Page 11 - Beep Beep March 2022

Gerry and Leona Murphy with the Tesla S
clutch to make an easy transition from rest and the Bug takes off with a surprising amount of torque, and accelerates at an impressive rate not expected for this era car. People must have been a lot smaller back then as it is very challenging to drive especially with the co-driver on board.
The drive on a private road is short but I’m happy with that as heading out into mainstream traffic is not on my to-do list.
It only takes a short drive to realise brakes were not a priority of the early century and a bit of anticipation is needed for avoiding disaster.
There is an overwhelming sense of respect and joy as I drive this beautifully restored rare piece of motoring history that oozes character.
If you know the restoration story behind the Bug it’s easy to see why Mick and the Bug have a special bond. Mick has an admirable passion for all things old in the mechanical world and the Bug is one lucky machine.
The Tesla S Drive...
Gerry and Leona Murphy’s Tesla model S. Apart from being an award winning racing car driver and surfing guru, Gerry was your typical EV cynic 6 months ago. Then, after his lovely wife Leona suggested they look at buying a new car, preferably an EV, a test drive was arranged of a new Tesla in Brisbane. Both were so impressed an order was placed and now they are proud EV owners. Not happy with the standard white hue, the car was wrapped by WrapWise in an eyebrow-raising pink colour chosen by Leona (so Gerry says).
I’m in the driver’s seat and being an EV owner already I need very simple instructions from Gerry to get moving but I must admit this model Tesla S is way more advanced than my Nissan Leaf.
First impressions are of the simple lines, layout and functions before me and a touch of the accelerator gives a motion that is quiet and
smooth – this is by far the most impressive feature of all EVs. We reach a deserted road and Gerry tells me to pull up, I’m thinking he doesn’t like the way I drive but he tells me to make the accelerator pedal ‘kiss the carpet’ so I oblige. What happens next is a hit to my senses: the lack of engine noise is off-putting at first as the G-force and the roadside blurriness are the only indicators that make you realise your experiencing a rocket launch. It takes a moment to absorb the incredible power launch from this Tesla but back to normal driving and the regenerative braking is very easy to adapt with the majority of manual speed control done with one pedal.
The Tesla’s quietness, performance and green credentials are features easily absorbed. Driving past a petrol station is a mix of emotions – mostly a sigh of relief followed by a middle finger gesture.
Gerry and Leona are super happy with the car and its advanced safety features, driver assistance options and of course the exceptional performance.
I think Gerry’s T shirt says it all!
Noel
The Tesla S
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