Consumer Reports video compares Tesla Model S vs. BMW i8 (Spoiler: No comparison)
Founder, Publisher, and Editorial Director of the 925, LLC publications.
Seth Weintraub is an award-winning engineer, journalist, and publisher who won back-to-back Neal Awards from 2007–2010 during his three-plus years covering Apple and Google at IDG’s Computerworld.
From 2010-2011, Weintraub covered all things Google for Fortune Magazine, amassing an impressive rolodex of Google contacts and a love for Silicon Valley tech culture.
It turns out that his hobby – the 9to5Mac news site – was always his favorite, and in 2011, he went full time adding his Fortune Google followers to 9to5Google, in addition to adding the style and commerce component of 9to5Toys gear and deals site. In 2013, Weintraub bought one of Tesla’s first Model S EVs off of the assembly line, which began his love affair with electric vehicles and green energy — this, in turn, became Electrek in 2014. To cover the burgeoning world of drones and UAVs led by China’s DJI, DroneDJ was born in 2018, and then more recently, Connectthewatts and SpaceExplored were launched to cover connected fitness and space.
From 1997-2007, Weintraub was a Global IT director and Web Developer for a number of companies, with stints at multimedia and branding agencies in Paris, Los Angeles, New York, Sydney, Hong Kong, Madrid, and London before becoming a publisher/writer.
Seth received a bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the University of Southern California with a minor in Multimedia and Creative Technology in 1997. In 2004, he received a Master’s from NYU’s Tisch School of the Art’s ITP program.
Weintraub is a licensed single-engine private pilot and a certified open-water scuba diver, and he spent over a year backpacking to 60 cities in 23 countries. Whatever free time exists is now guaranteed to his wonderful girlfriend, Alana, and two amazing sons.
More: About.me. BI 2014 profile.
Tips: seth@925.co, or llsethj on Threads/BlueSky or link at top of page.
Although it has already leaked more than a few times, here is the official Blog post. Absent are some of the pre-announced features like music improvements:
Today, we’re announcing details about new software being delivered to Model S customers through an over-the-air update. The new features further personalize the Model S ownership experience and help make the car smarter about owners’ individual preferences. This is the latest in a series of software updates issued since we launched Model S in 2012, enabling new features such as hill start assist, smart suspension controls, and energy saving sleep mode.
The Software v6.0 update introduces traffic-based navigation and commute advice, provides an in-car view of daily schedules, enables location-based air suspension settings, and allows owners to name their Model S and start it remotely using their mobile phone.
New features include:
Traffic-Based Navigation (BETA)
The Model S navigation system will be a lot smarter. Navigation will now provide route suggestions based on real-time traffic and calculate estimated travel times accordingly. It will also update dynamically as traffic conditions change throughout your trip. This feature will also take into account traffic data shared by other Tesla vehicles on the road.Commute Advice
Navigation isn’t particularly useful when commuting between home and work because most of us usually know the way. But if traffic has an effect on a typical route, it’s helpful to know in advance. Now, Model S will monitor traffic before you even start your weekday commute and alert you with a pop-up message on the 17-inch touchscreen when a faster route is available.Calendar (BETA)
Model S will synch with your smartphone to bring you a large in-car view of your daily schedule. If you’ve already set locations for particular events, you don’t have to worry about re-entering the details into your car’s navigation system. Instead, you can just tap on the event in your calendar to bring up route directions.Remote Start
You will have the ability to start your Model S using only your smartphone. This function, which is particularly useful if you forget your key fob, will be accessible through the Tesla mobile app and requires you to input your password for each use.Location-Based Air Suspension
If you regularly drive on roads or driveways that require higher than normal clearance, your Model S will remember where you previously selected high ride heights and automatically adjust the air suspension at those locations. This feature will be especially handy for people who have steep driveways. (Model S must be equipped with air suspension for this function to work.)Name Your Car
You can now make your Model S nickname official. The car’s name will appear in the Tesla mobile app and in the About Your Tesla section on the touchscreen.Power Management Options
A new power management option will put Model S into energy saving mode at night to help maximize available energy. There’ll also be an option that allows the Tesla mobile app to always connect immediately to the car, while still saving power.This software update represents Tesla’s commitment to improving Model S for customers even long after it has left the assembly line. With each update, Model S becomes more attuned and responsive to its owner’s needs without requiring excessive user input. We will continuously fine-tune the software and work on new features in response to customer feedback.
