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New For 2011

Tesla Motors, a California start-up company, impressed the automotive world with its first effort.  The two-seat Tesla Roadster offers sub-four-second zero-to-sixty times on electric power alone.  It will probably never occupy more than a tiny niche in the market, however, because it carries a six-figure price tag.

The company's second effort is intended to be more mainstream in every way.  The Model S is a four-seat sedan with an intended price tag around $50,000, after federal tax credits that may save buyers as much as $7,500.  The vehicle uses the same electric technology as the Roadster, promising sporty performance for a large car.  It may be offered with several different battery packages, varying in price and driving range.  The company says it will deliver the car in 2011, and had already accepted orders for more than 500 Model S sedans within one week of announcing plans to build the car.  But so far the car exists only in concept form, and no factory has been built or engaged to manufacture it.

What the Auto Press Says

The automotive press is nearly unanimous in calling the Model S a beautiful car and an ambitious design.  The company's performance claims for the car are extraordinary, putting it on par with the best performers in the large luxury car class, but no one has test driven the Model S. 

A few media outlets, however, have expressed mild skepticism that Tesla can build this car, since no factory was in place to build it when the company started accepting deposits.  Others note, however, that Tesla has been through a lot as a young company, with repeated doubts about its financial viability and a lawsuit from rival green car builder Fisker - yet it has delivered hundreds of its successful Roadster model to customers.  It may be a mistake to doubt Tesla. 

• Tesla claims that "The Model S will seat up to seven people, will accelerate from zero to 60 in 5.5 seconds with a top speed of 135 mph, and will have a driving range of up to 300 miles....The standard lithium-ion battery pack that comes with the Model S is good for a 160-mile range, the company said. An optional battery pack will extend the range to 300 miles and can be quick-charged in 45 minutes." -- Edmunds Inside Line
• "The car fits seven people and their luggage: five adults and two children in rear-facing seats under the hatch inside, with luggage in the boot up front." - Autoblog
• "We just a good look at the crazy touchscreen console in the Tesla Model S electric Sedan, the most interesting feature of which is that it has a 3G connection all the time. In addition to that, there's the center console's controls, which are full touchscreen, can manipulate your iPod, Google Maps as well as streaming radio. There's HD, AUX, USB and iPod input to the car, so that covers the major device you'd be able to use too. The current design looks really busy at first glance, but that's probably because the entire console takes the place of what used to be a slew of buttons and knobs and dials." -- Gizmodo
• "In keeping with the Model S' green theme, Tesla uses chrome-free vegetable tanned Italian leather on interior, and 100 percent recycled PET carpeting from Futuris. The Model S also sports a panoramic roof." - Left Lane News
• The car's price "puts the Model S in the range of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series, Jaguar XF, and other premium sedans. But Tesla buyers can now claim a $7,500 federal tax credit for electric and plug-in hybrid cars." -- Boston Globe
• "While the company has faced a mountain of start-up hardship, including a battle over trade secrets, a class action lawsuit, and a major leadership change, it has so far been able to deliver 320 of its Roadster models, its all-electric luxury sports car." -- CNET
  

Key Details

The Model S is a new design from the ground up, borrowing nothing from existing cars made by larger manufacturers. 

Tesla says the Model S will be sold with a range of batteries, with each offering greater driving range for a greater price.  The announced base price will purchase a 160 mile battery, while 230 and 300 mile options will be offered for an additional charge.  The company claims the standard battery can be recharged in 45 minutes.  That figure, however, requires a 480-volt outlet, which would have to be specially installed in most households.  The manufacturer says the batteries could also be changed in just five minutes, though it isn't clear whether that process is easy for an owner to perform alone.

The car is electronically limited to 135 miles per hour, and Tesla claims a zero-to-sixty time of 5.6 seconds.  The standard model is rear-wheel-drive, while all-wheel-drive will be available as an option.  The Model S uses a single-speed transmission, allowing for what the manufacturer says is smooth, even power delivery.

The car seats five adults, with additional seating for two children in rear-facing third row of seats beneath the rear hatch.  The rear seats fold down to allow transport of large items.  Because the car does not have a conventional engine in front, there is a second trunk beneath the hood.

The driver's instrument cluster and center console are both made entirely of touchscreen panels, which can be configured to offer different performance information or access to climate and entertainment functions.  Internet access is reportedly available through the central touchscreen.

Tesla says it expects to deliver the Model S in 2011, though no more specific date has been announced.