Over the weekend, the Tesla Motors (NASDAQ: TSLA) factory in Fremont, California gave tours to future owners of their soon-to-be-released Model S.
The electric-powered sedan is the latest venture for Tesla Motors, which until now has been popular for their pricey, stylish Roadster.
But the company is looking to change its status and move toward affordability with its Model S, which will be released next year.
As the Wall Street Journal reports, CEO Elon Musk announced at this open house that the company is planning to release a high-performance version of the sedan as well.
This version will have the capability of zero-to-sixty miles per hour in 4.5 seconds.
At this speed, the article reports, it’s two-tenths of a second faster than the Porsche 911 Carrera.
And, as the Wall Street Journal says, though there are certainly faster versions of the Carrera, the point is that this sedan will be able to match some sports cars in speed.
Part of this is due to its electric power.
Because even the standard Model S, without the special, high-performance capabilities, will go from zero to sixty in 5.6 seconds. Not bad.
As Reuters reports, the Model S 2012 production is already sold out, and the company hopes to begin deliveries later next year.
The Model S, set to take over as Tesla Motors’ main product when it begins the phase-out of the Roadster in January 2012, has three battery options, says Reuters. Buyers can choose between full charge capability of 160 miles, 230 miles, and 300 miles.
A huge leap down from the $109,000 pricing of the Roadster, the Model S will have a starting price of $57,400, which can be brought down to $49,900 with the $7,500 federal tax credit.
The car comes complete with a 17-inch LCD display for navigation and entertainment and another 12.3-inch screen for speed and fuel levels, says CNET.
Another benefit is the cargo space, made possible by the location of the lithium ion battery in the bottom of the car.
And naturally there are green benefits. Though CO2 emissions won’t disappear, since charging the car naturally increases emissions from the power plants supplying the energy, the elimination of gasoline-burning will cut emissions up to 70%, as Tesla told ABC News.
The Model S could be shaping up to bring in big profits for Tesla Motors.
That’s all for now,
Brianna
