The all-electric Model S luxury sedan marks the first truly in-house vehicle to come from Tesla. The Roadster and Roadster Sport models shared shells with the Lotus Elise, whereas the Model S is wholly an in-house effort.
The Model S is a rather dramatically styled four-door sedan. A sloping roofline gives it the appearance of a four-door coupe while the rear looks to have been influenced by the Jaguar XF.
Designed by Franz von Holzhausen, the front end styling of the Model S will be the future face of the electric automaker. Short front and rear overhangs not only give the Model S a clean, sporting look, but also allow for the maximum interior volume. Large 19 or 21-inch wheels sit at all four corners, giving the Model S a truly planted look.
Inside, the Model S’ interior is highlighted by a 17-inch touch screen. The large screen controls all of the vehicle’s radio, navigation and HVAC functions and is also highly customizable. The Model S comes packed with 3G wireless internet and HD satellite radio.
In keeping with the Model S’ green theme, Tesla offers chrome-free vegetable tanned Italian leather on the interior, and 100 percent recycled PET carpeting from Futuris.
Tesla claims the Model S has "more room than station wagons," which seems to be proven by the sedan’s seating capacity for five adults, plus optional rear-facing seats for two small children in the cargo area.
But where the Model S really shines is in its performance. The electric sedan is offered with a range of up to 300 miles for the 85 kWh variant, and a QuickCharge system that takes only 45 minutes to top off the EV’s battery, given the correct electrical connection. For those looking for even faster fueling, the Model S’ battery can also be swapped out in just five minutes, making it compatible with Shai Agassi’s Better Place initiative.
The Model S’ door handles even retract for improved aerodynamics, proving Tesla really has an eye for efficiency. Despite its 3,825 lbs. curb weight and single-speed transmission, the Model S can make the sprint from zero-to-60 mph in 5.6 seconds if equipped with the Performance package.
The Model S’ stopping power is just as impressive as its acceleration, thanks to six-piston Brembos up front and four-pot calipers out back. The Model S can haul itself down from 60-to-zero mph in just 135 feet. All-wheel drive will become available down the line, giving the Model S even more sure-footedness.
Options and Trims
The Model S is available in three basic battery flavors – 40, 60 and 85 kWh - which give it a range of 160, 230 and 300 miles, respectively.
The Model S is available in three basic battery flavors – 40, 60 and 85 kWh - which give it a range of 160, 230 and 300 miles, respectively.
Performance enthusiasts will want to step up to the Model S Performance, which adds the 85 kWh batter, as well as a high performance drive inverter and carbon fiber exterior accents. Buyers can add a Nappa leather and Alcantara leather interior, an air suspension with sport-tuned traction control and unique 21-inch alloy wheels and tires.
Other options for all models include a glass panoramic roof, aerodynamic wheels, metallic paint, a Tech package with navigation, a backup camera, HID headlamps and a few other goodies and a 580-watt audio system.
Twin chargers and a high power wall unit allow for a faster charging process.
For those truly intent on making the most of their Model S experience, a range-topping Signature trim level adds a few appearance upgrades. A Signature Performance model is by far the most expensive Model S, but it is both the fastest and most exclusive. The Signature models are the first Model Ss to go on sale and are limited to just 1,000 examples.
Source: LeftLaneNews
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