After several days of sparring between The New York Times and Tesla over the validity of a negative review of the Model S, CNN has opted to throw its hat into the ring.
Peter Valdes-Dapena, an automotive producer at the network, recreated the infamous journey originally followed (and faulted by) New York Times journalist John Broder. Where Broder fell flat, Valdes-Dapena reportedly succeeded with mileage to spare, concluding on Twitter, "Game over."
Despite CNN's apparently flawless trip, it's worth noting some key differences between the outlet's journey and the New York Times' journey.
CNN made the drive from Washington, D.C., to Boston in one day, while the Times reviewer took two. According to Broder, a key point of his failure is how cold the car's battery got overnight, which may have zapped some performance. CNN also notes the ambient temperature was 10 degrees warmer for Valdes-Dapena's drive, another factor which may have affected the battery.
Does this conclusively determine whether or not the Times review is "fake," as previously stated by Tesla CEO Elon Musk? Not at all, but it certainly drives home the point that -- barring unforeseen circumstances -- the journey is not a difficult one to make.
Watch highlights from the journey in the video above (via CNN)