a tenth of a second for a 0-60 time actually is kind of a big deal...the closer you get to zero the harder it is to shave off that additional tenth...traction also becomes a very real limitation...bravo to the Tesla team.
Also, i'm pretty sure the Tesla IS the only $100k luxury sedan with that performance right now. Very few pure sports cars make it under 3s.
Its probably _because_ of traction actually. A internal combustion engine has to worry about gears and gear switching. Even if the gear takes a short-time to switch, that is a penalty that the electric cars do not face.
The Tesla can provide smooth acceleration from 0 to 60. No combustion engine can accomplish that feat... although some hybrid supercars are beginning to incorporate electric motors for that reason.
look up dual-clutch transmissions. agreed though, nothing's faster than not having to shift at all. the downside of a single gear may be limitation at top speed.... maybe.
Also, i'm pretty sure the Tesla IS the only $100k luxury sedan with that performance right now. Very few pure sports cars make it under 3s.