A TeslaMotorsForums member found some new features in the new Model S 6.0 manual. The first, Speed Assist, actually captures speed limit signs as you are driving around and then tells you via the speedometer display how fast over the speed limit you are going. it also appears to geocache these from other Model S owners into a database from which Tesla can pull and confirm the speed limits.
The ‘Lane Departure’ feature is a little bit more useful (below). Like in some other cars, it detects when you are drifting into another lane and warns you.
Both features become available when the car is travelling over 30 miles per hour.
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Official Gigafactory address to be: Electric Avenue, McCarran, Nevada
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 11, 2014
TOKYO — Tesla Motors plans to develop its own autonomous driving system, with part of the technology to be introduced in three years, said Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk.”Full auto-pilot capability is going to happen, probably, in the five- or six-year time frame,” the head of the U.S. electric vehicle manufacturer told The Nikkei on Monday. “The overall system and software will be programmed by Tesla, but we will certainly use sensors and subcomponents from many companies,” Musk said.
Tesla aims to get a head start by incorporating some of the technology in a new electric vehicle slated to go into production around three years from now, he added. This car is expected to be priced at around $35,000.
(abbreviated video below)
To be honest, I think CEO Elon Musk was always planning for Nevada. There are lithium mines there. IT is a short rail ride away from Tesla’s Fremont, CA plant. The other states and redundant ground breaking was to get a better deal and keep the politicians honest.
It would appear it worked. Tesla got a sweet $1.25B tax package to build in Nevada. Breakdown below

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVojflgCwT4]
In this video, Nick Howe, author of ‘Owning Model S’, offers some tips and tricks for Tesla owners. Have you ever wondered how to reboot the displays, find extra storage, improve interior lighting, learn more about the key fob, fuse box, battery pack, chargeport, and moreFrom the author of
The Gigafactory location was the topic of discussion when I went on Bloomberg in February. A few reasons I thought it is Nevada’s to lose:
The AP Reports today:
Tesla has chosen an industrial park outside Reno to build its battery “gigafactory,” a person familiar with Tesla’s plans said Wednesday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no official announcement had been made — that was scheduled for Thursday afternoon at Nevada’s Capitol.
…
Aside from low tax rates and business-friendly workplace laws, Nevada offers plenty of sun and wind to generate “green” power, and relative proximity to the company’s car manufacturing plant in the San Francisco Bay Area.
The industrial park 15 miles east of Reno also is near a deposit of lithium, an essential element to produce the battery cells.
Profiled in the WSJ, the Formula E series will be an interesting series this year. Besides the lack of internal combustion sound, the biggest difference will be the pit stops which will have the driver actually hop into another car rather than getting fueled up.
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBEbv7OIQ_8]
This product looks like a great product for that last kilometer of travel like at airports, train stations to home, etc. It isn’t real yet (Kickstarter obv.) but it doesn’t look that hard to do. As always, the devil is in the details.

Movpak via Techcrunch
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tHmGSwrgxA]
Oh man, looks like so much fun.
Not only is the car redesigned but claimed to get more than double the current 85Mile range. The design is definitely more pleasing though I have to wonder what that huge front grill is all about.
Nissan is hard at work developing the next-generation Leaf, focusing on improving the range with new battery tech and – as our exclusive images show – a more conventional look. The new car is expected to be on sale late in 2016, with prices starting around £17,000…Nissan bosses are promising new battery technology is on the way, with better energy density for a more usable pure electric vehicle. A figure of about 186 miles is likely to be the target.
[tweet https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/503077090803986432]
Surely there had to be a better way? Personally, I’ve never wanted for much of this but I’ve also never had cars that had these features in the past either. Full ad pasted below:
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[tweet https://twitter.com/arthurandpuff/status/502199076478128128]
It’s a nice design but they will need a lot more surface area to be effective.

You don’t often trot out the word ‘Biblical’ when talking about a construction sites but a Reno developer saw fit:
“Building that pad in three and a half weeks was biblical,” Gilman said. “Work has not stopped. There’s still ongoing things, building catch basins, rerouting flood control, bank stabilization. But the pad is finished. It’s ready.”
