Tesla Model X

The best thing that cars have done for the environment sincethe invention of the catalytic converter or cat converter has been the electriccar. And, the most exciting electric car company has been Tesla, whom recentlyrolled out its new SUV crossover, the Model X. Similar to the other Teslavehicles the main distinct feature is that it is electric.  It comes with either 60 or 85 kilo-watt-hourbattery.  The 60 kWh has a range of200-210 miles, while the larger 85 gets 260-270 miles. Although, the electricaspect of the Model X makes it comparable the other Teslas, there are a fewfeatures that make it unique.

The first is its size. The Model X can fit up to seven fullsized adults, unlike the Roadster which could fit only a rich man and his tinytrophy wife.  However, the big stand outfeature which Tesla is pushing is the rear Falcon Doors.  The doors lift and fold upward, making itmuch easier for a person to enter and exit the vehicle.  With the doors up, a person can be standing upin the backseat.  Tesla has not made asafety statement yet, but I highly recommend not driving around with the reardoors up and a passenger standing.

Unfortunately, another aspect that differentiates the ModelX from other Teslas is its styling.  TheRoadster has looks that would turn your head so fast your neck would break. TheModel X’s styling on the other hand is almost as exciting as watching grassgrow. “Almost,” which I guess means it is as exciting as watching trees grow?There are no aggressive lines or anything that makes it stand out from the restof the crossovers.

There are not any official specs out yet but Tesla says theModel X will go 0-60 in 4.4 seconds. Pricing has also not been released but theassumption is it will be in the range of the Model S, $67,000 to $77,000.  Customers seem to be OK with that price,because Tesla just announced it has already got $40 million worth in presalesfor the car. The deposit to reserve one is $5,000 for the base, and $20,000 fora Signature Edition.  Deposits are fullyrefundable if a customer wants to back out, and first deliveries are set forlate 2013.

Ugly Electric Cars

When it comes to environmentally friendly and my car, the onlything I do is make sure I pass emissions. That means having 02 sensors and catalytic converters that work. I wouldlove to do my part and buy an electric car but, come on… have you seen thosethings?


Electric cars have always looked like they drove down the ugly driveway,and ran over every crack on the way down. Car designers usually state that thelooks are due to making the cars as aerodynamic as possible. This might betrue, but I am sure they think about aerodynamics with every car and they don’tend up looking like these awful things.  Let’stake an ugly trip through the history of electric cars.

PAST: It started with the EV1 back in 1996.  GM was brave enough to be the first largeautomaker to design an electric car, but that does not mean they should have.  The most hideous aspect of the EV1 is theback end.  The covered rear wheels andthe shape of the trunk make it look a Sudafed. I don’t know whether I am supposed to drive it, or take two in themorning.

PRESENT: The most popular electric car is theToyota Prius, but it did not avoid the ugly electric car genes. Some of you areprobably saying to yourselves, “The Prius is not that bad!” Quit it, you arefooling yourself.  Take another look atit. A Prius looks like a Civic’s ugly little brother. Somehow the Prius hasgotten past this.  It has reached thelevel of being so ugly it is cute, like a Pug. (Note: The Honda Fit is also ugly because it looks just like a Prius)

FUTURE: GM wants back in the hideous electriccar race.  They have been displaying theChevrolet EN-V around the globe at auto shows. EN-V stands for, Electric Networked-Vehicle.  I actually don’t know if I can call thisthing an ugly car, because it looks more like a helmet than a vehicle.  Every time I see it I think of Master Chieffrom the video game Halo.  I wonder ifyou drive the thing with an X-Box controller instead of a steering wheel.

Exhaust News: Catalytic Converter 8years/80,000 Miles Warranty

Have you ever taken any of your vehicles to the local exhaust repair shop and was told you will be needing a catalytic converter? The prices can range any where from $500 to $1,500 to replace plus the labor, shop supplies, and taxes. If you bought some type of extended warranty you are in luck. If you did not then I have some good news for you. If you had Exhaust problems and was told your catalytic converter is bad it might be covered under Uncle Sam’s law. What I mean is under the EPA’s Federal Emissions Law of 1995 you are covered for up to 8 years/80,000 miles! It does not matter if you are a first, second, or third owner of this new or used car or truck. Don’t get tricked into paying for a bad catalytic converter.

This website has more information including your vehicle’s main computer is under this same 8 years/80,000 mile Federal warranty. If your worried that this law is so old dating back to 1995 don’t be. I personally emailed the EPA and was told there was no update to this warranty because it was still enforced even to today’s cars and trucks. Below are a few lines from the EPA’s Website:

Design and Defect Warranty Coverage for 1995 and newer light-duty
vehicles:
* Emission control and emission related parts are covered for the
first 2 years or 24,000 miles of vehicle use; and
* Specified major emission control components are covered for the
first 8 years or 80,000 miles of vehicle use.
If an emission control or emission related part, or a specified
major emission control component is defective, or if your vehicle
fails an I/M test, and your vehicle is within the time and mileage
limitations for emissions warranty coverage:
* Present a warranty claim to an authorized warranty representative.
If your warranty claim is denied:
* Ask for the reason for denial, in writing.
* Follow the appeal procedures in your owner's manual.
If you are not satisfied with the manufacturer's decision:
* Contact the EPA, which will investigate the denial of a

valid emissions warranty complaint.

Information taken from: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Vehicle Programs & Compliance Division (6405J)
Attn: Warranty Complaints

401 M Street, SW Washington DC 20460