the diff

[doug]

Anyone know what kind of differential they're using in the Model S. Are they still using an open diff like in the Roadster or have they gone with some sort of limited slip design. Of course with modern stability and traction control, the brakes can be used to make an effective limited-slip with a mechanically open diff. Just curious what they're using.

 

[Doug_G]

Anyone know what kind of differential they're using in the Model S. Are they still using an open diff like in the Roadster or have they gone with some sort of limited slip design. Of course with modern stability and traction control, the brakes can be used to make an effective limited-slip with a mechanically open diff. Just curious what they're using.

I was told by an engineer at the factory event that the gearbox was essentially identical to the Roadster's.

 

[doug]

I was told by an engineer at the factory event that the gearbox was essentially identical to the Roadster's.

That would have been my guess. Thanks.

 

[dhrivnak]

I was always a big fan of limited slip differentials. BUT the traction control in the Roadster seems to work better than any limited slip I ever owned. So after my experience so far I am rethinking what is needed for traction control.

 

[UCrazyKid]

Confirmed today at the Tesla showroom that has a Model S chassis on display that it is an open diff and will not be offering a LSD in any of the trim levels. Bummer, a car with a 0-60 time of 4.4 sec should have a proper mechanical LSD. No matter how good an electronic LSD is (and I've had them in my 911 and ISF) they are not as good as a mechanical. If you are using the breaks (on one wheel), it is slowing you down out of a corner.

 

[spatterso911]

Confirmed today at the Tesla showroom that has a Model S chassis on display that it is an open diff and will not be offering a LSD in any of the trim levels. Bummer, a car with a 0-60 time of 4.4 sec should have a proper mechanical LSD. No matter how good an electronic LSD is (and I've had them in my 911 and ISF) they are not as good as a mechanical. If you are using the breaks (on one wheel), it is slowing you down out of a corner.

This should only affect you at the track. Real world driving, it won't make any *diff* whether its electronic or mechanical.

 

[UCrazyKid]

I respectfully disagree. Having owned cars both with and without LSDs they have a noticeable impact when driving on the street in a spirited fashion (as expected in a car that turns a 4.4 sec 0-60) on tight turns, wet roads, mountain roads, etc. My Honda S2000 at $35,000 with stock LSD had infinitely better traction out of a corner than my $90,ooo Porsche 911 that only had an electronic LSD.

 

[smorgasbord]

I had my '66 Jag E-Type outfitted with a Torsen hypoid bevel gear differential (see http://www.torsen.com/products/T-1.htm). A very sweet upgrade.