There are some impressive new updates as part of Tesla’s long-anticipated OS 6.0 update shown in the above screenshots sent to us by a tipster. Maps/Navigation and Calendar app are probably the most important but the big surprise as you can see in slide 1 above is that Tesla will allow users to start and drive the Model S from the iPhone without a key. It appears that an Android version via app update will follow in the coming month.
Tesla V6 software upload coming soon. Need to make sure it is "awesome" – Lord Business
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 9, 2014
While the update is big, it does not include some of the bigger items that iPhone-using CEO Elon Musk has promised for the platform including Android Virtual Machine, Voice controlled song selection, additional suspension control and more.
Thanks Michael!
https://vine.co/v/M3d5KmUTzq2
More racing and less preaching. Who made that copy up anyway? Shell Oil?
A Chevy to compete with Tesla’s Model X and S? Maybe not. But Chevy is building a 200-mile range EV that will likely be pice competitive with the Tesla Model 3 when it comes out in 2017.
The Sonic-based EV will reportedly have a 200 mile range, which will presumably come from the new battery that LG Chem (battery supplier for the Volt) is working on right now. That will arrive in 2016, which suggests that the Sonic EV won’t be introduced until at least that date. The Sonic EV will also be built in Michigan, which will allow GM to gain regulatory credits for selling a pure EV that is also made in America. The Chevrolet Spark EV, which is built in Korea, is not eligible, and has a range of just 82 miles.
GM better start building some Superchargers pretty quick because 200 miles is nice but ability to travel anywhere is much much nicer.

The video shows the backside and not much more. We’ve already heard that the battery will be slightly bigger in capacity and perhaps lighter but not much else.
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNY6VhGzfA0]
Steve Saleen previews the result of his newest partnership with the trend-setting electric vehicle manufacturer, Tesla. This high performance electric will run $150-grand and can be ordered now, arriving to customers in 6-8 weeks.
Personally, I’m not a fan of the outward appearance (inside isn’t bad) and he quotes 0-60 time of mid-4 seconds which seems like Saleen must’ve slowed the speed down a bit?
Gallery and press release below:
Saleen Automotive Inc. (OTCQB: SLNN) Monterey, CA – (August 17, 2014)
From the same automotive performance brand that brought the true American Supercar, the S7, Saleen has once again set precedence for a vehicle of epic proportions. The Tesla Model S based Saleen FOURSIXTEEN performance electric car was shown for the first time at the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
“Tesla has created an entirely new class of American automobile”, explained Steve Saleen. “There are many similarities to this and how Ford created the ‘pony car’ class in 1964 with the Mustang, which is how these vehicles stand out from the rest of the pack.”
Standing out from the pack is Saleen’s specialty. Whether it’s their winning racing pedigree, expertly engineered Saleen vehicles, or instantly recognizable design. The Saleen legacy is perfectly packaged into the FOURSIXTEEN Model S and hinges on the mantra for the performance luxury electric car that ‘status quo won’t do’.
Purposefully advanced design
From the outside, the FOURSIXTEEN is a harmonious blend of aerodynamic aggressiveness and subtle classiness. Applying the same championship Saleen DNA used over the last three decades, Saleen has created a car that can drive the streets of Monaco and set records at Laguna Seca. From the Saleen crafted front fascia to the carbon fiber rear diffuser, the FOURSIXTEEN aerodynamic design is as inspired as it is functional.
Front aero management vents helps ensure that the Saleen FOURSIXTEEN model maintains a low pressure field as air acceleration increases around the chassis. Assisting the lower aero management is the unique V-shaped hood architecture efficiently directing hot air away from the drivetrain cooling system all while generating valuable downforce across the front section.
The rear fascia design finalizes the aerodynamic system as air moves across the cabin and onto the Saleen designed high-downforce decklid mounted spoiler. Mid-chassis air is directed across the carbon fiber accents stretching between the taillights. Supplying rear wake diffusion is a Saleen diffuser design that boosts aerodynamic downforce capability.
Electrified Performance
Just like the rest of the Saleen lineup, this car is more than just an eye catching aerodynamic package. Propelling the new FOURSIXTEEN is the 3-phase, four pole AC induction motor and copper rotor with the upgraded Saleen drivetrain including an all-new 11.39:1 final gear ratio for quicker acceleration. Also new for the FOURSIXTEEN is a Saleen specific MAXGRIPTM locking differential that allows each wheel to efficiently apply rotational force and maximize traction and grip in performance environments. All of the Saleen engineered driveline components increase efficiencies in torque management, give a track capable throttle response, and provide faster acceleration. Overall the FOURSIXTEEN is a well-balanced vehicle and sounds great too!
