AWD orders?

[DITB]

Really? I read on TMC 3.5 seconds for this value.

This is not an official test car, but an internal hacked production car. I am not sure how much for fun, and how much for testing, but I'd like to try it for sure. There could be more iterations, I have only heard of this one. The 3.5 second car would probably be a hacked and tuned production, still 2WD?

 

[Yggdrasill]

I may be going nuts.

I had a dream last night about Tesla announcing the AWD Model S. It was coming spring 2015, and the front motor had a two speed transmission + neutral, for improving both the acceleration *and* top speed, and for disconnecting the motor for energy efficiency. Don't know where my brain came up with the idea - but I like it. Places like Germany would love a 300 km/h top speed and everyone would love better acceleration. The heat would also be distributed better across two motors, allowing higher continuous power output and better track-characteristics.

I was sad to wake up and realize it was a dream.

 

[WarpedOne]

With two motors a transmission is not necessary.
One motor has low gear ratio for high speed power, the other has high gearing for low speed operation and a clutch for disconnect at high speeds to prevent disintegration.

 

[Yggdrasill]

Well, there are benefits to a two speed transmission:

- You can leave the current RWD drive unit completely unmodified.
- You get the heat distribution across two motors. So instead of ~69 kW continuous power, maybe 120 kW? (This translates to both better track characteristics and higher cruising top speed. Today you get power limit somewhere around 100 mph constant speed.)
- Significantly better acceleration *and* top speed, instead of either one or the other, or marginal improvements to both.

 

[WarpedOne]

Today you get power limit somewhere around 100 mph constant speed

Not to cast doubt on you but what is the source for this?

 

[Yggdrasill]

Not to cast doubt on you but what is the source for this?

It's a guesstimate based on the amount of available continuous power (69 kW), and the amount of energy required to overcome the air resistance. The guesstimate is of course not entirely accurate. Weather, season, tire pressure, etc will affect the figure.

 

[WarpedOne]

It's a guesstimate based on the amount of available continuous power (69 kW)

This is another "what is the source of this datum?"

 

[Evbwcaer]

Bjorn went 130 mph for an hour I believe, at least 40 minutes, on the autobahn. That drained his 85, it was not heat that stopped him, that was all the battery could deliver.

Optimal speed | Forums | Tesla Motors

 

[Yggdrasill]

This is another "what is the source of this datum?"

The Model S is registered with a 69 kW (or 52 kW) motor in Europe (or at least here in Norway). For instance: Random Model S

When this first was noticed here, some emails were sent to the registration office, and they explained that as part of the vehicle type approval, the motor is rated according to ISO 612, which specifies "max continuous power". This is 69 kW for the performance version and 52 kW for the non-performance.

- - - Updated - - -

Bjorn went 130 mph for an hour I believe, at least 40 minutes, on the autobahn. That drained his 85, it was not heat that stopped him, that was all the battery could deliver.

Optimal speed | Forums | Tesla Motors

That doesn't correspond with what I remember Bjorn saying. Driving on the autobahn at 130 mph for any prolonged period is very difficult - you'll constantly be running into traffic. 130 km/h, however, yes, that's very likely.

 

[caddieo]

Any possibility that they may combine the AWD with a complete body re-do? In other words a new model to follow Gen 3 as a replacement for the S?

 

[WarpedOne]

The Model S is registered with a 69 kW (or 52 kW) motor in Europe (or at least here in Norway). For instance: Random Model S

Interesting, from the same site:
Nissan Leaf 80 KW (109 HK)
VW UP 60kW (82HK)
VW GOLF 85kW (116HK)

I would not dare to claim 69kW is max continous power of MS. Something else must be going on that explains these numbers better.

 

[Matias]

Discharging at High Speed (100 mph)

Horst98 drove 181,6km with average speed 165 km/h.

He had to slow down couple of time because of roadworks, but that was average speed. Top speed during that trip was 200km/h.

He could have driven faster, but he wanted to keep constant discharge rate below 1C.

 

[caddieo]

^^^^^^
Mods - I think we're off topic.

 

[Robert.Boston]

Any possibility that they may combine the AWD with a complete body re-do? In other words a new model to follow Gen 3 as a replacement for the S?

No. Tesla has enough on its plate without redesigning its very successful flagship product. The existing body design can accommodate the front wheel drive components.