Tesla Model S Update: Pricing to start from $57,000 before credits

Tesla recently held a celebration in honor of its newest store, located in Milan, Italy. At the event, customers and company-folk mingled while chatting about their favorite electric car company. One of the key talking points was the upcoming Model S, and Tesla took the opportunity to answer a few questions.

Deliveries of the North American-market Tesla Model S are scheduled to begin in the mid-2012. The first 1,000 vehicles peeled off the assembly line will be Signature Series cars, which means they’re fitted with 300-mile range batteries and identifying options. Once the Signature Series run has been sold, Tesla will continue to produce 300-mile range cars while optional 230-mile and 160-mile Model S sedans will follow later in the year.

The base 160-mile range Tesla Model S will start at $57,000, but a $7,500 tax credit will cut that price to $49,500. Stepping up to the 230-mile range Model S will add $10,000 to the bottom line. The range-topping 300-mile Model S adds $20,000 to the base price. Tesla plans to produce 5,000 units in 2012 before going full-tilt in 2013 with a 20,000 vehicle production run.

Not limited to just the North American market, Tesla will being selling the Model S in Europe during the latter half of 2012. By the middle of 2013, the company will have a right-hand-drive version for the rest of Europe and Asia. Those launches will also features the Signature Series edition.

[Source: Tesla]

2012 Tesla Model S - 25 Aug, 2010

2012 Tesla’s Model S will rival other EVs, like the plug-in hybrid Fisker Karma, plus traditional luxury vehicles, like the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The 2012 Tesla Model S will be Tesla’s second model, joining the Roadster sports car, with production slated for late 2011.



 Tesla has yet to announce an official on-sale date for the Model S, but the sporty EV sedan will retail from $49,900 after a $7,500 tax credit when it finally rolls into dealerships. Tesla says Model S customers will be able to order the car with a 160-mile, 220-mile, or 300-mile battery pack. It’s not clear how the price will be affected by the range options.



But where the 2012 Tesla Model S really shines is in its performance. The electric sedan will be offered with a range of up to 300 miles, and a QuickCharge system taking only 45 minutes to top off the EV’s battery, given the correct electrical connection. For those looking for even faster fueling, the 2012 Tesla Model S’ battery can also be swapped out in just five minutes, making it compatible with Shai Agassi’s Better Place initiative. The 2012 Tesla Model S’ door handles even retract for improved aerodynamics, proving Tesla really has an eye for efficiency.





Despite its 3,825 pound curb weight and single-speed transmission, the Model S can make the sprint from zero to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, crossing the quarter-mile stripe in 14 seconds flat. Give the Model S a longer track and it will top out at 120 mph.

2010 Tesla Roadster Sport Pictures

2010 Tesla Roadster Sport

2010 Tesla Roadster Sport

2010 Tesla Roadster Sport Interior

2009 Tesla Roadster Pictures

2009 Tesla Roadster

2009 Tesla Roadster

2009 Tesla Roadster Interior

2010 Tesla Roadster TAG Heuer

This design was inspired by TAG Heuer watches new concept, the technical steps in a mechanical movement, bringing high-tech art to life through movement. Tesla Motors began developing an electric sport utility vehicle in 2004 and remains the only manufacturer capable of highway, selling electric cars. Tesla Roadster accelerating faster than almost all other supercars are still two times more energy efficient than Toyota Prius, the only car that gives a super performance guilt free with zero tailpipe emissions and carbon is much lower than what is the difference and like a sports car. TAG Heuer watch brand that can claim the combination of the longest and highest for sports cars and dream cars. Two hours and chronographs inspired and driven by the motor sport, Formula One car for the GT.

Governator says Tesla teaming up with Toyota in Cali

California Governor Arnold Schwartzenegger has apparently let slip ahead of a scheduled 5pm Pacific announcement that Tesla Motors will be teaming up with Toyota to build electric cars.

While some might speculate that the agreement could result in the re-opening of Fremont's idle New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. plant (NUMMI), SFGate says that this is somewhat unlikely. Any production agreement will likely involve the forthcoming Model S sedan, and NUMMI's facilities are significantly larger than what the model will require, as it was originally scaled to accommodate the joint venture between Toyota and General Motors which required much greater capacity. The smart money is on a new factory location, probably in Downey, CA (in Los Angeles County).

It is not yet clear what Toyota will bring to the table or what, if any money or stock is changing hands with this rumored agreement. Also, no word yet on how Mercedes-Benz feels about all this – the German automaker already has a 10 percent stake in the company after opening its coffers to the struggling EV manufacturer back in May of 2009.

[Source: SFGate]