Electric motor cooling has also been made more productive from the Saleen high-efficiency drivetrain cooling system. Comprising the system is a larger volume radiator, upsampled cooling fans, and a high-flow water pump to help maintain consistent temperatures in more stressful performance applications.
“Electric drivetrains are unique in that they can generate an incredible amount of torque at zero RPM”, detailed Sven Etzelsberger, VP Advanced Engineering. “Our challenge was really to find methods to manage the energy that is generated by the electric motor and rotor assembly. With the FOURSIXTEEN we have successfully found a comprehensive solution to increase performance and harness power in an efficient manner.”
Suspension
Saleen’s design and engineering teams worked together to ensure a functional suspension that doesn’t sacrifice ride quality. The Saleen specific S4 track-calibrated suspension includes a monotube coilover, which works in conjunction with an S4 sway bar setup to increase cornering agility without sacrificing ride quality. The FOURSIXTEEN suspension system can also be ordered in a fully adjustable configuration, allowing the driver to easily increase stiffness for a day at the track and revert to a more streetable setting with simple adjustments.
The Stability Control System has also undergone a track tested performance enhancement. A software change gives the FOURSIXTEEN better cornering response and drivability by allowing the driver to maintain power as traction and vehicle weight distribution change.
Working together with the stability control software, wheel, tire, and S4 suspension system are the Saleen-specific brakes. The standard brake package in the FOURSIXTEEN include 14” 2-piece aluminum hat vented rotors and multi-piston front calipers with performance brake pads. An optional upgrade is the carbon ceramic disc brake system for maximum braking, cooling, and weight reduction. Saleen designed wheels fill out the wheel openings and add an air of performance luxury. All of this combined with the ZR-spec tires make sure the car will hug the corners, accelerate true in the straights, and stop effortlessly when needed.
Supercar inspired interior
The interior refinements of the Saleen FOURSIXTEEN are abundant. From the handpicked leather palette to the carbon fiber dash accents, the cabin environment is as supercar stylish as it is functionally chic. Starting with the seating, black leather is contrasted by perforated leather accents and Alcantara suede inlays providing a true luxury atmosphere.
“Our theme of an electric four-seat supercar really comes to life with the interior of this car”, said Sean Smith, Design Director. “Our design team spent a lot of time evaluating different materials, fitments, and finishes to accomplish the refined interior design of the FOURSIXTEEN while still keeping the modern sports car inspiration intact. I think the result is appropriate for this new class of electric American performance cars.”
A new center console has also been integrated into the interior redesign. This functional aspect gives the driver and front passenger additional center storage, a personal electronic device pocket, and a much needed cupholder all within arm’s reach.
Continuing the track-inspired exterior enhancements, the front and rear seating have been remolded to produce four full bucket seats complete with added bolstering to create a discerning interior that is fittingly built around the driver and passengers. Marrying the seating design to the rest of the cockpit are the Saleen tailor-made door panels and a full leather-wrapped dash both artistically complimented with hand sewn contrast stitching. The final stroke of interior craftsmanship draws attention to the seat shells which have been color matched to the black leather, creating a dynamic modern feel in the rear cabin.
Availability, Pricing and Additional Information
MSRP for the FOURSIXTEEN model is set to start at $152,000 for the complete vehicle, which includes the base P85Model S sedan. This is priced before existing state and federal EV incentives which can range from $7,500 to $15,000 depending on the buyers state (i.e. A California resident would pay $142,000.00).
Warranties are also included on all new Saleen vehicles, components, and labor. Each newly purchased Saleen FOURSIXTEEN will include a 4-year / 50,000 mile warranty to match the manufacturer backed limited warranty.
Purchases for this all new electric vehicle can be placed by contacting Saleen directly for an expedited ordering process of the Saleen FOURSIXTEEN. Orders are now being taken for the FOURSIXTEEN with delivery 6-8 weeks following order confirmation and receipt.
Alternatively, individual FOURSIXTEEN components are also available for Model S owners that are looking to just add a touch of performance or styling to their current vehicle without the desire for a serialized version. Installation can be scheduled through the Saleen Performance Parts division. For more information visit www.saleen.com