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The long-awaited Tesla Model S is finally itching and itching closer to production as the California-based electric car maker has released the latest batch of photos for their electric sedan. Looking more or less the same as the concept version, the newly-designed Model S features a restyled front bumper and new rear lights that resemble that of the Jaguar XF. Despite the minimal changes, the "new-look" Model S figures to be as close to what the production version of this model is going to look like. If and when this model does see the light of the production block, Tesla has announced that the first 1,000 models of the Model S will be given a unique special edition badging - the North American Model S Signature Series - which will come with some added aesthetic treatments, a bevy of optional upgrades, and a powertrain that features the model’s top-of-the-line lithium-ion battery pack with a 300-mile range. UPDATE 02/01/12: To say that Tesla has high hopes for the Model S is really an understatement. More than just being the company’s new flagship model, the Model S is also Tesla’s first venture into the world of what could be described as luxury electric cars that boast of features that you won’t find in any other sedan in the market. The company even released a new video, suggesting not so subtly that 2012 will be the Year of the Model S. To that, who are we to disagree? Check out the video by clicking on the image above. Details on the Tesla Model S after the jump. Exterior and Interior  Judging by the new set of photos of the more production-ready version of the Model S, the overall design of the car looks to be largely unchanged from the concept version. Having said that, there are still some noticeable changes made, including a remodeled lower facia with two air intakes on both sides of the slightly restyled front bumper, something that you wouldn’t find in the concept version. The profile of the Model S Alpha also appears to be more aggressive than the concept, with a more angular compared to the streamlined appearance of the concept version and rear lights that were given a new lens design. From there, though, it’s a case of being more of the same for the Model S. The California-based automaker is promoting it as family sedan that can accommodate up to seven passengers. It also boasts of premium interior styling akin to a luxury car and an infotainment unit that features a 17" touchscreen with in-car 3G connectivity. Performance To give customers a variety of engine choices, Tesla is giving the Model S different options with the base configuration featuring a 160-mile lithium-ion battery pack (40kWh). This particular option will take the Model S from 0-60 mph in just 6.5 seconds with a top speed of 110 mph. If 160 miles is too short for you, Tesla is also offering more powerful options, including a 230-mile lithium-ion battery pack (60kWh), which hits 0-60 mph in just 5.9 seconds with a top speed of 120 mph, and a 300-mile version (80kWh) that can go from 0-60 mph in just 5.6 seconds and hit a top speed of 126 mph. The top-of-the-line model is the Model S Sport, which has been pegged as capable of hitting 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds, considerably faster than the 300-mile, 80kWh Model S. The Model S Sport is carrying the 80kWh electric powertrain with the significant power boost coming courtesy of added enhancements. Charging Time As an electric car, the Model S’ power can be derived from those lithium-ion batteries, and similar to just about everything that runs on batteries these days, they need to have ample time to recharge. According to Tesla, the Model S can be charged in any 110V, 220V, or 440V outlet with the latter taking only 45 minutes for a full charge. Pricing The basic version of the Tesla Model S is being offered with a choice of three battery options: 40 kWh, 60 kWh, and 85 kWh. The prices range from $57,400, $67,400 and $77,400, respectively. When factoring in the $7,500 federal tax credit, the prices drop to $49,900, $59,900 and $69,900, respectively. Moving up into the higher-echelon version - the Performance model - with the larger capacity 85kWh will cost you $87,400 or $79,900 after deducting the $7,500 federal tac credit. The Performance model is offered exclusively with the larger capacity 85 kWh battery and is priced at $87,400 or $79,900 if you deduct the $7,500 federal tax credit. A Nappa leather interior with carbon décor and Aclantara accents along with an Active Air Suspension and 21-inch alloy wheels come as standard on the Perfomance trim.
Competition In looking for suitable competition for the soon-to-be-released production version, the Model S could find itself battling for the hearts, minds, and pockets of environmentally-friendly customers with a car that is dealing with its own issues as of late: the Fisker Karma. Unlike the Tesla Model S Alpha, the Fisker Karma isn’t a full-blown electric car, but is a plug-in hybrid that uses its own lithium-ion battery pack. This pack is capable of powering two 200+ hp electric motors for about 50 miles. When the time comes that the battery of the Karma hits the red, a GM-sourced 2.0-liter gas engine with 269 horsepower will be activated, giving the car enough time to generate electricity needed to bring power back to the Model S. Either way, the Karma’s performance numbers aren’t too far off from the Model S Alpha, including a 0-60 mph time of six seconds and a top speed of over 125 mph. Tesla Model S Takes A Test Drive Looks better than the concept version
Powertrain options offer plenty of choices
Costs as much as the Roadster
Long wait already
Not as powerful as we’d hope
17 comments: Tesla Model S When it comes to interior design; its very roomy and refreshing to look at. It looks better than the concept version and the power train options offer plenty of choices.
 I can’t believe that this such stunning and luxurious car is also a green or electric vehicle too. The interior and exterior of this 2012 Tesla Model S are both stylish. The interior has lots of high-tech goodies like the 17-inch LCD monitor.
The car looks better in concept, and it cost expensive as much as Roadster. The engine offers many choices.
 I don’t know if this was right, but for me, the 2012 Tesla is far more fabulous than the concept which they’ve presented before the production. The interior was very impressive as they also put the 17” touch screen and good thing it has a 3G connectivity.
 This is one of the most luxury cars I’ve ever seen. It looks better than the concept version. Everything’s nice but the price is not.
 2012 Tesla Model S looks more appealing than the concept version and power train option offers many choices.
 The colors are pretty stunning as well. This model looks so promising. Good thing is that they are capable in progressing their models.
 What a price! Fortunate ones will surely have this car. And the colors are pretty stunning as well, but I will pick the grey one. Also, the exterior design is really promising for an electric car.
 Tesla is so awesome on its outlook! It looks perfect more on its car lines even on its interior technology! Moreover, I’m very fascinated with its technology and with its center console. Nice maximum speed as well.
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Posted on
02.17.2012 @ 02:24