Zero-Emissions, Fast, and now with a Backseat

Tesla Motors has unveiled the new Model S previously known as project WhiteStar. 520 orders have already been secured for the 120-mph, 5.6 to 60, $57,500, 7-seat sports sedan as the Tesla Roadster goes into full production with 300 delivered. Tesla's early years continue to be rocky, but successful delivery of the halo sportscar have encouraged the continued frenzy and fanfare. Tesla has been blessed with good press despite a falling out between co-founders Martin Eberhard and Elon Musk as well as a law-suit with upstart eco-lux car-maker rival Fisker. After introduction of the Roadster Sport option, Tesla has revealed detailed specifications for the Model S. The base Model S is available with a 160-mile range using the same lithium-ion battery pack tech, single-ratio transmission, and fully-electric driveline as the Roadster. The sedan can be charged in 45-min using a 480-volt outlet, but can also be charged using conventional 120 and 240-volt outlets. For those needing more range optional battery-packs providing 230 and 300 mi ranges are available as options. Depending on the battery option and outlet voltage full-charging takes no more than 5 hours. The battery-pack can also be swapped in as little as 5 minutes. All-wheel-drive will also be optional as well as a Sport model that increases top speed to 130-mph and quickens acceleration. Keeping with Tesla's performance-oriented brand character the Model S is advertised as providing sport sedan dynamics. When Tesla provides a press car we'll see whether it's a handler or not. Emphasis on utility for family buyers, the Model S seats 5 adults as well as 2 children in a third row. The compact drivetrain and body design allow for cavernous cargo capacity. There is station wagon rivaling space under the rear hatch and additional trunk space under the hood in the front. At $57,500 the car is placed well against a BMW 5-series, Jaguar XF, or Lexus GS and others in the mid-sized luxury sports sedan market. A Model S with a 300-mi range will be closer to $65,500 but all Tesla cars qualify for a $7500 federal tax credit taking the base model just south of $50,000 as initially reported more than a year ago. First deliveries are expected late in 2011, and Tesla is reportedly working on a smaller sedan in the $30,000 range.