2. ο½ Car and Driver magazine recently named the 2015 Tesla
Model S 70D, a twin-motor electric vehicle, as the Car of
the 21st Century. The title previously belonged to the
Tesla Model S 60. According to the article, the car breaks
many of the stereotypes about electric cars due to its
luxury sedan design, comfortable interior, and an
impressive performance on the road. The Model S 70D is
an all-wheel drive vehicle, which improves power
efficiency and handling.
The twin alternating current (AC) motors generate 257
horsepower on each axle and boast a combined total
power output of 406 pound-feet of torque. A 70-kilowatt-
hour battery pack built into the floor gives a range of 240
miles, which may vary depending on road conditions and
driving styles.
3. ο½ An aluminum body and chassis make the car 177
pounds lighter than its predecessor.
The magazine compared the vehicle to the
Mercedes S550, but noted that the Tesla is
superior in terms of both cornering and top
speed. While the car starts at $75,000, owners
save a great deal on gas. The test vehicle was
driven 630 miles and required 14 charges, which
totaled an estimated $30. In comparison, a
standard premium luxury car would require at
least four pricey refueling stops in order to cover
the same distance.