If Tesla is the future - are cars becoming too fast?
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This place is a joke.
I predicted a Tesla Plaid would kill somebody very soon, and it happened near Tampa FL when one blew through a residential intersection and went into a house killing two people and a dog. A car with that much power that can be purchased by someone who knows little about performance cars is a recipe for disaster.
"Back in the days" the only people going that fast were the ones who built it, or at least worked their way up to it. Could there be government or insurance regulation coming in the near future? Maybe a special driver's license endorsement? I'd support that. They already require it for motorcycles for which most of the liability is killing yourself, not someone else.
My fastest car is my E55 running mid-11's. I started building muscle cars 30 years ago when I was 18. I swapped and hand built my own V8 engines, ran at the drag strip a lot, and worked my way up to more power. I know when and when not to use it. It's the other drivers out there that don't understand how fast your car can accelerate that you have to watch for mostly. Then, your stopping distance at those speeds. A 9 second Tesla in the hands of the general public is too fast, yes.
"Back in the days" the only people going that fast were the ones who built it, or at least worked their way up to it. Could there be government or insurance regulation coming in the near future? Maybe a special driver's license endorsement? I'd support that. They already require it for motorcycles for which most of the liability is killing yourself, not someone else.
My fastest car is my E55 running mid-11's. I started building muscle cars 30 years ago when I was 18. I swapped and hand built my own V8 engines, ran at the drag strip a lot, and worked my way up to more power. I know when and when not to use it. It's the other drivers out there that don't understand how fast your car can accelerate that you have to watch for mostly. Then, your stopping distance at those speeds. A 9 second Tesla in the hands of the general public is too fast, yes.
Last edited by E55Greasemonkey; Sep 26, 2021 at 10:37 AM.
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Out Of Control!!
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
I predicted a Tesla Plaid would kill somebody very soon, and it happened near Tampa FL when one blew through a residential intersection and went into a house killing two people and a dog. A car with that much power that can be purchased by someone who knows little about performance cars is a recipe for disaster.
"Back in the days" the only people going that fast were the ones who built it, or at least worked their way up to it. Could there be government or insurance regulation coming in the near future? Maybe a special driver's license endorsement? I'd support that. They already require it for motorcycles for which most of the liability is killing yourself, not someone else.
My fastest car is my E55 running mid-11's. I started building muscle cars 30 years ago when I was 18. I swapped and hand built my own V8 engines, ran at the drag strip a lot, and worked my way up to more power. I know when and when not to use it. It's the other drivers out there that don't understand how fast your car can accelerate that you have to watch for mostly. Then, your stopping distance at those speeds. A 9 second Tesla in the hands of the general public is too fast, yes.
"Back in the days" the only people going that fast were the ones who built it, or at least worked their way up to it. Could there be government or insurance regulation coming in the near future? Maybe a special driver's license endorsement? I'd support that. They already require it for motorcycles for which most of the liability is killing yourself, not someone else.
My fastest car is my E55 running mid-11's. I started building muscle cars 30 years ago when I was 18. I swapped and hand built my own V8 engines, ran at the drag strip a lot, and worked my way up to more power. I know when and when not to use it. It's the other drivers out there that don't understand how fast your car can accelerate that you have to watch for mostly. Then, your stopping distance at those speeds. A 9 second Tesla in the hands of the general public is too fast, yes.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2019
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From: Northern VA
2016 E63s
I'm sure there is a physical limitation to how fast one can safely go (brakes, road design, human reaction time etc.) but aren't there 9 second non-electric production cars already?
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From: Republic of Texas
'99 and '05 E55 AMG
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,966
Likes: 1,315
From: Republic of Texas
'99 and '05 E55 AMG
I predicted a Tesla Plaid would kill somebody very soon, and it happened near Tampa FL when one blew through a residential intersection and went into a house killing two people and a dog. A car with that much power that can be purchased by someone who knows little about performance cars is a recipe for disaster.
"Back in the days" the only people going that fast were the ones who built it, or at least worked their way up to it. Could there be government or insurance regulation coming in the near future? Maybe a special driver's license endorsement? I'd support that. They already require it for motorcycles for which most of the liability is killing yourself, not someone else.
