There are just a handful of American cars that have reached an iconic status, and the Corvette is one of them, but its success grew when Chevy introduced the Sting Ray version back in 1963. Since then we have seen many variants, although some of them have not shared in the beauty; this has not stopped the company from trying to recapture that special something.

General Motors and Chevrolet believe that the 2014 Corvette Stingray is that special model, because they have worked hard over the past few years to make the necessary improvements, but the question is, will it be able to live up to the hype, and will it be able to hold its own against some of the truly memorable Corvettes we’ve seen over the years?

It’s clear that the new model has generated a mixed reaction, and we can understand why that it, because while the C7 is said to offer far better handling, an improved interior and superior performance than previous models, we find it outlandish that people have been comparing the 2014 Corvette Stingray against the Tesla Model S.

Okay, so we know that the Tesla Model S has similar performance and more advanced technology than the C7. However that does not make it a better vehicle, as it caters for a different market. The Model S will get you where you need to go, much better and faster than you could ever dream of in a Nissan Leaf, but it’s never going to compete with the 2014 Corvette Stingray in everyday tests, as you have to be so careful with how often you plant your right foot to the floor, or even listen to music and have the A/C on, as these all affect the Model S range.

There are pros and cons for both models, but let’s face it, they are hardly competing in the same market. We love what Tesla has done with the Model S, and has shown us what is possible with an electric vehicle, but come on, we are talking about the Corvette Stingray, and the 2014 model at that. There’s no denying that the C7 is the most advanced model from the iconic brand yet, and we’re sure it will not take you long to get over those tail lights, although if you cannot then there is an Italian company who send you a traditional rear light setup, although it will come us a complete rear fender. Having said that, personally I prefer the new light set up.

One of the main reasons why a phones screen is so tough is because of the use of Corning’s Gorilla Glass, which as you know is both light and tough. We’ve often wondered why other industries do not look to take advantage of this technology, but it now seems as though another may be ready to step in.

If we are to believe a recent report, then Corning’s Gorilla Glass could be about to enter the automotive industry in 2014, and will act as a replacement for the standard glass used in vehicles. As yet we only know that one car manufacturer has signed up to use Gorilla Glass, but we have an idea it could be Tesla Motors.

Let’s say for a moment that we are correct, then the Tesla Model X could be the perfect vehicle to come with Gorilla Glass, as this model will be released later this year. We know that Tesla is all about getting the best range possible, and with weight savings using this different glass, the Tesla Model X range increase would be welcome by owners.

However, there are several obstacles that will need to be addressed whatever car manufacturer decided to use Gorilla Glass. Okay, so we know this glass will be lighter than standard glass used in cars, but it’s tougher as well, so there needs to be a perfect balance because if it’s too tough, as this would be a safety risk for obvious reasons.

It’s hard to know just how much benefit using Corning’s Gorilla Glass will be in terms of increased fuel-efficiency, but it would have to be worth it considering the extra cost involved.

While this is a big deal for the auto industry, we can’t wait to see the implantation of Willow Glass, in the smartphone industry, because it’s this glass that will allow for flexible displays on smartphones, but which phone will be first to make use of it?

Thanks to Technology Review.

There’s no denying just how good the Tesla Model S is, as it has already won numerous awards for the technology implemented in the car, but the car is still far from perfect. However, a secret menu system has been found, which points to future upgrades and options.

The Tesla Model S has some unique features, yet it still lacks some of the most basic ones, such as adaptive cruise control and even blind spot detection, which several other cars already have as standard. However, that could soon change, if what we see in the video below is the real deal.

In the video you can clearly see some hidden menus on the touchscreen, which we mentioned above, but as yet we are uncertain when these features will be implemented. However, we find it hard to understand how they can include these new Tesla Model S future upgrades and options, as they would need to include new hardware in order to work, unless they are already on the car, but has yet to be activated?

According to Autoblog, the software seems to be in the prototype stage, and as well as those two new driver-aids there are several unannounced apps as well, these include a sketchpad, scheduler/calendar, image viewer and several more.

Personally, I believe that this software has been put in place ready for Tesla to start offering some hardware upgrades, and if this were true, then the Model S would be even more appealing than the Chevy Volt. With most vehicles you need to choose these upgrades while ordering your new vehicle, but Tesla could be offering a new strategy, as after-market upgrades. Now that’s a novel way to offer even more support for those who already own one of these environmental friendly cars.

We expect there are several analysts now predicting the outcome of next Wednesday’s Tesla Motors Q1 2013 earnings call. Although before then there will be a conference call, which takes place today at 10:30 AM Pacific Time, which is 1:30 PM Eastern Time and 6:30 PM GMT. Two hours after the call there will be a digital recording of Elon Musk’s Q&A session with members of the media.

