Teslas->ke1842 ain’t cheap, especially the top-shelf 2015 Tesla Model S P85D. Thankfully, anyone with a few hundred bucks and strong imagination can live the dream with this new 1:18 scale diecast model.
For a scant $210, even folks like you and I can pick up an example of this handheld Model S.->ke3329 Officially commissioned by Tesla, the automaker’s Design Team in California made sure each detail was faithful to the real thing.
It uses the same 3D CAD data that Tesla used to manufacture the full-size Model S, accurately recreating each line and surface with exacting precision. Included is a panorama roof, rear spoiler, “21-inch” steerable wheels and rubber tires. Even the cabin space looks spot-on, with a carpeted trunk and interior, seatbelts made from fabric, a fully detailed dash, central touchscreen and rear third-row seats. Articulation points include opening doors, trunk and hood.
The model is assembled from roughly 270 individual plastic and metal parts. It’s 10.82 inches long and 4.72 inches wide and weighs 2.75 pounds. Two configurations are offered, with either a Midnight Silver Metallic exterior and Grey Turbine wheels with a black interior and carbon-fiber trim, or a Red Multi-Coat exterior and Silver Turbine wheels with a tan interior and Obeche trim.
The 1:18 scale model is sold exclusively through Tesla. Unfortunately, supplies are currently sold out as of this writing. Look for overpriced and overhyped examples to trickle down to online auctions soon.
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Why it matters
This toy is interesting for a number of reasons.
The Model S isn’t exactly the most awe-inspiring vehicle in the world, at least when it comes to visual aesthetics. Yes, I think it looks good, with handsome proportions, a sleek roofline, muscular rear end, and streamlined front fascia. As far as sports sedans->ke142 go, it’s definitely not the ugliest thing on the road.
However, is it a design worthy of a $200+ diecast model? No, not really.
The real appeal here is ingrained in brand perception and the cult of personality surrounding Elon Musk. While not necessarily as jaw-dropping as the 1964-1966 Ferrari 275 GTB, Mercedes-Benz->ke187 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe or 2011 Eagle E-Type Speedster (check out our list of the Most Beautiful Cars Ever Built here), the Model S is still instantly recognizable.
It’s one of the most talked-about and desirable mass-production cars in recent memory. To many, it represents a way forward in the realm of personal transportation, a torchbearer for all other EVs. And it’s fast. Really fast.
When it comes down to it, the reason this toy model is sold out isn’t because the Model S looks cool – it’s because people want a real Model S. People want emission-free driving, up-scale refinement, the latest technology, and of course, “Ludicrous” mode.
So what’s that teach us? If done right, a car can pretty much market itself. And maybe, if you put one under your pillow, Elon will bring you a real one.
2015 Tesla Model S P85D
Read our full review here.