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Tesla will build a cheaper, less powerful AWD Model S. But it will still be as powerful as a Porsche 911 Turbo.
14 Comments on “While You Were Sleeping: April 8th, 2015...”
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So following the link… Cadillac XT5. (Eye roll)
The listing of competitors (via – Detroit News) the thing that struck me is that nearly all (save the Lexus RX) have a vestigial 3rd row.
The MKX does not either.
Actually, the Lexus RX competes with a number of dedicated mid-sized FWD-based crossovers that sacrifice a third row for the sake of styling. The newest RX appears to be long enough to support a third row, but the extremely-slanted D-pillar makes that impractical. The RX’s closest competitors are the Cadillac SRX and Lincoln MKX. On the less-premium side, it competes with upper trims of the Nissan Murano and Ford Edge. And even though they’re somewhat different in construction (RWD-based and quite a bit more rugged), lesser trims of the Volkswagen Touareg, Mercedes-Benz M/GLE-Class and (barely) the X5 also sort of compete in this arena. I believe the X5 does have a third row, but it’s really quite useless…more of an afterthought than anything else.
The MKX will probably get a third row in China on the extended wheelbase Edge platform.
I didn’t realize the SRX was as large as it is. Definitely Cadillac needs one that’s a size smaller (MKC/NX size).
There’s talk of a compact, Alpha-based crossover (hopefully with more interior space), but that may be a while from now.
Meanwhile, the compact crossover I’m excited about is the upcoming GLC-Class, which is the new name for the GLK-Class, because it looks like it will be every bit as luxurious as the new C-Class…which is a breath of fresh air when you look at a base BMW X3 (as I did) and realize that it needs another $15K worth of options to be worthwhile…
Benz is on their game man. Once you step up to that C Class realm and above they really do the luxury well. If they can infuse the S-Class charm across the lineup they will absolutely dominate the luxury landscape.
I’m worried about the future of the Model S. It will last about another two years before it starts to feel very long in the tooth. Already it’s not really competitive with the latest midsize luxury sedans in terms of interior design and quality. And Tesla will be busy with the Model X and Model III for at least three or four more years.
For now, though, this new 70D seems to hit a really nice price/range/features sweet spot. I think it’s the one to buy unless you’re willing to throw money around to get OMGZ INSANE MODE.
The article said it replaces the S 60 as the lowest priced Tesla. I’m not sure if that means that no two-wheel drive models will be sold anymore.
Right now their site is still showing the 85 non-D as available. I don’t know how much longer it will be around, though.
The most important news is that Honda is finally wisening up and killing off the hideous Crosstour after this model year. I’m shocked it lasted as long as it did.
Autonomous cars will cause motion sickness! They can go faster than humans can run! If you stand by the side of the road and watch them pass you will get dizzy!
One reason I like to do all the driving on road trips is exactly that- if I read or watch a movie or anything I get motion sick almost immediately.
The Porsche 911 Turbo is now automatic only, so that’s one less feature in the Porsche’s favor. The new Cayman GTS, and Cayman GT4, Boxster GTS, and Boxster Spyder, however, look mighty fine and cost less too.