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Elon Musk likens NJ vote to mafia tactics

When the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission decided on Tuesday to block Tesla Motors from selling cars from its stores in the Garden State, it may have inadvertently kicked a hornet's nest. Perhaps they thought no one was looking. Maybe they imagined no one would really care. If so, they were wrong. People do care, and there's some stinging criticism going on. One individual in particular cares an awful lot. As co-founder and CEO of Tesla, Elon Musk takes extreme umbrage when his baby is subject to what he feels is unfair treatment. Whether it be from the media or from politically-manipulative foes like automobile dealer's associations. Never one to hold back, the entrepreneur has penned a piece directly to the people of New Jersey, making his case for manufacturer-to-consumer sales. It also explains how the company will operate there as of April 1st when the new rules take effect. He also pointedly questions the dealers association's reasoning for asking for the change. And we quote, The rationale given for the regulation change that requires auto companies to sell through dealers is that it ensures "consumer protection". If you believe this, Gov. Christie has a bridge closure he wants to sell you! Unless they are referring to the mafia version of "protection", this is obviously untrue. The uproar is not limited to Tesla insiders, or even the automaker's many fans. Apparently, people still care whether or not their government reeks of corruption, and in this case the smell wafting from New Jersey has attracted a lot of people's attention. A White House petition asking the Obama administration to "Inform New Jersey that markets should be free for Tesla Motors and for everyone" has attracted the attention of over 97,000 signatures 2,615 signatures in a few short days. The petition, though not legally binding, and the outrage in comments following articles on the issue ought to be a warning bell to politicians who trumpet the importance of the free market (or environmental concerns, as the case may be), and then act seemingly contrary to those convictions. For now, Tesla is said to be mulling a legal remedy, but we would not be surprised to see a Political Action Committee (PAC) arise in the future that could take the company's concerns directly to voters. You can read Musk's letter, "To the People of New Jersey" here. If you're so inclined, you can add your name to the petition here. As always, feel free to let us know your take in the Comments.

Cadillac tops Tesla in Consumer Reports semi-automated driving test

General Motors' Cadillac outscored Tesla in a new ranking of partially automated driving systems tested by Consumer Reports and released on Thursday. The highly influential nonprofit organization, which tests and rates a variety of consumer products from appliances to vehicles, said it compared Cadillac's Super Cruise and Tesla's Autopilot with similar systems from Nissan and Volvo. Nissan's ProPilot Assist was ranked third and Volvo's Pilot Assist fourth. Consumer Reports said it has been testing partially automated driving systems for several years but elected to conduct a formal study intended for publication, because "we are at a tipping point where they are now going mainstream," according to Jake Fisher, director of auto testing. The organization said its tests, conducted on a private track and on public roads in Connecticut, were designed to measure the systems' ability to automatically control steering and speed in certain situations, while helping drivers pay attention and regain manual control of the vehicle when required. CR noted that any of these systems can increase driving risk if used in inappropriate situations, or if drivers become inattentive or over-reliant on them. While they can help relieve driver stress and fatigue, Consumer Reports said, the partially automated systems are "not intended to be self-driving features." The systems typically use cameras, radar and other sensors, as well as mapping data, to monitor location and traffic conditions and help keep a vehicle centered in the lane at a safe distance behind other cars. Each system has limitations. Cadillac's Super Cruise, for instance, only functions on divided highways that have been mapped by GM. In contrast, Tesla's Autopilot can be used even on small, curvy roads with poor lane markings, but "operates erratically in those situations," Consumer Reports said.The organization tested Super Cruise on the Cadillac CT6; Autopilot on the Tesla Model 3, Model X and Model S; ProPilot Assist on the Nissan Leaf and Infiniti QX50; and Pilot Assist on the Volvo XC40 and XC60. Consumer Reports said Cadillac's Super Cruise did "the best job of balancing high-tech capabilities with ensuring the car is operated safely and the driver is paying attention." Tesla's Autopilot was cited for its capability and ease of use, while Nissan's ProPilot Assist did a better job than Autopilot or Volvo's Pilot Assist in keeping drivers engaged.

Watch Rimac's Concept One roast a LaFerrari and Tesla Model S in a drag race

It's been five long years since Rimac Automobili took the covers off of its Concept_One at the Frankfurt Motor Show. From the very beginning, Rimac has confidently touted the supercar's capabilities, but now we actually have proof of just how capable the Concept_One really is. Here's your takeaway: It's quick enough to show a Ferrari LaFerrari its taillights through the quarter-mile. If you've spent any time clicking around on YouTube, you've seen the Tesla Model S P90D trump all sorts of high-performance cars. In this video, the Tesla is really only there for reference, because the way the Concept_One bests the electric sedan is just brutal. For those not familiar with Croatia's electric machine, here's the lowdown: 1,088 horsepower and 2,800 pound-feet of torque thanks to four electric motors that put everything down off the line Zero to 62 mph in 2.6 seconds, 6.2 seconds to get to 124 mph from a standstill, and 0 to 186 mph in 14.2 seconds An independent gearbox for each electric motor with the front featuring single-speed gearboxes and the rear axle using two-speed double-clutch gearboxes Rimac All Wheel Torque Vectoring (R-AWTV) system that calculates the optimum amount of torque for each wheel On paper, the Concept_One makes a Tesla Model S P90D with Ludicrous Mode look slow. But a LaFerrari isn't a Model S. And it's definitely not an electric car. It's a stampeding thoroughbred with a naturally aspirated V12 and an electric motor that together make 950 horsepower. It can blitz the quarter-mile in roughly 9.8 seconds and is faster than the majority of cars on the road today. Granted, the LaFerrari is quicker to 60 mph than the Concept_One, at 2.5 seconds. In essence, this race between two titanic machines should be close. But it's not. It's not even close to being close. It's a massacre. Related Video: News Source: Archie Hamilton Racing via YouTubeImage Credit: Archie Hamilton Racing / YouTube Green Ferrari Tesla Coupe Electric Videos drag race ferrari laferrari Rimac