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Today's news about the Tesla Roadster 3.0 upgrades is great, but don't break out the checkbooks just yet

Today's news about the Tesla Roadster 3.0 upgrades is great, but don't break out the checkbooks just yet

Updated battery packs, tires and aero kits for the Tesla Roadster are projected to boost the sports car's range to as much as 400 miles. However, there are several important things to remember about this. 

According to Tesla's own blog post; "There is a set of speeds and driving conditions where we can confidently drive the Roadster 3.0 over 400 miles." Key factors affecting the range or all plug-in vehicles are temperature, terrain and technique. Drive in moderate climate without heating or air conditioning with a light foot on the pedal and on flat terrain and you'll get great range. Drive it like a sports car or in less than ideal conditions and the range drops precipitously. 
http://green.autoblog.com/2008/01/28/abg-first-drive-hitting-the-road-in-the-tesla-roadster/

Tesla also hasn't said when the upgrades would be available or how much they would cost. At this time, the package is still in the prototype phase and it might be quite a while before you can bring a Roadster into a Tesla store for a refit. ?

The Roadster 3.0 package applies what we’ve learned in Model S to Roadster. No new Model S battery pack or major range upgrade is expected in the near term.   Battery technology has continued a steady improvement in recent years, as has our experience in optimizing total vehicle efficiency through Model S development.


The luxury crossover pioneer is still going strong

The luxury crossover pioneer is still going strong

The 2015 +Lexus USA RX450h is the latest iteration of the original luxury crossover, and its still roomy, comfortable and efficient. It's not the most exciting vehicle in the segment, but it gets the job done. ?


Unfortunately, most Americans do not have the financial literacy they need

Unfortunately, most Americans do not have the financial literacy they need

That's why we need to strictly regulate anyone involved in lending money because those predators will take advantage of ordinary people every time. ?


Patrick Hespen, a friend to virtually everyone in the Detroit automotive community was laid to rest yesterday with an engine revving salute from his friends

Patrick Hespen, a friend to virtually everyone in the Detroit automotive community was laid to rest yesterday with an engine revving salute from his friends

Patrick was only 36 years old and lost a two year battle with cancer a few days ago. More than two dozen vehicles revved their engines as the hearse arrived at the church for the funeral service including a trio of +Dodge Challenger Hellcats. Patrick certainly would have approved.
http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2014/12/23/hellcat-engines-rev-honor-chrysler-pr-specialist/20822685/?


Is Google's Project Ara the solution to prematurely obsolete technology in cars?

Is Google's Project Ara the solution to prematurely obsolete technology in cars?

+Android +Google  #projectara  ?

If you drive to work or school or the grocery store, there’s a good chance that your vehicle is at least 11 years old and probably runs just fine.  If, on the other hand, you dig an 11-year old cel…