We love a good drag race like the next guy just to see which vehicle is the quickest to get to the end of the strip. However, we feel that the recent Tesla Model S vs. Chevy Volt drag race video was unwarranted, as it was always obvious which vehicle was going to take the win. Having said that, it’s still fun to watch.

It’s a sad day when you see a car with such an iconic name being the underdog, but the Chevrolet Volt was always going to come out the loser. These type of videos are ideal when you have a conventional engine powering a car, but showing how much slower the Volt is when compared to the Model S is certainly a way to put consumers off from purchasing an electric vehicle.

Having said that, if you are a driver expecting great performance from the Chevy Volt then you really need to do your homework, as this EV is not about its performance but rather its efficiency.

When watching the video it did look as though the Volt got a good start, but the moment the Tesla Model S gained traction it was able to pull away and finish the quarter mile in 12.562 seconds, while reaching a top speed of 108.34 miles per hour. The Volt did it in 17.201 seconds and managed to reach a top speed of 80.36 mph.

Maybe the next test should be how the Tesla Model S and Chevy Volt compare in everyday use because the Volt would surly get the win then?

The prototype that Tesla was showing off was only 80 percent complete, which means that journalists will be all over the faults, and there are bound to be a few. Not sure they would have invited Jeremy Clarkson, as we all know how he feels about these kinds of vehicles. There are five beta version, with three used for testing either the interior equipment or the ride.

The skepticism that we spoke of was all to do if Tesla would be able to get the Model S to production in the time that they said, and Autoblog claims that after testing the electric vehicle, their fears “were laid to rest.” In the review it makes a point of saying how impressed they were with the car, considering the fact that it was a prototype. The finish to the body and interior were much better than you would imagine for a test car, and shows that Tesla is more than up for the challenge of starting production in January. However, you can clearly tell that it was a prototype, as wires were hanging down in the interior.

The ride is where it really matters for the Model S, as they do not want something that feels like an EV. Body roll was kept to a minimum, a must for a car like this. The car will surprise you in the way that it can handle being pushed a little around a racetrack. If you are one of those potential buyers with your name down for a Model S, then you will be happy to know that Tesla has done you proud.

The smaller of the two will display information such as speed, fuel consumption, and how much power the electric motor has until a recharge is needed. We have seen that more cars are now going with a touchscreen interface, and although this is great for you tech minded drivers, we cannot help but feel that Tesla Motors has not used some of the technology that is available.

The screen serves as the main hub for the car, but we do not understand why they have gone the way of infrared and not projected capacitive technology? That being said, it’s a start and much better than having standard buttons. However, one has to wonder if having more technology like this will drain the batteries down than going with a more conventional interior?

Forbes got to spend a little bit of time with the Model S, and did point out one reason why Tesla Motors went for that kind of screen and not one used by the iPad, and that is because you can interact with the screen even with gloves on, which is a real bonus – especially if you want to keep the heat down in the car to prolong the range.

Reading the specs of the system, it’s as if we are looking at the hardware of a tablet or smartphone. You can expect an Nvidia Tegra 2; although this could be bumped to the Tegra 3 by the time the electric vehicle sees its release. By using a powerful chip this will give developers an easier task when developing apps for the system. The only issue that we see with these apps is that they will not be designed for Android, as it is believed that Linux will be used instead.

With so much interest surround the Model S, you would have thought that the carmaker would have gone down a more popular route, such as Android or iOS. The reason we say this is because consumers would have had a far greater choice when it came to apps, although not too certain how much need there is for a huge array of apps?

Having said that, some of the apps that you can expect to see are perfect for those into entertainment, such as the Slacker radio app and text-to-voice apps. However, there are many more third-party apps coming, we just do not know what at the moment.

What apps would you like to see used in the Tesla Model S?

Anticipation has now started to build for this new model, but there is still a lot we do not know, such as the fact that there will be two version of the EV. We have recently learned that there is to be a performance version, and if we are to believe what WSJ is telling us, then it will be able to out-drag a 2011 Porsche 911 Carrera from standstill.

The high-performance version will not have all its own way with the Porsche though, as they to have an option that will match the Model S, both will go from 0-60mph in just 4.5 seconds. The shocking thing is, the Tesla will do that kind of speed without letting out any harmful gasses from its tailpipe.

The performance figures for this new version has certainly shocked us, as it means that it will be up there with the likes of the Audi R8 and also the Chevrolet Corvette. The technology behind an EV still has a long way to go, but the Tesla Model S has managed to utilize the technology far greater than Nissan has with its Leaf. However, like all things you pay for what you get.

Back in March we had assumed that the starting price would be around $57,000, but this figure is more likely to be about $50,000 instead when it becomes available next year.

One of the most important features of a car is its aerodynamics, and it is even more important on an EV, as you need to try and squeeze every amount of miles out of that electric motor. While watching the video you can see two things, the car is quiet and seems to look glued to the road.

Even though the car is on the large side, it will handle much better than most cars of its size, and that is just what Tesla wanted to achieve with the Alpha S. More testing will go on over the next few months, so we can expect a few more exciting videos. It is good to know that there is a carmaker out there who is not afraid to push the boundaries of car design and the fuel-source needed to power it.

The Tesla Model S will have a top speed of 121mph and a 0-60 time of 5.6 seconds. Where this car differs to standard gasoline cars is the instant torque and the acceleration always there when you need it. What is amazing about this model is how it can fit five adults and 2 children, so 7 people in total.

The Model S has a range of 160, 230, or 300 miles and a QuickCharge only takes 45 minutes. For more details visit the official Tesla Motors website.