list! It's on there now!! Thanks dsm363!�
Jun 24, 2012
BYT_P1837 I'm still asking about the longevity testing...�
Jun 24, 2012
AnOutsider Someone who doesn't find leather uncomfortable?�
Jun 24, 2012
jerry33 Yes. So far I've never managed to go three days without a "first ding". The annoying part is that that it's always been others that have hit my car when it was parked.�
Jun 24, 2012
bonnie +1 to 'easy to clean' and 'comfortable'. The leather seats in my Prius still look like new.
Of course I rarely drive it anymore, something to do with that Roadster in the garage ...�
Jun 24, 2012
BYT_P1837 I hear you! I would love to hear creative ways that masters of parking to avoid dings, what they have done to save us from that dreaded day! BUT OUCH, 3 days? My shortest was 3 months on a new car, but I will park blocks away and walk it if I have to, well, until the first few dings, then I give up!�
Jun 24, 2012
jerry33 Well, the 2004 Prius got dinged the first day I drove it to work (it was scratch-free all weekend).
The 2001 Prius got dinged the very first day.
I actually don't recall the Land-Rover's or DS-21's first dings, but that was 1972/1969.�
Jun 24, 2012
BYT_P1837 That sucks! We will have to add a threat once we get our cars, who has the first ding on their Model S and post a sad photo as misery loves company. Back on the topic, I never heard anything about "Hill Assist" or basically keeping the car from rolling backwards on a steep grade on the Model S so I am adding that question to the list as well!�
Jun 24, 2012
Lloyd I have a funny story that kind of goes the other way.... A friend of mine bought a new work truck for his company. He call a morning meeting with all of the employees in the parking lot next to the new truck. He gave a long speech about driving safely and taking care of the new truck. Then he turned around kicked the door and put a dent in it. Everyone gasped! " OK, now nobody needs to worry about being fired if you put the first dent in it! Meeting adjourned!"�
Jun 24, 2012
BYT_P1837 * Questions
- Answers
* Under which conditions does the car creep and is creeping user modifiable?
- Couldn�t answer yet but told me to stay tuned
* How will the 21" handle many potholes over time and those low profile tires?
- Was told they are tested and the suspension helps as well
* How are the electric motors wound? I heard by machine for standard and by hand for tighter wire overlays for performance?
- All motors for both Standard and Performance are now machined and no longer hand wound (this is to allow for mass production)
* Are these cars 100% production? If not, what might be the 1% difference?
- Yes, all the test drive car�s are 100% Production Models is what I was told
* How will the leather hold up after 6 or 7 years? My Accord started cracking after 4! Longevity tests done?
- Should be the same grade and quality found in any similarly classed Mercedes or BMW
* Where is the SIM swap slot for GSM?
- Nobody had any idea
* Manual panoramic roof sun shade looks like, can I see an example?
- There were none to be found but I was told they are very VERY similar to that found in the Acura MDX
* Home link buttons?
- It�s on the 17� screen and should be very familiar to the Roadster Drivers
* May I please see the key-less entry in action? How will it work exactly with the tech package?
- I wasn�t able to see it but it does work in the sense that it will open the drivers side door when you approach it with the Tech Package or if you press the button on the KeyFOB for the passangers
* No Signature badging? Any identifying markers besides the trim on the outside for Signature cars?
- There is signature badging on the side panels where you can see �Founders� currently on the Founder Series cars
* Is the front plate mounted required? How are front plate bracket�s attached(are holes drilled)?
Still working on that from after the Friday event so another stay tuned. The plate is user select optional even for me in California where it�s required.
* Any new details on battery swapping? Can a person with a 40kw battery swap to the 85kw for a long trip and swap back on returning for example?
- No, in fact they they have moved away from that idea and are going with Supercharging instead. When battery replacement is needed(say 8 years down the road), then it would be a day at the shop at most.
* Can I see examples of all the opportunity center consoles and do we have estimated prices on them? How do they attach? Is the new ribbed floor now a "standard" feature?
- Pictures of the options will be released this week, after the test drive event and no, they were not in display other then in the cars (which were constantly being driven so you can�t see them).
*Does the car have �Hill Assist� or equivalent for those steep San Francisco grades?
- Not yet but coming soon via a Firmware Update.
There you go! I�ll try to post my video this week after I get it off my Canon T3i�s SD card��
Jun 24, 2012
spatterso911 Awesome sleuthing!!�
Jun 24, 2012
jerry33 The TM site is mostly down now (following links, such as sign-into, gets you a redirect to the home page) so perhaps they are putting some pictures in now.�
Jun 24, 2012
ElSupreme Thanks BYT good info.�
Jun 24, 2012
dsm363 Yes. Thank you BYT.�
Jun 24, 2012
AnOutsider Shame in the reduction of sig badging... That tax is looking more and more like a slap.�
Jun 24, 2012
StephRob I was told that, no, you cannot add to the music library over wifi. To add songs to the car's hard drive, you have to use a USB cable. It will have bluetooth functionality in that it will play music from your iPhone/other smart device.
