All-new saloon promises practicality for the family and will get a maximum range of nearly 500km
- Haven't I seen this car somewhere before?
Yes you have. This is the Model S, Tesla's second electric vehicle due in showrooms late 2012 after the Roadster expires early next year.
Confirming its production plans are spy shots of the Model S undergoing durability tests in the US. Note how the prototype looks just as stylish as the one in the official pictures of Model S.
- It looks like a Jag XF...
Yeah, especially with those slim, elegant rear lights _ and with a whiff of Aston and Maserati elsewhere around the car.
The Model S will be competing with executive cars like the Audi A6, BMW 5-series, Jaguar XF, Lexus GS (stay in tune for the all-new one shortly) and Mercedes-Benz E-class.
- Is it a rehash of any existing model?
Not this time mate, unlike Tesla's pioneering Roadster that was based on the Lotus Elise. The Model S has been designed by Tesla and features a lightweight, high-strength aluminium body.
The Model S also promises a high-quality cabin to match intended rivals. The huge 17-inch touch-screen comes with 3G connectivity to allow users an array of web-based services.
Tesla says the Model S will be a 5+2, that is, capable of taking five adults and two children. And if the toddlers' seats are not used, the Model S will be a highly practical car because a second boot already lurks under the front bonnet.
The 17-inch touch-screen gets 3G connectivity.
- Umm, where will the motor be?
Along with the batteries, the electric motor is neatly packaged into the floor.
Tesla says there will be three battery packs with different touring ranges for clients to choose from: 250, 370 or 480 kilometres. A 45min quick-charge will also be available.
Tesla hasn't been specific about the outputs, although it says that Model S will be able to crack the 0-100kph time in less than 6sec (it claims 0-96kph in 5.6sec). Like in the Roadster, top speed will be governed at 200kph.
- Sounds fair enough...
Yeah, because these days acceleration is more relevant than top speed. And consider the fact that the highlight of EV performance is instantaneous torque via a one-speed automatic transmission. Plus, going too fast in EVs drain batteries at an alarming rate.
- Will it be pricey like the Roadster?
Here's the good news for those whose eyebrows have been torn by the Roadster's sticker price. The Model S is expected to cost $50,000 _ half less than what the Roadster commands. And since the Roadster is priced at 8.5 million baht in Thailand, the Model S should match its sumptuously equipped rivals at some 4-4.5 million baht.
Here's the even juicier news. Tesla says that it has already received 4,500 orders for the Model S, more than a year in advance of the vehicle's arrival into showrooms.
Eton Import, the newly appointed importer of Tesla in Thailand, says a handful of those orders come from Thai clients.
Model S will take on executive saloons such as the Jaguar XF.
- Is there really a market for luxury EVs in Thailand?
According to Eton Import, yes, but more for the future. That's why they are not really promoting the Roadster and would do instead with the arrival of Model S. Rivals don't have pure electric propulsion to choose from yet. But Audi and Lexus already have the GS450h and A6 Hybrid with semi-electric drivetrains, while BMW and Mercedes will have market-ready versions of the 5-series ActiveHybrid and E-class Bluetec Hybrid by next year.
Eton executives told Life that their potential customers were mostly acquainted with the brand when they were in the US.
- What's next for Tesla?
The brand's big boss has already let the cat out of the bag: Model X, an SUV that should follow in 2013-14.
Don't ever think for the moment that luxury SUVs are dead. In fact, a new momentum is gaining again. Following Porsche's success with its (controversial) Cayenne, Bentley and Maserati are back on the drawing board with new SUVs, with the latter rumoured to show a near-production concept at next month's Frankfurt motor show. Watch this space.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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