Skip advert
Advertisement
Opinion

"Tesla now makes the world's fastest car, if not the prettiest"

Surely the fastest car money can buy right now should look the part? Steve Fowler thinks Tesla will need to up its design game soon

I’m a self-confessed Tesla fan. I love the cars, the tech, the performance, the buying experience – pretty much everything. I’ve also had the pleasure of interviewing Elon Musk, one of the most interesting (and cleverest) people I’ve met.

So it was with great excitement that I was invited last week to an online chat with Elon, for yet another groundbreaking announcement – this time, of the Model S with an upgraded 100kWh battery. That turns this five-door, five-seater into the fastest car on sale with a 2.5-second 0-60mph time – astonishing.

Advertisement - Article continues below

One thing I particularly like about Elon is his boyish enthusiasm for his cars. “It’s an historic milestone that the fastest car in the world is electric,” he said. “0-60 in under three seconds for a Model X; a seven-seat SUV that can beat a McLaren F1; that’s just nuts!” And if his hope is that this car helps persuade people around the world that the future is electric, then it’s job done.

What is Tesla Autopilot?

But while Teslas have neck-snapping pace, they don’t have head-turning style. The numbers may dominate playground or pub chatter, but the looks won’t be gracing bedroom walls or featuring as smartphone screensavers.

Surely the fastest car in the world has to look the part, doesn’t it? After all, Usain Bolt doesn’t run the 100 metres in a Marks and Spencer suit. 

Much as I love Teslas, they fall into the ‘smart not sexy’ category. Which is a shame. It’s not stopping early adopters buying current cars, but eventually, when there’s more choice among EVs and Tesla has to work harder for every sale, who knows?

Tesla is a leader when it comes to autonomous tech, though, but other makers are playing catch-up – fast.

What do you think of Tesla's current design strategy? Let us know in the comments below...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Tesla Model 2: Robotaxi takes entry-level model’s place
Tesla 'Model 2' teaser image

Tesla Model 2: Robotaxi takes entry-level model’s place

Tesla has backtracked on the Model 2 with the fully-autonomous Robotaxi coming instead
News
28 Oct 2024
Tesla Model 2 scrapped as Elon Musk says £25k EV is “pointless”
"Baby Tesla" - design sketch

Tesla Model 2 scrapped as Elon Musk says £25k EV is “pointless”

Priorities have shifted from an entry-level Tesla Model 2 to the autonomous Robotaxi
News
25 Oct 2024
New Tesla Robovan is a 20-seat transport pod with no driver
Tesla Robovan - front 3/4

New Tesla Robovan is a 20-seat transport pod with no driver

The self-driving, all-electric bus was revealed at Tesla’s ‘We, Robot’ event
News
11 Oct 2024
Taxi for Musk! New self-driving Tesla Robotaxi is a two-seat ‘Cybercab’ coupe with no steering wheel
Tesla Robotaxi - front

Taxi for Musk! New self-driving Tesla Robotaxi is a two-seat ‘Cybercab’ coupe with no steering wheel

The American firm says autonomy will be “safer, faster and affordable” with the Robotaxi
News
11 Oct 2024

Most Popular

Hot Land Rover Defender Octa in high demand with close to 3,000 orders at £150,000 each
Land Rover Defender Octa - front action

Hot Land Rover Defender Octa in high demand with close to 3,000 orders at £150,000 each

Buyers aren’t being deterred by the hefty asking price for the most powerful Defender yet, with 2,900 already signing up worldwide
News
12 Nov 2024
Mazda CX-60 is now more comfortable thanks to 2025 updates
Mazda CX-60 - front 3/4 static

Mazda CX-60 is now more comfortable thanks to 2025 updates

Mazda’s SUV has picked up some worthy trim and technical updates
News
13 Nov 2024
Dacia Duster vs MG ZS: which is the best budget hybrid SUV?
Dacia Duster and MG ZS - front tracking

Dacia Duster vs MG ZS: which is the best budget hybrid SUV?

The new Dacia Duster and MG ZS are the UK’s cheapest small SUVs. Which makes more sense in hybrid form?
Car group tests
13 Nov 2024