2012 tesla motors model S|Review-Price-Interior-Exterior

 Information Specification Modification Image Review 2012 tesla motors model S

PayPal founder Elon Musk's next planned opus for his Tesla Motors electric-car company is a $57,400 electric luxury sedan to be built in Southern California. (You know Tesla, of course, from their Lotus-based Roadster.) According to the company, the Tesla Model S will have up to 300 miles of range, a 4900-pound curb weight, and expected acceleration to 60 mph of 5.6 seconds. After attending the unveiling, we can confirm that it wears the beguiling looks of a Jaguar XF doppelganger. 

If all goes to plan—a plan which includes an infusion of both government and private funds to the teetering company—production of the Model S should begin in the third quarter of 2011. Musk says that no matter what happens, the Model S will go into production even if funding shortages prolong the launch date.

 Tesla's goal is to accelerate the world's transition to electric mobility with a full range of increasingly affordable electric cars. Palo Alto, California-based Tesla Motors designs and manufactures EVs and EV powertrain components. Tesla has delivered more than 2,250 Roadsters, the world's first electric sports car, to customers world-wide. Model S, the first premium sedan to be built from the ground up as an electric vehicle, goes on the market the middle of this year.

 Tesla is the only production automaker already selling highway-capable EVs in North America or Europe. With 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds, the Roadster outperforms almost all sports cars in its class yet is six times as energy efficient as gas guzzlers and delivers 244 miles per charge. Tesla has delivered nearly 300 Roadsters, and nearly 1,000 more customers are on the waitlist.

Teslas do not require routine oil changes, and they have far fewer moving (and breakable) parts than internal combustion engine vehicles. They qualify for federal and state tax credits, rebates, sales tax exemptions, free parking, commuter-lane passes and other perks. Model S costs roughly $5 to drive 230 miles – a bargain even if gasoline were $1 per gallon.
 
The anticipated base price of the Model S is $49,900 after a federal tax credit of $7,500. The company has not released options pricing. Three battery pack choices will offer a range of 160, 230 or 300 miles per charge.

But the anticipated sticker price doesn't tell the full story. Model S costs half as much as a Roadster, and it's a better value than much cheaper cars. The ownership cost of Model S, if you were to lease and then account for the much lower cost of electricity vs. gasoline at a likely future cost of $4 per gallon, is similar to a gasoline car with a sticker price of about $35,000. That's why we're positive this car will be the preferred choice of savvy consumers.

The standard Model S does 0-60 mph in under six seconds and will have an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph, with sport versions expected to achieve 0-60 mph acceleration well below five seconds. A single-speed gearbox delivers effortless acceleration and responsive handling. A 17-inch touchscreen with in-car 3G connectivity allows passengers to listen to Pandora Radio or consult Google Maps, or check their state of charge remotely from their iPhone or laptop.
source:rsportscars.com,finance.yahoo.com,caranddriver.com