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Times may be tough for automakers throughout the world, but some continue to pump out new and innovative ideas regardless of the economic climate. Tesla Motors is one of those innovative companies, as they have recently unveiled their latest auto, The Model S Sedan. The Model S Sedan encompasses what many would like to see out of a fuel efficient auto: style, class and elegance. Even though Tesla’s auto may be a bit too expensive for most, it gives auto enthusiasts hope that a “green auto” can indeed be sporty and eye catching.
Wait A Minute, Tesla Makes Cars?
Usually when we hear the name Tesla, most of us immediately think of the Tesla coil and alternating current (AC), both invented by Nikola Tesla. In the case of Tesla Motors, the name Tesla does indeed come from Nikola Tesla himself, but that is about it in terms of comparing the past and present. Tesla Motors was created by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning, the founder of PayPal. Some notable investors include Sergey Brin and Larry Page, the founders of Google. Tesla Motor’s business strategy is to create performance oriented electric cars that even hardcore auto enthusiasts would have no problem adding to their collections. The founders also wanted to ensure that electric cars in general have a future for everyone, not just the rich. They hope that other electric car manufacturers will take the idea of a performance electric car and start to apply more performance oriented components to their own cars to bring more and more consumers into the fold of purchasing electric autos.
The Model S Sedan
Even though the Model S Sedan will not be seen out and about until the third quarter of 2011, it is an electric auto worth waiting for. Right now information is sketchy about what will comprise the Model S Sedan, but we do know that it will come in three different configurations. The first configuration will a battery pack that has the ability to last 160 miles, while the other two configurations will include battery packs that will last for 230 miles and 300 miles, respectively. The battery packs themselves will have a life span of seven to ten years and can easily be swapped out depending on one’s needs.
Pricing for the sedan will start at a lofty $57,400 (USD) for the base model, but that is considerably less than the Tesla Roadster, which starts out at around $109,000 (USD). For U.S. residents, you can receive a $7,500 tax credit if you purchase the vehicle, so really the car prices out at around $50,000 (USD) before taxes, title and registration.
Besides the price tag, what makes the Model S Sedan so special you ask? Unlike many purely electric autos, the Model S Sedan is a high performance machine, at least for an electric auto. Tesla plans for the most powerful configuration to weigh around 4,000 pounds and have the ability to hit 60mph in around six seconds. That may not seem like much in comparison to the fastest petroleum powered autos, but for a purely electric car, that is astounding, especially for the price. Granted, the Tesla Roadster can zoom up to 60mph in around four seconds, but you are going to pony up around $50,000 (USD) more for an extra two seconds.
Besides the performance inherent within the Model S Sedan, another reason why some would pay over $50,000 (USD) is for the auto’s appearance. As you can see by the picture, the sedan actually looks like a high-end European sports car or something that James Bond would be seen driving. Of course it lacks the power plant of a high end European sports car, but really, who would ever know the difference? The auto’s design is the brainchild of Franz von Holzhausen who recently joined Tesla after years with Mazda. One of the main points of attraction for the auto is its glass roof, which, according to Tesla, will be included on all models produced.
Be On The Lookout
Tesla plans on producing around 20,000 annually starting in mid 2012. A select number will be released in the third quarter of 2011, so be on the lookout if you find this auto worth investing in immediately. The Model S Sedan will be manufactured exclusively out of a plant in San Jose, California when Tesla can acquire the needed loans from the U.S. Department of Energy. Loans aside, in my opinion, I believe that Tesla has a novel idea in the form of the Model S Sedan.
Photo:
www.teslamotors.com
Sources:
CNN.com
Edmunds.com
NYTimes.com
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