Following a Tesla Model S (Alpha) in the Palo Alto hills, CA.

[Jaff]

I don't agree...I've driven nothing but hybrids since 2005...(still have one that the Model S will replace next year).

Back in 2005 when hybrids were "new", you did surprise many folks at parking lot speeds...now days, not a big deal unless the pedestrian is listening to an ipod...

I'm actually going to be genuinely concerned for cyclists and pedestrians in general when I'd inevitably sneak up on them in my quiet Model S. The road noise from the tires may be audible but, probably not enough. I've had those quiet hybrids themselves sneak up on me in parking lots and such.

 

[Norbert]

I still like the special muted pedestrian horn of the EV1 and Volt. Hope Tesla incorporates that concept on this one.

That's what I've been thinking. Two horns, the usually one, and a muted one which you can use to get noticed by pedestrians and cyclists.

 

[zack]

Very fun and impressive original post. Thanks!

 

[vfx]

Looked like a SUV to me but this guy says it's a BMW Z4

http://thespeculativetechinvestor.blogspot.com/2011/08/looking-to-write-blog-post-on-fisker.html