Episode 564: Special Guests Franz and Lars Discuss Model S and X's Legacy

Tesla Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen and Engineering VP Lars Moravy both join me to discuss the legacy and history of the Model S and Model X as both cars are officially retired this week. Plus: my recap of the Model S and X Celebration event. Stay tuned!

00:12:18 Interview Start
00:13:30 How the Decision to Discontinue S and X Happened
00:18:02 S and X Would Need a Complete Redesign to Continue
00:21:55 Next-Gen Roadster News
00:25:03 Signature Numbers
00:29:03 Final S and X Production Numbers
00:29:43 The Beginning of Model S
00:36:20 More Lightning
00:36:48 Old S and X Stories
00:39:26 First Drive of the Model S...Ever
00:45:14 The EV Market and EV Adoption Rate
00:49:36 Adding Dual Motors to Model S
00:51:36 A 3rd Motor in a Model 3?
00:54:37 About the Never-Made Model S Plaid+
00:56:58 Are 18650s done at Tesla?
00:58:10 Favorite Wheels
01:02:10 Pencils Down on S and X
01:03:22 Parting Message
01:05:07 Drive or Preserve their Signature S's

If you enjoy the podcast and would like to support my efforts, please check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/teslapodcast and consider a monthly or (10% discounted!) annual pledge. Every little bit helps, and you can support for just $5 per month. And there are stacking bonuses in it for you at each pledge level, like early access to each episode at the $5 tier and the weekly Lightning Round bonus mini-episode (AND the early access!) at the $10 tier! And NO ADS at every Patreon tier!

NEW: Level up your business with NetSuite by Oracle! Get your free business guide, Demystifying AI, at www.netsuite.com/lightning 

Also, don't forget to leave a message on the Ride the Lightning hotline anytime with a question, comment, or discussion topic for next week's show! The toll-free number to call is 1-888-989-8752.

INTERESTED IN A FLEXIBLE EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR YOUR TESLA? Be a part of the future of transportation with XCare, the first extended warranty designed & built exclusively for EV owners, by EV owners. Use the code Lightning to get $100 off their "One-time Payment" option! Go to www.xcelerateauto.com/xcare to find the extended warranty policy that's right for you and your Tesla.

P.S. Get 15% off your first order of awesome aftermarket Tesla accessories at AbstractOcean.com by using the code RTLpodcast at checkout. Grab the SnapPlate front license plate bracket for any Tesla at https://everyamp.com/RTL/ (don't forget the coupon code RTL too!). Enhance your car with cool carbon-fiber upgrades from RPMTesla.com and use the promo code RTL5-10 for 5-10% off your next purchase. And make your garage door foolproof with the Infinity Shield – get yours at https://www.infinity-shield.com and use the promo code RTL at checkout for a $35 discount.