JohnSnowNW
Active Member
I think the more interesting question is, why is Tesla using the correct method for 70, 70D, 85 and 85D models but not for P85D? On the order page they don't show motor power anymore except P85D. Other models only show actual achieved hp but not motor power. P85D shows only motor power* but not actual hp. Because this is a recent change, it shows they are aware it was misleading and they are try improve. They fixed the problem for other models but not for P85D. Why not? Because those other models already had the lower number as well. P85D didn't. Somehow 550 hp was forgotten from the beginning.
* motor power = Horsepower the motor is capable of producing by design in a lab environment when attached to a perfect power source. For example S70 and S85 share the same motor that could theoretically produce 382 hp. However with the 70 kWh battery it produces 315 hp and with the 85 kWh battery it produces 373 hp. These numbers (382 hp, 315 hp, 373 hp) are shown on the Model S page on Tesla website.
As I have already stated several posts back, the explanation is that performance vehicles are marketed differently. Manufacturers try to differentiate their performance models from their base models to make them seem more appealing. The metrics I showed for the Chevy Camaro are a good example.
In Tesla's case, they are simply using metrics employed by other manufacturers they are competing against. If, say, Dodge is using "BHP" for the Hellcat (they are) but Tesla uses the equivalent of "WHP" then the Hellcat is going to look more desirable from a performance perspective.
Advertising is aimed at the lowest common denominator, and frankly most consumers are quite ignorant. Tesla has to compete in this industry, and that means they have to use similar metrics of vehicles they are competing against.
Anyway, hopefully the letter gives Tesla a chance to respond...I'm not sure it does, but it would be nice to put this issue to bed. Not that I don't expect people to find something else to nit-pick down the road.
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