Tesla Model S Sedan Prototype Unveiled

26 March, 2009 05:30:00

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Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk has unveiled prototype of the company's all-electric, 5-door Model S that can carry five adults and could travel up to 300 miles per charge.

Tesla believes that the Model S will likely become the world’s first mass-produced, highway-capable electric vehicle. It is slated to go into production in 2011 and will be manufactured in Southern California.

Tesla plans to produce 20,000 Model S sedans a year. The company is still awaiting a response to its application for a $350 million loan from the U.S. Department of Energy. Tesla wants to use the loan to build a manufacturing facility for the Model S.

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.

Tesla revealed the specifications at the official California launch: a 300-mile range, 45-minute charging, and 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds.

Tesla may rent battery packs to customers for long road trips, but in general, the batteries will be available for lease. The company claims they will last from seven to ten years, and Tesla's Model S will be covered under a warranty of three to four years.

“Our objective with the Model S was to create one of the most functional, intuitive and and beautiful vehicles on the road,” said CEO Elon Musk.

The event for Tesla Roadster customers, select VIPs and media was held at the company’s Hawthorne design studio, located within the SpaceX rocket factory, and included the company’s senior executives.

The sticker price of the Model S will be $49,900 after a $7,500 federal rebate for buying an electric vehicle.

The prototype was displayed nearly a year after Tesla brought its sleek, pricey, two-seat Roadster sports car to the market.

TESLA MODEL S SPECIFICATION:

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

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

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

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