Don't get me wrong, I'm not doubting for a minute I'd be seriously impressed, and I'm gutted I missed out trying one - I'd really like to experience one.

I just think it looks naff for the price, inside and out. The battery seems to be the only reason to consider a Tesla, right? So 'if' I were in the market for a car such as a Tesla I'd wait for a more established brand to come to the party.

Ah yes. I think I remember the car. We probably did meet -- I'm hopeless at remembering names and faces.

Totally with you there. I frequently have moments like that in my S8, and it never gets boring. I just love the smooth power delivery and the roar of the V8; no EV could ever replace that.

My opinion of Teslas, pre-Snowdonia, was exactly the same as yours. While the acceleration is instant, it is also very smooth. But they're so much more than just a quick electric car. You really have to experience it for yourself. Trust me, you'll be glad you did.

I have to agree, outwardly the styling could be improved upon. From some angles, in the right colour, I think it's quite stunning, but it does look a bit of a mishmash of a few different cars, and I'm not so keen on the front-end styling. I did rather like the interior though; it befitted the futuristic feel of the driving experience.

I'm sure - as you work for part of the Audi network - Tesla would be delighted to let you try one. Just let me know, and I'll put you in touch +++

Tesla were actually at Audi not long ago, never asked why.

Thanks for the offer, TinTin. I'd have no intention of buying one, I'd merely be satisfying curiosity so I won't take you up on it but should we have another one at a meet, I'd love to try one at a ride and drive day type event.

Here y'go Jim...
 

- another petrolhead pro-Tesla article ;)

https://www.carthrottle.com/post/how...ctive-on-cars/

Amar is right, lets wait and see what the big marques come up with.
Porsche is already jumping in, and interior wise it looks much better than Tesla S.
Acceleration is on par, maybe only 0.2s slower.

http://www.porsche.com/microsite/mis...aspx#/interior

Some things I don't like though. No.1 they are planning to use permanent magnet motors.
Shame, there are much better technologies out there superior to even Tesla's motor.
Chorus motor or Reluctance motor > Asynchronous motor > Permanent magnet motor

Second thing is the doors that open like a Rolls royce phantom, does not look good or sporty.

And the stance is too low. It looks amazing sure, but I want to be able to go over speed bumps and not bottom out over potholes :)

But the Europeans don't like them apparently
 

As you may recall Jim, when we were in the Tesla I pointed out the rather underwhelming interior and said that they would be competing with equivalent cost vehicles such as top model BMWs etc.......

"BMW i3 outsold Model S more than 30% in Germany through August"

Surprising! The i3 looks terrible (at least to me) and has really narrow tyres mostly for range, which I think was a bad idea.
Interior looks good though.