I happened to notice the other day that BMW offers "security vehicles" on their international website (full of bullet holes but looking great). Considering the raw power of the P90D (+/-L), once Tesla gets up to speed with the 3 and whatever, they should consider an armored Tesla (S or X).
I don't know the specs, but let's assume the additional ballistic protection adds 2k lbs (US) then the S becomes a tad heavier than the X. So we are looking at an acceleration of an X with an S. Still damn good. Furthermore, there is no central engine block to destroy, you have 2 motors, hidden between the tires. Hard targets. Unless you have an IED, the battery pack would be hard to hit. Only issue I can think of is the Windows, since they are frameless.
Looking at armored car websites (private sales), most private companies configure vehicles with V8s with high end horsepower of 550 hp etc..., but most with 380+. Finally, there is no gas. As long as the owner keeps it plugged in, ambush risk is lowered.
Only problem I can think of is potential range, but I doubt that an executive/diplomat is worried about a long term run. The key is to survive the ambush.
I guess the car software may be an issue as well, trying the protect the car, but this is why Tesla has to make the "security vehicle," they'll probably need a software override to be initiated to get the car out of security situations. Allow the car to into single motor mode, etc....
This would really put Tesla in the same league as MB, BMW, and Audi's in the international market.
Just a thought. Maybe a paranoid one, but just a thought....
I don't know the specs, but let's assume the additional ballistic protection adds 2k lbs (US) then the S becomes a tad heavier than the X. So we are looking at an acceleration of an X with an S. Still damn good. Furthermore, there is no central engine block to destroy, you have 2 motors, hidden between the tires. Hard targets. Unless you have an IED, the battery pack would be hard to hit. Only issue I can think of is the Windows, since they are frameless.
Looking at armored car websites (private sales), most private companies configure vehicles with V8s with high end horsepower of 550 hp etc..., but most with 380+. Finally, there is no gas. As long as the owner keeps it plugged in, ambush risk is lowered.
Only problem I can think of is potential range, but I doubt that an executive/diplomat is worried about a long term run. The key is to survive the ambush.
I guess the car software may be an issue as well, trying the protect the car, but this is why Tesla has to make the "security vehicle," they'll probably need a software override to be initiated to get the car out of security situations. Allow the car to into single motor mode, etc....
This would really put Tesla in the same league as MB, BMW, and Audi's in the international market.
Just a thought. Maybe a paranoid one, but just a thought....