EDIT: Oops, not too good at manipulating that quote. Its was originally in Robert Boston's color coded list of questions.�
Jun 24, 2012
AnOutsider Hm, so them helping you setup wifi during delivery is just for updates? I thought it was mentioned they help you set up your car for sync? Not a huge deal to me, but I imagine the average user would prefer wireless sync.�
Jun 24, 2012
dsm363 Could that just be one of those features they can add down the road? I would think they could program something like that and simply add it as an update next year for example.�
Jun 24, 2012
BYT_P1837 I don't see why not as the impression I got from all the questions is they can do a lot with software updates!�
Jun 24, 2012
WhiteKnight In one of the videos I watched (they're all blurring together) the Tesla representative said (paraphrasing)" "this car is not equipped with the 'creep' feature so just press on the accelerator and let's go."
In another article / video the person was commenting on the amount of creep and that it was the right amount (apparently their car had the creep feature).
That makes it sound like something you select at some point, either at time of purchase or it's an option you can adjust through the touchscreen.�
Jun 24, 2012
tnawara Wow. What kind of cars have you purchased in the past? I just traded in a seven-year-old Audi with leather that looked like new, and I really didn't take any special care of it. I've never had a problem with leather seats in cars, but have had plenty of issues with cloth (stains, wear, outgassing, etc.). I'd never get cloth again.�
Jun 24, 2012
goyogi Same experience with leather here. On a 10 year old Chevy no-less and maybe conditioned the seats every few years. No cracks but one small tear that never got bigger. 1.5 years on my Volt with no issues with heated seats and no special treatment. I'm not worried about Tesla's leather seats at all.�
Jun 24, 2012
goyogi Awesome news. I was thinking it would be cool to update hill hold later. After driving the S for a while with no start up creep I'll probably get used to it but hill hold is a nice feature to have. What a great car that gets better over time!�
Jun 24, 2012
Lloyd I asked today if there was consideration to make a de-chromed option. The answer was yes, but not likely for awhile .�
Jun 24, 2012
brianman I thought the "by hand" information was regarding the Roadster and the people were merely speculating the same was true for the Model S. As such, this answer confirmed my expectations.�
Jun 27, 2012
Discoducky Hey LA drivers we still have unknowns. Maybe we could get some answers?
For instance:
Will the tech package memory option include steering wheel settings (Sport, Normal, Cadillac), telescoping and other preferences such as regen, screen brightness, driver display settings?�
Jun 28, 2012
dsm363 Excellent news. Hopefully that's something the Rangers can upgrade later on.�
Jun 28, 2012
jerry33 +1 (at least) Hopefully by the time my number comes up a lot of these nits will be picked.�
Jul 1, 2012
spatterso911 Okay, after my discussion with the engineer today (forever to remain unknown), I have learned a few answers to unknowns. Some of this may likely already be common knowledge.
The engineer handling the motorized folding mirrors is done and they will be a part of the car. This was confirmed today. They may not make it to the first deliveries, but the plan is to get them onto the car.
The car is undergoing the necessary engineering mods to install adaptive cruise control. It will be an add on option for the car.
The engineer completed an assessment of the force tolerances of the front bumper to determine the placing of proximity sensors up front and at the front corners. This is highly likely to make it as well.
Grid lines and turn guide lines for the rear camera are a software update away.
The cup holder issue is front line issue right now, and they realize that the current cup holders are a no go, given that you can�t place two reasonably sized beverages in the cup holders. They want to offer 3 or so solutions that you can select from, with a modular capability for easy installation or removal. The rear console is likely a keeper and he suggested that people could place the console in the frunk microwave (the cubby space aft of the large frunk opening).
The car originally had batteries occupying the microwave, known as the �tower of power�, but was ultimately eliminated with Panasonic announcing better batteries which allowed for the final skateboard design. This left the empty space to add to the frunk.
Software updates are rolling out every 8 weeks with possible added features, bug fixes, and possible mods to the existing functionality. This includes adding the proximity door unlocking with the key for tech package owners.
Sound system should be connected to your computer via wifi and you will be able to upload your music into the system from your computer. I was told that the guys working on this are all from Apple, using apple computers. AAC should be supported.
Roadster HPC should be able to charge the Model S, but no mention as to whether an adapter is being developed. Only that it is capable.
The nose cone was redesigned to remove the upper ridge underneath the Tesla T emblem and make for a smoother cone. This was in response to customer requests.
The car was designed with the Pano roof as standard, and the hardtop was added afterwards. It truly is the optimal configuration for the car. It definitely offers more rear headroom than the hardtop variant. The sunshade is coming for sure.
The motor is designed for a top speed of about 200 mph with proper gearing.
They are looking at upping the RPM limit to 18K vs 16K, but this is a hardware change, not software, so later builds will benefit. No timeline on when/if this will happen.
Changes to the car will likely be rolled out on a rolling basis, with later deliveries coming with them intact, and likely a retrofit program for earlier deliveries. He didn't have any details on how this would occur, but felt that people receiving deliveries after December would have a more intact product.
You can turn the car OFF via the menu. I have a photo demonstrating this.
Model X updates:
The Model X will have sunshades for the falcon door upper glass.
They are working on an elevator system to lift the floor of the frunk in the Model X so that you can easily reach items on the frunk floor.
The back up camera is located within the Tesla T on the rear hatch
They are definitely working on a carrier system for the roof of the Model X, but it will not be able to hold a carrier or ski rack per se. It will likely operate on some slider mechanism, or there will be a carrier system for the back hatch, or a hitch carrier. They are firm on the Falcon doors as they stand, no double hinges or such.
There will be a slower variant of the Model X (5.6 second). It will have a hitch.
The model on display now is a performance version (4.4 second). It does not have a hitch.�
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