My fastest car is my E55 running mid-11's. I started building muscle cars 30 years ago when I was 18. I swapped and hand built my own V8 engines, ran at the drag strip a lot, and worked my way up to more power. I know when and when not to use it. It's the other drivers out there that don't understand how fast your car can accelerate that you have to watch for mostly. Then, your stopping distance at those speeds. A 9 second Tesla in the hands of the general public is too fast, yes.
"Back in the days" the only people going that fast were the ones who built it, or at least worked their way up to it. Could there be government or insurance regulation coming in the near future? Maybe a special driver's license endorsement? I'd support that. They already require it for motorcycles for which most of the liability is killing yourself, not someone else.
My fastest car is my E55 running mid-11's. I started building muscle cars 30 years ago when I was 18. I swapped and hand built my own V8 engines, ran at the drag strip a lot, and worked my way up to more power. I know when and when not to use it. It's the other drivers out there that don't understand how fast your car can accelerate that you have to watch for mostly. Then, your stopping distance at those speeds. A 9 second Tesla in the hands of the general public is too fast, yes.
I could be in agreement with this with caveats...
Super Member
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From: ILLINOIS
2014 E63S
Driving any car fast can result in accidents or worse death. Yes I know a 1000hp Tesla or gas powered car will loose control alot faster VS a 150hp Ford focus or something. Manufacturers make what they think is cool and will sell, they don't care what age group buys it
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Thread Starter
Out Of Control!!
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
A few more Tesla stories of them going through houses and this country will want to attenuate Elon and his products ....
I am just amazed at how far we have come, as a 40+ year old I'll never forget my first 0-60 was 11.2 seconds in a used Toyota .... humility. I get into my 10.x second 63 and I just ... good sigh. Progress and humility.
I am just amazed at how far we have come, as a 40+ year old I'll never forget my first 0-60 was 11.2 seconds in a used Toyota .... humility. I get into my 10.x second 63 and I just ... good sigh. Progress and humility.
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From: Canada
2019 911 GTS / 2016 X3 / 2015 E63s / 1993 RX-7
I would also pay several thousand dollars / year to be able to drive 'x' amount faster than the posted speed limit on appropriate roads in appropriate conditions / traffic.
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Out Of Control!!
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
Ah but 'Merca is all about her "freedoms"
I won't put a needle in my arm and I can drive any car that is sold on the market.
I won't put a needle in my arm and I can drive any car that is sold on the market.
Member
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E63S
I predicted a Tesla Plaid would kill somebody very soon, and it happened near Tampa FL when one blew through a residential intersection and went into a house killing two people and a dog. A car with that much power that can be purchased by someone who knows little about performance cars is a recipe for disaster.
Last edited by AngryScotsman; Sep 28, 2021 at 01:10 PM.
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Out Of Control!!
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
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From: Chicago burbs
2015 S550
The ONLY current non-electric production car under $350k that can potentially break the 10 second 1/4 mile barrier is the Dodge Challenger Demon, which needs to be purchased with the deleted back-seat option and the use of the optional racing slicks for track use. Other than the Demon and McLaren 765LT, you'd have to spend $1MM plus to get a hyper-car that will break the 10 second quarter in production car form.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2019
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From: Northern VA
2016 E63s
The ONLY current non-electric production car under $350k that can potentially break the 10 second 1/4 mile barrier is the Dodge Challenger Demon, which needs to be purchased with the deleted back-seat option and the use of the optional racing slicks for track use. Other than the Demon and McLaren 765LT, you'd have to spend $1MM plus to get a hyper-car that will break the 10 second quarter in production car form.
It is an interesting question though - what is too quick? If you could theoretically go from 0-60 in an instant is that inherently dangerous? I would venture yes because even if the vehicle could decelerate in an instant, human reaction time is limited. I don't think it's beyond the capabilities of today's EV tech to make a car that does the quarter in 7 or 8 seconds, even though it would not be economically feasible. Where is that line from a safety standpoint?
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From: Middle lane. Left lane. Middle lane ...
