We got in the area way earlier than planned, so even after eating lunch at the hotel, had time to follow one of the test vehicles around the route to get a feel for things prior to driving it myself. Good thing they were limiting the Model S speed, or would have been tough to catch up a few times!
Test drove the white Performance initially, then shortly after that got a 2nd lap in the silver Performance (this time as a passenger)
Acceleration and handling were impressive, although I don't think I'd ever use a setting other than 'sport' for steering -- copilot set it to the other settings briefly to get an idea of the play in the other modes.
Both displays were crystal clear, even in the light with the sunroof open. Forward looking view is unobstructed, but the rear view is a bit pinched -- but as a NY cabbie will tell you "What is behind me is not important!" :wink:
As others have mentioned, the rear seat belts are on par with the quality of safety belts on a carnival ride -- not comfortable, quirky locking behavior, rough feeling material.
Open sunroof and stereo seemed to be a good combination at higher volume levels, but forgot to grab my USB drive with some better sample music, oh well.
Handling in the 2 curving freeway off-ramps was great, way too easy to catch up to other vehicles there, so had to make sure to stay WAY back before entering the turns.
Lucked out as far as the weather goes, got rained on in the AM in Arlington, then on the way home in the afternoon, torrential downpours around DC. Not sure if anyone got to test out the traction and visibility in adverse weather, would be interesting to hear how the ride was when caught in one of the thunderstorms.
Friend that came along for the test drive who is looking to buy a convertible and was leaning towards an Audi, but now he has fallen in love with the Roadster that showed up between test drives.
Put a few pics from the drive and ride-along on FB here:
Tesla Model S Test Drive
The video I took as a passenger ended up split into 2 parts (switched from video to still frame while at the light turning around at the end of 370):
http://youtu.be/nlFm9QalGeU
http://youtu.be/wPxxsQn_dME
After taking the one turn a bit over 50 on my lap, the other driver took it up a notch (appears topped out around 56):
Overall, awesome way to spend the afternoon, can't wait to take delivery (hopefully in a few short months!) :biggrin: