The Bite Magazine - issue 16

Driving Capacity Talking about performance, the Model S’s all-electric powertrain enables it to make an impressive acceleration of 0-60 mph in 2.8 seconds; that’s a 0.01 second faster than the Bugatti, even amazingly faster than the Audi R8 Coupe and the part-electric BMW i8. It is also deemed by the automotive company as the fastest four-door saloon ever built.With no con- ventional engine to power this amazing car, the Tesla Model S relies on its two electric models (one located in the front and the other in the rear) which enable it to digitally and independently control torque to the front and rear wheels, and provide an EPA efficiency rate equivalent to 90 mpg. The Model S also operates through a battery located on the floor pan centred between the axles, giving the Tesla Model S an extremely low centre of gravity, thus reducing the risk of rollover whilst enhancing handling and performance. As one of the ‘safest cars’ on the roads thanks to its unique electric drivetrain which sits beneath the car, the Tesla Model S’s safety record is backed up by its NHTSA and Euro NCAP 5-star safety rating along with a record for the lowest likelihood of injury to occu- pants when tested in the United States. Standard active safety features include Automatic Emergency Braking, Collision Warning, Blind Spot Detection, and Lane Departure Warning, or you can choose optional convenience features such as Traffic-Aware Cruise Control, Autos- teer, Autopark and Summon which will make your driving experience simply a walk in the park. For example, if you opt for automatic steering with traffic aware cruise control, this feature would use active sensors combined with GPS and high resolution digital maps to comprise a mutually reinforced system that pilots Model S along the highway, and keeps it within the lane, even if you’re in stop and go traffic.The great thing about this system is that real time feedback from the Tesla fleet ensures that the system is continually learning and improving upon itself. Another feature which is extremely exciting and should win the hearts of car enthusiasts without effort is Autopi- lot.This unique feature helps to navigate the curve of the road, follows the flow of traffic and parks at your command, making your driving experience not only safer, but stress free. It allows the Model S to steer within a lane, change lanes with the simple tap of a turn signal and manage speed by using active, traf- fic-aware cruise control. You’ll be pleased to know that this feature can also help avoid collisions from the front and side due to the aluminium pillars reinforced with steel rails as well as prevent the car from wandering off the road thanks to the digital control of motors, brakes and steering. And, it will even scan for a parking space and alert you when one is available. Interior Since there is no internal conventional engine inside the Model S, being a fully all-electric model, this opens up addi- tional cargo space and offers a more spacious cabin that would fit five adults and two children with the availability of bite cars Images courtesy of Tesla