It has been a long journey, but it looks like the Tesla Model S all-electric sport sedan is one step closer to series production as the California-based automaker announced it is moving on to the final road tests. The first phase called Alpha, which began in 2010, includes both computer simulations and test-drives of prototype vehicles. There will be a Beta phase as well.
“The first Alpha is amazingly agile for a car of its size. It has great handling balance and poised ride with communicative steering. Just goes to show what combining a low center of gravity with a very stiff body structure can achieve”, said test drive Graham Sutherland.
According to Tesla, Alpha cars will be tested in the coming months in all sorts of climatic conditions, which should help engineers improve the EV’s driving dynamics.
Tesla’s second model after the Roadster offers seating for five adults and two children. The Model-S' drivetrain consists of an electric motor coupled to a single-speed transmission and a floor-mounted lithium-ion battery pack. Customers will be able to specify their cars with one of three available battery packs offering a driving range of up to 160, 230 or 300 miles (258, 370 or 483 kilometers).
Roughly the same size as a BMW 5-Series, the Model S sprints to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 5.6 seconds and can reach a top speed of 130 mph (209 km/h). Production is set to begin in 2012 and Tesla is currently taking orders, with the base price set at US$49,000, including a US$7,500 Federal tax credit.
By Csaba Daradics
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8 Comments:
Love it! Very sleek and sporty, sounds fast in the video! Would like to see what the second model looks like with seating for 5 adults and 2 children! Now that would be something - an all battery powered roomy family sedan, I would be in the market.
Awesome car! Test drove a roadster 2.5, EV is where it's at! Front end totally different than prototype, but you'd expect some minor changes.
Love it! I'm rooting strong for Tesla
Why do i have a feeling this car will be 75k by the time it comes out ?
really beautiful design.. stunning - very Jag like, but still stunning
Why is the charging port on the drivers side on all these EV's? This puts it out into traffic when using roadside charging stations. If they put it up front like Nissan, it would be safer for either right or left hand drive markets.
Wow. The engine voice is just amazing. E-cars sucks!
When I'm absolutely sure I can actually take delivery of the 'S' model, I will put down the 5k deposit required for an order placement and position. Looking forward to that day and the silent, green drive offered by the 'S'.
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