Leased a base Model 3 for the commute and chilly weather adventures with the lady. 

From the outside looking in, it doesn't seem like a bad deal.  I really don't like Elon, but $3k down and $320 a month for 3 years and 36k miles of use doesn't seem bad for 6 sec to 60, RWD, quiet, comfortable ride.

It should come sometime next week.  I'll report back after a while of use.

ps. ordering a car via the Tesla app is so bananas easy.  I will never step into a dealership after that.  Ever.

I hope the Rivian R3 will be out when this lease is up.  If I enjoy the electric experience, it looks fun.

Hey watch the personal attacks. I'm on the side that the world is better for Tesla, SpaceX, X & Musk but the 'SPIN has suffered from venting on others who have opposite views on this and lots of other subjects.

Quote from: GoCougs on April 24, 2024, 12:51:10 PMOn my road trips, loaded up with 400-500 lbs of stuff, I can average 100-110 mph in the heat (up to 90F) at elevation (up to 9000') sometimes on a mountain pass grade, out in the middle of nowhere, for as long as 18.5 gallons will allow (~45-60 minutes). Never a problem. An EV wouldn't last 5 minutes. Granted, I only do that a few times a year but it matters to me.

Yeah, because you do something completely stupid a few times a year, EVs are dumb and don't work for anyone.

Fuck off Cougs. I'm tired of your ignorance and complete lack of experience masquerading as important insight.

Quote from: 565 on April 24, 2024, 08:28:48 AMNo cheetah mode or anything on the Y or 3.  You don't even need to press the brake to brake torque. Best results are from just flooring the pedal.  I've done it repeatedly on the Y and never noticed any reduction for cooling in my driving.

The X3M is just the opposite.  You have to put the AWD system to MDM to sport, everything on the harshest setting and the transmission to manual fastest setting.  You have to try to push the brake pedal through the firewall or else the motor will overwhelm the brakes.  The system needs a few seconds to build boost, and will only hold it for a few seconds so it is just about impossible to time for a spotlight.  If you even get it a little bit wrong the system doesn't count it as a real launch control.  Only in launch control mode does the transmission shift automatically while in a manual setting, so if you don't get it then you will bounce into the rev limiter in first. Afterwards launch control will be unavailable for about 2 minutes for cool down.  First time I used it it took me about 3 tries to actually make it happen. 

The Y is so much more real world fast than the X3m that it's not even funny. 

No Cheetah Mode on the current Y or 3, but what of this new 3? Tesla touting the 1.9s 0-60 for the Plaid turns at afterward required the use of said (and even more real world useless) Cheetah Mode launch control. It's not been mentioned AFAIK but whatevers.

Audi's launch control is better but still some work. The aftermarket has answered with a ZF8 tune that allows for the selection of brake torque RPM (for my setup = 3,500 RPM) and then torque limitation in 1st gear. Lets a full weight stage 1 91 octane SQ5 hit 0-60 in a legit 3.8-3.9 s with determinism and repeatability. I imagine BMW tuners have done the same.

On my road trips, loaded up with 400-500 lbs of stuff, I can average 100-110 mph in the heat (up to 90F) at elevation (up to 9000') sometimes on a mountain pass grade, out in the middle of nowhere, for as long as 18.5 gallons will allow (~45-60 minutes). Never a problem. An EV wouldn't last 5 minutes. Granted, I only do that a few times a year but it matters to me.

I've seen some people around here with low profile BFG AT tires on their trucks with seem to fit that size description in my head

That size is what 32-33" in off-road tire sizing

Yea, I've had issues with the BMW launch control function at BMW events... You can almost never get it to work when you want it to

Continental has a good set in 315 45R21.  Might end up going with those.  The ride sucks on such thin sidewalls.  The G wagon on its 40 year old suspension soaks up bumps better than a modern GLS with air bags, adaptive dampers, etc.

Quote from: veeman on April 22, 2024, 04:19:41 PMI'd rent the minivans again

They maximize interior space and drivability on-road over any pretentiousness. And sacrifice any off-roadability of course.

I'm not surprised the hybrid Sienna would sound noisy- that 4banger has to work HARD! (and that's a common complaint of the hybrid Maverick as well)

Quote from: GoCougs on April 24, 2024, 07:21:37 AM"Cheetah" launch control is 1000x more drama than the typical performance ICE launch control - it can take (many) minutes to engage. Not sure if this new version of the Model 3 gets it though. Plus, you're only going to get 2-3 minutes of performance driving before any EV throttles back to protect the motors and battery. TBF, that's more duration than what most people use, but overall this new Model 3 is not equivalent to a legit sports sedan like the M3. Still more a parlor trick with ergo that is a 100% deal breaker.

No cheetah mode or anything on the Y or 3.  You don't even need to press the brake to brake torque. Best results are from just flooring the pedal.  I've done it repeatedly on the Y and never noticed any reduction for cooling in my driving.

The X3M is just the opposite.  You have to put the AWD system to MDM to sport, everything on the harshest setting and the transmission to manual fastest setting.  You have to try to push the brake pedal through the firewall or else the motor will overwhelm the brakes.  The system needs a few seconds to build boost, and will only hold it for a few seconds so it is just about impossible to time for a spotlight.  If you even get it a little bit wrong the system doesn't count it as a real launch control.  Only in launch control mode does the transmission shift automatically while in a manual setting, so if you don't get it then you will bounce into the rev limiter in first. Afterwards launch control will be unavailable for about 2 minutes for cool down.  First time I used it it took me about 3 tries to actually make it happen. 

The Y is so much more real world fast than the X3m that it's not even funny. 

True, but what else do you buy at <$50?

Any other sporty sedan at that price range will have a turbo 4 and not be any more track worthy.