LA Times' Dan Neil gushes over Tesla Roadster
Calling it dead-sexy, L.A. Times' Pulitzer-winning auto critic Dan Niel drained the batteries on a Tesla Roadster but came away with a positive charge in his heart and soul. In a video that accompanies his written review, Neil said, "You know, it's easy to the lose sight of the fact that this is really a historic automobile at a historic time." Allowed only a few minutes in the car in a tight urban setting, Neil poured on the volts to reach 85mph in short bursts. Neil wasn't allowed to use First gear, which would have really snapped his neck, but he assured readers that cranking the car up and over 100mph would be easy. No doubt Neil is a fan of the car and even came up with a slogan for its owners: "Stupid fun for smart people."[Source: Dan Neil / L.A. Times]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Wraith 6:02PM (11/30/2006)
"...for smart people"? Does buying an electric car (putting aside the high price, limited quantities, and pint size of the Tesla) mean that one is likely smarter than those who don't? Isn't it more a matter of preferences and priorities than being 'smart' that would lead one to buy an electric vehicle?
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Tim 8:56PM (11/30/2006)
I think the most important thing Tesla and other EV & PHEV startups are doing is proving that there is a market for these vehicles. Once this is shown to be a winner, the big players will jump on board... maybe.
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Tony Belding 8:09AM (12/01/2006)
I'm having a hard time thinking of anyone yet who has ridden in the Tesla Roadster and didn't brag on it. (re: Winding Road, Automobile, Autocar) It's almost eerie how unanimous the sentiments are. I didn't necessarily expect to see bad reviews, but the lack of less-than-gushing reviews is remarkable.
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