Another way I was told today is if you do not have the arrow the gas gauge will be to the left or right of steering wheel indicating which side you fill up.

The arrow is right above the E in the picture below next to the gas pump icon.  This picture is from my wife’s car and it is on the left side as the arrow indicates.

So yes still a year away, but this is a great alternative to gas engine. It has the range and a great look. A little high on price, but not bad at $49,000.

2011 Tesla Model S
- $49,000 Starting Price
- 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds
- Range is 300 miles
– 120 mph top speed
– Sport sedan dynamics

The Fisker Karma will be available in 2010 so a much shorter wait, but more expensive and has only 50 miles on electric only. So might work for some, but defeats the purpose for me.

2010 Fisker Karma 4-door
$87,900.00 USD
- 0-60 mph in 7 seconds
- Range is 300 miles
– 95 mph top speed

Have to say my first choice would be the Tesla because of true electric range and of course the price. Looking forward to this electric market.

What’s your favorite of the 2 or do you have another favorite so far?

This got me thinking about my first car.  1980 Pontiac Firebird.  I was 16 driving what I thought was the coolest car.  It was midnight blue and had cherry bomb exhaust.  Fast and Loud.  Thinking back not sure why my mom let me get this car.  I did pay for it, but handing me the keys of a very fast car wasn’t the best idea.  Within a month I ruined my transmission drag racing on 1st ave.  I loved that car.

So what do I do when my oldest is able to drive.  What does a car guy get his son when it’s his turn to drive?  I want him to have something very cool that we build together.  This is where I’m torn.  As a parent I want him to be safe with all the latest and greatest technology that new cars have, but I remember how much fun I had with my first car.  Sure there are a lot cool new cars, but not like the old classics.  My thought process is that if we build it together he will really appreciate it and not do anything stupid.  Yeah right.  He’s going to be a 16 year old boy.  Luckily I have quite some time to think about it.

So any of you car guys out there give advice on what you did?

Yes, we have all seen them driving around town. The Smart Car, but is it really that smart to drive one. What if you are in an accident? How will it stack up against a larger car or truck? After watching the video below I have to say I’m impressed, but still not sold on the idea of driving in something I can barely fit it. How many grocery bags can you actually fit in this thing. Enough about the space, what about the safety. I did find this quote from an article on msnbc.com.

Still, in an accident, “the laws of physics can’t be repealed,” said Russ Rader of the Arlington, Va.-based Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Even with modern safety features like multiple air bags, people in small, light cars are always at a disadvantage in crashes.”

Understanding both views I would still rather take my chances in a larger car. This is a great time for cars and we are seeing some very cool alternatives to the gas engine. I just prefer my electric car to be a little larger.