2021 CLA 45, 2016 JK, 2013 C30, 1998 Z28, 2021 SS950, 2015 R3
Yep. So many traditional barriers to entry for this kind of performance are simply not present in these cars. Relatively low price combined with all the engineering safety nets mean there's little opportunity for the inexperienced drivers in this pool to scare themselves before severely overcommitting compared to any ICE car. And the price of EVs will only come down, meaning that the numbskulls you see splattering themselves in 100 mph Kias will soon be able to do that in 1/3 the time. There's nothing like giving people with poor judgement less time to exercise it.
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Out Of Control!!
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
Yep. So many traditional barriers to entry for this kind of performance are simply not present in these cars. Relatively low price combined with all the engineering safety nets mean there's little opportunity for the inexperienced drivers in this pool to scare themselves before severely overcommitting compared to any ICE car. And the price of EVs will only come down, meaning that the numbskulls you see splattering themselves in 100 mph Kias will soon be able to do that in 1/3 the time. There's nothing like giving people with poor judgement less time to exercise it.
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E63S
If the US adopted more strict driving licensing requirements, I'd be all for it.
But, considering anyone with a heart beat and the ability to blink on command, can get a license in the States.
Always felt that, before you can get your driver's license, you need to navigate a standardized autocross course within a specific amount of time, which includes a random lane change exercise. Fail that, no license.
Granted, we'd have far less licensed drag racers, but least we'd have better drivers on the road.
But, considering anyone with a heart beat and the ability to blink on command, can get a license in the States.
Always felt that, before you can get your driver's license, you need to navigate a standardized autocross course within a specific amount of time, which includes a random lane change exercise. Fail that, no license.
Granted, we'd have far less licensed drag racers, but least we'd have better drivers on the road.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2019
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From: Northern VA
2016 E63s
If the US adopted more strict driving licensing requirements, I'd be all for it.
But, considering anyone with a heart beat and the ability to blink on command, can get a license in the States.
Always felt that, before you can get your driver's license, you need to navigate a standardized autocross course within a specific amount of time, which includes a random lane change exercise. Fail that, no license.
Granted, we'd have far less licensed drag racers, but least we'd have better drivers on the road.
But, considering anyone with a heart beat and the ability to blink on command, can get a license in the States.
Always felt that, before you can get your driver's license, you need to navigate a standardized autocross course within a specific amount of time, which includes a random lane change exercise. Fail that, no license.
Granted, we'd have far less licensed drag racers, but least we'd have better drivers on the road.
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From: Canada
2023 E63S Wagon
You can't learn limits and control without hooning (a lot) at the edge. This calibrates your butt. Once learned there is never many emergencies, just "where do I want to slide/go?" If I have no options 99% I put myself in that position. 1% there is nothing you can do (freak accident beside/right in front, mechanical breakage at speed). _most_ things are avoidable.
And yes I've been T-boned before. Didn't see that one coming... since then I do even better. I saw them and was passing them while they were stopped, and as my vision moved past the "safe threat" to ahead they floored it into my right rear quarter panel spinning me sideways up on the curb. I almost took out a bus stop full of people. That will never happen to me again
And yes I've been T-boned before. Didn't see that one coming... since then I do even better. I saw them and was passing them while they were stopped, and as my vision moved past the "safe threat" to ahead they floored it into my right rear quarter panel spinning me sideways up on the curb. I almost took out a bus stop full of people. That will never happen to me again
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The other issue is the difference in throttle modulation in an EV vs ICE
EV instant - instant action
ICE - many times the second or half second of hesitation from the Time my foot depresses the throttle/accelerator and the car actually moves and then I release the throttle, has saved my butt
EV instant - instant action
ICE - many times the second or half second of hesitation from the Time my foot depresses the throttle/accelerator and the car actually moves and then I release the throttle, has saved my butt
Thread Starter
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,799
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
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From: Bognor Regis UK
Alfa 159
MOST people wont be driving the 1000hp version of EVs or even close to that.....same way as not many run 700 horse plus ICE cars. So trying to get new laws to restrict their usage to experienced drivers etc could well have a nasty backfire and end up including drivers of powerful ICE cars. Most of the run of the mill stuff we get here is not much more powerful than the ICE cars in the same manufacturers range. For example the Merc EQS 580 has 516 hp....the S63 W223 has over 600.
