The Big Question: With its $35,000 model, is Tesla going to dominate the world?
The Big Answer: There are as many ways to answer this question as there are people on the planet, but since I’m Fireball, I’ll need to take a minute … ok … hold on … and … here we go.
The word “dominate” can be a very strong word, conjuring thoughts of world or global power and control. When it comes to certain people in politics, you could easily tag them with this term for sure. Gaining power and control would be an easy label for them. But when it comes to Tesla’s Elon Musk, we’ll need to delve in a little deeper to see what’s behind the focus of the man based on what he’s accomplished so far.
We all know by now that Musk’s creation of PayPal caused great opportunity for him. And with that, did he choose to go into politics, banking or real estate? No, he chose to go into a business that needed a clean break from dependence—an area that was having a hard time budging. Now, electric cars are not a new idea as we started over 100 years ago with them. But creating an affordable electric car for the masses in today’s day and age required a unique individual. Someone that was willing to make a “do or die” investment and burn his ships behind him. And since no car company was really owned by just one man, here was again … an opportunity for a single individual to focus on a problem and create a solution.
Our original question was, “With its $35,000 model, is Tesla going to dominate the world?” It seems like this could be a yes or no answer, but in reality, it’s really a question of what we want as a race? Do we want to shrink and contract or do we want to expand and advance? It seems that Musk’s desire is to advance the race through global expansion, from Solar City in using the power of the sun, to SpaceX in exploration of our galaxy neighbors, to the massive investment of a global battery system. It’s an epic tackle that could only be done by someone that has his eye on the biggest picture.
Will this $35,000 Tesla dominate the world? Yes. It will. And in doing so, the effects are already present. GM’s BoltEV is coming in at $30,000 and a 250-mile range. And every other car company is now producing EV tech in their vehicles. Musk’s desire to dominate is forcing the world to rise up to a challenge, lift their sights and take chances on a concept that will ultimately advance the world to make it cleaner, quieter and more conscious. He’s going to dominate the world with this car … and we’re going to let him.
The key word in this process is trust. Trust vs. fear. Trust vs. control. Trust vs. anxiety. And I for one trust that this man has our best interest in mind when he sets out to create a game-changer. We respect these people, admire them and push them forward with our support. Unless … you’re in fear, in which case, you may criticize, complain and sit still. Your choice. But seeing the biggest picture as what the world needs … and that involves love. Love for the planet and everyone on it.
Musk loves EV technology. And I for one, who was married to muscle cars, gasoline and horsepower, have changed my tune. On my TV show, Fireball Malibu Vlog, we get to explore EV tech and give you guys a chance to rise to the occasion. Supporting the champions in this world instantly makes you a champion. A champion for good. There really isn’t anything better in this world. Except … maybe chocolate. That’s pretty good, too. So let’s let him dominate … or in reality, guide us into a better, cleaner world. It’s what we all want.
Peace out, Pacific Palisades.
Fireball Tim, PCH-based car designer and filmmaker, creates a vlog about all things automotive on fireballtim.com.
The Class of 2017
What new automotive sensations can we expect to see on Sunset this year? Editor-in-Chief John Harlow looks forward to a handful of lively prospects.
Bentley Bentayga
Still built at the Volkswagen-owned Bentley coachworks in Crewe in the industrial heartland of what used to be the United Kingdom, the Bentayga is Bentley’s first SUV—thanks to low gas prices, the fastest-selling automotive sector behind trucks. Sales boosted by its reputation as the world’s fastest production SUV, limited to 187 mph, and the most expensive in class. This year you can also for the first time get a diesel version. But why would you?
Mazda MX-5 RF
The $32,390 Club edition which was due to go on sale this month, but like a Beyoncé album, “dropped” without warning onto garage forecourts eight weeks early. RF stands for retractable roof, a hardtop alternative to the noisy softops of yore. It also offers a Brembo brakes package that lifts this fierce little beast into a rally class.
Ford Raptor
For all those Hollywood hillbillies who like pushing through with a three-ton behemoth, the Raptor is the lighter smarter version of the F-150 offers something like (nothing confirmed yet) 13 mpg city driving from its 3.5-liter Ecoboost V6. They have also played around with the doors, front hinging them, which helps when clambering into its ever-larger cab.
Maserati Levante
They call it the “Maserati of SUVs” which of course they would: only Ferrari is now not on this market. Based on the Ghibli saloon, named after a Mediterranean wind, its still hydraulic handling rather than electric and the V6 can sprint it to 60 mph in five seconds, which is pretty pretty fast for a high wagon. Of course what drivers fall in love with is that Maserati growl, and its still there, down and dirty as ever. If you can’t afford the $74,000 base model, get the ringtone.
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