Autopilot 2.0

Pittsburgh area testing of Tesla's newest Autopilot has the world watching.

Following the refresh of the Model S last month, there has been much speculation about whether or not "that was it" or if Tesla still has some arrows in its quiver.  The mere suggestion that more "cowbells" could be coming has put prospective owners a-quivering too, as the on-going debate continues as to when is the best time to buy?

Erie Supercharger Powers Up

After years of not-so-quiet desperation, the "missing link" Supercharger in Erie, PA has finally powered up!  The location is a vital link for Tesla owners going multiple directions and one that has been near the top of regional owners' requests.

While you might not think of Erie as a transportation hub, it quickly became a desirable charging stop as the Supercharger network has been built out, much like railroad stations and crossroads have historically become vital only after their peripheral arteries grew.

Ross Park Mall Kiosk Grows Into STORE

Pittsburgh has long felt like a backwater town in Tesla's world.  My purchase was credited to Philadelphia.  It was delivered off a truck from Columbus.  It was serviced (until recently) by folks from or at Cleveland-- and now a Ranger commuting from Maryland!  Sure, Tesla surrounded us with Superchargers in Somerset and Cranberry (which Jake and I christened), but we were always a bridesmaid as Tesla took other cities into their honeymoon suite.

Then about a year ago, I caught a "help wanted" ad for Pittsburgh Tesla sales reps.  Soon thereafter, the company timidly consummated their spring fling by opening up a kiosk in Ross Park Mall.  Thankfully, they're not stopping there... Here I present to you: A STORE.

Model X 90D: Test Drivers Wanted

The production ramp on the Model X has been accelerating and Tesla is eager to clear the backlog of orders and get some new ones.  To that end, they've been dispatching the X to stores and galleries so that we, the unwashed masses, can finally try to put our fingerprints on those glossy seat backs.

The Pittsburgh Ross Park Mall Tesla Store has received this Titanium X 90D for use as a test drive car and they're already scheduling the runs.  That's right, she's ready to roll.  So I went over to get a closer look.

Refreshed S Lands at Ross Park Mall

As expected, Tesla has moved quickly to get their refreshed Model S out into the public eye.  For those of you who were waiting anxiously to see what Tesla changed, the answer is now waiting for you at Ross Park Mall.

Erie Supercharger Construction Starts

 Construction crews have descended on the parking lot of the Hilton Garden Inn Erie.  The crates are already there and the countdown to first charge begins!

Model 3 Reaction - WHEW!!

I wrote up a quick post on the reservation day and some perspective on the gravity of the moment.  I was quite literally a bit terrified of what COULD happen and that the company would either thrive or die based on this model.  As Elon said in the presentation, every other car has been done with the goal of getting to Model 3... And so the pressure was immeasurable.  So how do I think it went?

An Unprecedented Historic Day

As a car guy, today is HISTORIC-- like none I've ever heard of. An entire company's vision and purpose for existence-- as embodied by its CEO, the kind of personification of a company that's a throwback to different time-- will be put up to public scrutiny to thrive... or die. The stakes are HUGE, even bigger than the lines worldwide today as thousands placed deposits on a completely unknown car. Absolutely unprecedented. By the time it hits the road, our Chrysler will be 18 years old so we have secured our place in line to replace it with a Model 3. Now we wait to see if Tesla comes through.

New Standard Wheels: 19" Slipstreams

As Tesla is wont to do, the company quietly updated their Model S configuration page sometime over Friday night.  The long-standard 19" 5-spoke wheel design was unceremoniously removed from the page and replaced with new silver 19" Slipstream wheels.

EVAnnex Front Seat Covers Review: Outerwear for Your Inner Tesla

You might think that you don't need seat covers-- I certainly didn't--  but read my review with an open mind and you could find yourself clicking over to the order page like a groupie ordering concert tickets to a sold out show.

BTW, if you're immune to clever imagery, sarcasm and general mischievousness with the English language, then please just watch to video review...  like a monkey in a lab experiment.  Heh.  Seekers of witty commentary, read on!