Tesla Model S unveiled, priced at $49,900 after $7,500 tax break -

Categorized | Electric cars, Future/Concept, Tesla

Tesla Model S unveiled, priced at $49,900 after $7,500 tax break

Posted on 27 March 2009. Tags: electric car, featured, Model S, Tesla, Tesla Model S, Tesla Motors

Tesla Model S Tesla Motors has definitely had a rough start, but finally their production of the sporty Roadster is picking up and they will be delivering over 100 cars a month. So far they have delivered a total of 300 cars.

Despite all the problems Tesla has successfully finished production version of their second electric car Model S.

The Model S was unveiled yesterday in Hawthorne, California. There were over 50 Tesla Roadster’s parked outside the press building and even the Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger stopped by.

Tesla Model S looks awesome and something that we would have expected Jaguar to build when it comes to the design. It has a 300 mile (482 km) range. It seats five adults and two children in rear facing seats under the hatch. With current prices it costs around 4 U.S. dollars to fully charge the batteries.300 mile range is possible thanks to more battery cells. For comparison Tesla Roadster has 6000 battery cells (244 mile range) and Model S has 8000 battery cells.

There will be three different removal battery packs, each capable of supporting a different maximum distance (there’s a 300 mile and 160 mile version). Partial charges take as little as 45 minutes.

Performance numbers for this four-seat coupe-like sedan are impressive. 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) comes in just 5.6 seconds. Top speed is 120 mph (193 km/h).

Features are impressive and include full-time 3G connectivity with Internet, HD and satellite radio and a lot more. According to Tesla there will be also an all-wheel-drive option and right hand drive available in the future. When is the future is hard to tell as Model S production will start in second half of 2011. Tesla hopes to produce around 20,000 units annually.

We love it and would like to see it on the roads sooner than that. For more details look a the press release below after images.

Press release:

At a Glance: Production Model S

With a 300-mile range and 45-minute QuickCharge, the $49,900 Model S can carry five adults and two children in quiet comfort – and you can charge it from any outlet, without ever stopping for gas. World’s first mass-produced electric vehicle offers performance, efficiency and unrivaled utility with twice the energy-efficiency of hybrids, making Model S the only car you’ll ever need.

Convenience and utility bullet points:

• Up to 300-mile range
• 45-minute QuickCharge
• 5-minute battery swap
• Charges from 110V, 220V or 440V
• Seating for 5 adults + 2 child seats
• Unique hatch for oversized items
• 60/40 flat-folding rear seat
• 2nd trunk under hood
• EPA Roominess Index 121.6
• More room than station wagons
• 17-inch infotainment touchscreen
• 3G wireless connectivity

Model S powertrain includes a liquid-cooled 9-inch motor, floor-mounted battery pack and a single-speed gearbox, delivering effortless acceleration, responsive handling and quiet simplicity — no fancy clutchwork or gear-shifting required. Model S costs as little as $4 to fully charge – a bargain even if gasoline dropped to $1 per gallon. You can have affordable fun while being socially responsible.

Technical specs:

• 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds
• ¼ mile in 14 seconds
• 120 mph top speed
• Braking 60-0 mph 135 feet
• 42 kWh battery storage system standard
• 70 kWh and greater battery storage systems optional
• 9- inch liquid cooled electric motor
• Single-speed transaxle gearbox
• Curb Weight 3825 lbs
• Overall Length 196″
• Wheelbase 116.5″
• All-wheel-drive available (option available in future production models)
• Right hand drive available

At a Glance: Model S Show Car

The Model S Show Car is a drivable vehicle that exemplifies Tesla’s “no compromises” philosophy – an elegantly refined luxury sedan delivering optimal performance without sacrificing efficiency. Designed by Franz von Holzhausen, the car’s aggressive stance gives way to a modern silhouette, with minimal front and rear overhangs for maximum space efficiency. The car’s mature face defines the future of the Tesla brand and incorporates the touches from the Tesla Roadster. Environmentally friendly materials are incorporated throughout, including water-based paint for the exterior, chrome-free vegetable tanned Italian leather on interior, and 100 percent recycled PET carpeting from Futuris.

Other details:

• Panoramic roof with sliding moon roof
• Retracting door handles for improved aerodynamics
• Full-time 3G connectivity with Internet, HD and satellite radio
• Push button “gear” selector
• Brembo brakes
• Automatic rear lift gate
• 21-inch wheels, Front Tires 245/35ZR21, Rear Tires 285/30ZR21
• 17-inch haptic touchscreen and customizable vehicle information display
• Fully digital instrument cluster
• LED and neon headlight and taillights, with xenon Hella low beams
• Smart-key power and push button gear selector
• Brembo brake system with new one-piece monobloc calipers and integral stiffening bridge to optimize performance
Front brake system:
• Brembo Gran Turismo
• Brembo 6-piston Monobloc Calipers
• Brembo 405x34mm 2-Piece Floating Slotted Discs with Billet Aluminum Hats
Rear brake system:
• Brembo Gran Turismo
• Brembo 4-piston Monobloc Calipers
• Brembo 380x28mm 2-Piece Slotted Discs with Billet Aluminum Hats