CARS OF THE WORLD

Tesla PLAID with steering wheel.

Tesla PLAID with steering wheel. The updated Tesla Model S received a steering wheel instead of a steering wheel and crazy dynamics.

Simultaneously with the publication of quarterly reports, Tesla began accepting orders for updated Model S and Model X electric vehicles, the preparation of which it tried to hide for the announcement.

The most memorable change in the interior of the new cars was the steering wheel of an unusual shape, as well as the appearance of three displays, including one for the back row passengers.

In its quest to stand out from its competitors, Tesla has abandoned the canonical steering wheel shape, although such plans could have been guessed earlier from the images of the interior of the new version of the Roadster sports car, which was unveiled in 2017.

The new control is more like a steering wheel, it is devoid of the upper section — for better visibility, according to Tesla.

The display, replacing the traditional dashboard, has become more compact, but due to the absence of steering wheel parts overlapping it, information is more convenient to read.

At the bottom, the steering wheel rim changes the radius of curvature, leaving more room for the driver’s knees.

All this creates a feeling of «inevitable rudimentarity» of this control, it now looks more like a game pad or an airplane steering wheel.

The central display has a landscape orientation and a resolution of 2200 × 1300 pixels with a diagonal of 17 inches, as well as the ability to rotate left and right.

The on-board software support for games has made the use of the central display for entertainment relevant, even support for wireless game controllers is provided.

A third 8-inch display is integrated in the center console behind the armrest, giving rear passengers access to the controls they need and allowing them to focus on their own entertainment.

All seats of the updated electric vehicle are provided with platforms for wireless charging of mobile devices and USB-C ports, which are capable of powering even a laptop.

In the base version, the Tesla Model S offers heated all seats, while the front ones are also ventilated. The steering wheel and windshield are heated, and a tinted glass roof is provided.

The HEPA filter is combined with a three-zone climate control, there is an ambient interior lighting. The boot lid is electrically operated.

Externally, the Tesla Model S has changed slightly, the differences from the previous version can only be noticed by connoisseurs.

The base version of the Tesla Model S is offered for $ 79,990, it is able to travel 659 km without recharging, the maximum speed is 248 km / h, and it takes 3.1 seconds to accelerate to 96 km / h.

Such machines are offered only in four-wheel drive version with two electric motors.

The three-engine versions now belong exclusively to the Plaid or Plaid + version, which received improved electric motors and traction batteries from the brand’s «younger» compact electric vehicles, as well as a heat pump, which allows more efficient cooling of the power plant at dynamic acceleration.

The redesigned Tesla Model S as a result withstands five times as many quarter-mile rides with maximum acceleration than its predecessor.

The Plaid variant for $ 119,990 combines 624 kilometers on a single charge, a top speed of 320 km / h and an acceleration time to 96 km / h in no more than 1.99 seconds.

Power plant power increased to 1020 horsepower. The Plaid + variant is able to cover a quarter mile (400 m) in less than 9 seconds, its power plant has been increased to 1100 horsepower, and the maximum speed is limited to the same 320 km / h.

The older Tesla Model S modification is priced at $ 139,990 and can travel more than 832 km without recharging. Production of the refreshed Tesla Model S will launch this quarter, and sales will begin soon.

The Tesla Model X crossover was also updated in an identical way, it received three displays in the interior and an unusual-shaped steering wheel, retaining a panoramic roof that goes into the windshield, as well as the possibility of a third row of seats.

This electric car can be ordered in one of two trim levels, which will be all-wheel drive in any case.

The base one for $ 89,990 will offer 576 km of run on a single charge, a top speed of 248 km / h, the crossover accelerates to 96 km / h in 3.8 seconds.

The Plaid package offers three electric motors instead of two, the total power of the power plant reaches 1020 horsepower.

On a single charge, the older version is capable of driving 544 km, the maximum speed reaches 261 km / h, and the car accelerates to 96 km / h in 2.5 seconds.

The release of the updated Tesla Model X crossovers will also be launched this quarter.