For those of you who would like to listen to this then you need to follow the instructions here, but we have to warn you it will only be available for the next two weeks.

According to a source, Tesla Motors stock could rally to almost 400 percent, which would mean the company would need to trade at $200, which as you will know will be a tough task, as current Tesla Motors shares stands at just over $54, which is almost its all-time high.

However, this Tesla Motors shares forecast is not for 2013, but rather 5 years time. There is a concern that such forecasts could see people invest without doing their homework, and that these analysts do not take all the facts into consideration. Just bear in mind that Tesla’s shares may be heavily shorted.

Back to Wednesday’s Quarter 1 2013 earnings call – we expect that Tesla will announce their first profits, which is certainly an achievement, although it’s taken a long time. They had been expected to announce the results next Wednesday, but the news only just broke yesterday that the call would take place later today.

Can you see Tesla Motors shares increase to $200 per share by 2018?

There has been a huge amount of news in regards to the Tesla Model S because of the infamous review that pretty much tore the vehicle apart, but most of us who believe in this technology knew otherwise. Okay, so we know that the electric vehicle still has a way to go, but this is a step in the right direction.

Since that New York Times report we’ve seen a number of car reporters wishing to share their thoughts, and these latest Tesla Model S car reviews will entice your opinion. We cannot only see how these vehicles get on in the real world, but also one of the main features of the interior as well.

In one of the videos that we have for you above the reviewer wanted to show you how well the car performed when traveling from Las Vegas the LA, but there was an issue along the way that makes for an exiting video review. What happens proves that there are still many issues to be ironed out, not only to the Model S itself, but also the supercharger stations as well.

The second Model S video that we found on YouTube is another real world rest and begins like some a Paranormal Activity movie, although after a minute or so becomes a little more normal. While you’ll see that there are several issues with the car, it’s still a livable car, although with certain limitations.

Our final video takes you through some of the basic features of the Tesla Model S center console, which is the main hub of the interior. At the end of the day your final decision will come down to a number of factors; first of all you have to remember that this is not a long distance car, unless there are plenty of charging stations along the way – although even if there is it could be an issue if these stations are busy.

However, the biggest factor is the price, because it’s a lot to pay for a vehicle that is not very practical at this time.

It makes perfect sense to do this, as it will not only keep costs down but there will not be the issue of reliability issues because they already know more than half of the parts being used for the upcoming CUV are tried and tested. Whiles it’s easy to focus on the positives we shouldn’t forget about the negatives as well, so we need to consider the impact of the weight.

The Model X is around 10 percent heavier than the S and when you consider they will use the same 60 kWh or 85 kWh battery packs the range will be less than the smaller model. Many potential customers will overlook this but it’s still something that needs to be considered before you part with $60,000-$90,000 before tax credits, which is the expected price you will be paying for this latest EV.

So we know most of the Model X will share the same technology as the Model S, but it will be the other 40 percent that will make the newer model very different. The importance of this will be seen the moment you start to look at the other features of the car, such as the seven seats, the different doors and room for extra luggage – again this will have an impact on the overall range of the vehicle.

Having said that while there may be an issue with the range when compared to the Model S where the CUV will excel is in the performance, so it’s easy to tell that Tesla has tried to find the perfect balance with their latest creation.

In a recent article we can see that the entry level Model X will achieve 0-60mph in just 4.4 seconds and will come with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive options.

Upon further investigation into the range of the new Model X it looks as though the entry level 60-kWh battery will be good for 200 to 210 while the more-powerful 85-kWh battery should be good for a range of 260 to 270 miles. Both these figures are far greater than the Nissan Leaf but then again you will only be paying around $28,000, which is at least $32,000 cheaper.

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.

This is not part of the normal rental service, but Hertz Entertainment. The reason for this is that larger then average rental price tag. What makes this EV so popular is that it is able to achieve 125mph, along with a 0-60mph time of just 3.7 seconds. You have two color choices, Thunder Gray or Fusion Red and two model options, hardtop or convertible.

What makes this service even more special is the fact that you do not need to go to your local Hertz dealer, as they will deliver the Tesla Roadster to your door. Now that this service has extended across North America, it is now expected for Hertz to include it in China by the end of 2012.

We know that the numbers of these vehicles are limited, so you will only be able to rent one if you are a member. However, this is a simple process, all you need do is visit the Connect by Hertz website for all the details and choose where you are based and then the rest is simple.

Would you consider hiring a Tesla Roadster considering how expensive it is to own one?