Tesla Introduces Model S: Electrifying luxury sedan

Tesla Motors, the deadly serious Silicon Valley electric car company, has revealed its much anticipated luxury sedan. The working Model S production prototype was unveiled late last week with company founder and PayPal magnate Elon Musk expressing optimism that financing soon will be in place to build a factory in San Jose capable to producing 20,000 units a year by late 2012. Musk is seeking financial backing up to $350m from the U.S. Department of Energy, but the Tesla proposal has yet to be approved. The Financial Times is reporting that Tesla is "already weighing offers of big investments from unnamed auto companies and two sovereign investors." Musk was mum on this report. However, as Tesla's lithium ion battery development is cutting edge, any major automaker could well gain a competitive advantage in the EV market by partnering with Tesla. Long gone are the days when major automakers tended to quash innovative start-ups.

Musk has announced a base price for the Model S with the 230-mile range battery pack at $49k after the $7.5k tax credit. A 300-mile pack will be an option. The Tesla features a 45-minute QuickCharge mode and will accept 110V, 220V or 440V charging sources. The battery packs carry a seven to 10 year warranty and can be replaced for less than $5k according to Tesla.

Designed by Franz von Holzhausen, the Model S has minimal front and rear overhangs to maximize space efficiency. The sleek luxury sedan with a 0.27 drag coefficient will carry five adults and two children - the latter in rear facing seats - plus a variety of bulky cargo in lieu of passengers with additional luggage space in the front "boot". The body panels and unibody are primarily aluminum to offset the shear heft of the 1200 lb battery pack - the car weighing in around 4,000 lbs.

Mechanical features include a floor-mounted battery pack driving a 9-inch liquid-cooled electric motor through a single-speed transaxle to the wheels where Brembo Gran Turismo brakes provide the stopping power. Performance will be in the 6-sec range for a 0-60 run with a top end of around 120mph.

The Model S features a sliding moon roof, retracting door handles, smart-key power, push button gear selection, automatic rear lift gate, LED and neon headlight and taillights with Hella xenon low beams and digital instrument cluster with a 17-inch haptic touchscreen vehicle operation display, plus 3G wireless connectivity for internet, HD and satellite radio.

Turbine-shaped, nine-spoke, 21-inch aluminum wheels carry an aggressive 245/35ZR21 front and 285/30ZR21 rear tire package - avoid railroad tracks and potholes.

In short, the Tesla Model S is a serious automobile, totally in tune with the current automotive market. Check out our five video pieces on the Tesla Roadster: design review, interior and user experience, performance review, quick test and the Director's Cut