Zoomi Life

The hot news right now is the unveiling of the Tesla Model S sedan, which happened with much anticipation and fanfare.  Also released were the specifications for this new car from Tesla Motors. Shortly after it’s unveiling, we featured an article on it here at Zoomi Life, where I gave my impressions of the vehicle and it’s looks.

The price tag, of course, remains at $57,400 for the base model–no doubt set due to the marketing buzz that magically turns that number into “less than $50,000″ (after tax rebates).  The range is the largest difference between the base model and the higher-end model (see below).  Other differences will likely be details like wheel package, stereo options and so forth–much like Tesla has done with the Roadster.

Here’s the fast check on this all electric sedan:

• Seats up to seven - this assumes that you’re willing to stuff two kids in the “jumper seat” under the back window. 
• Swappable battery packs (under-carriage) which a Tesla-trained shop can do in under 5 minutes.
• 60/40 folding rear seats and unique hatch for large items to fit.
• 2nd trunk under the hood (similar to the old VW beetle)
• 17″ infotainment touch screen.
• 3G wireless connectivity.
• Extremely unique, 2-panel dashboard and center console LCD screens.
• Panoramic viewtop and sliding moon roof.
• EPA roominess index: 121.6

Pretty impressive numbers that should indicate the “everyday-ness” of the S.  It’s a real sedan, not a pretend model with more hype than room. This car is definitely made to compete with similarly-priced Mercedes, Jaguar, Volvo, and Lexus models.  So far, it’s doing a good job of it.

What about performance? One big advantage that electrics have over gasoline is full torque from 0 on up.  This means full power from the moment you touch the pedal.  Plus, all that comes with very little guilt, since you’re not watching the fuel gauge drop as you go.

Performance Specs:

• 0-60 in 5.6 seconds
• Does the 1/4 mile in 14 seconds
• 120mph top speed
• 60-0mph braking in 135 feet
• Regenerative braking (including downhill inhibitors)
• Push-button gear selector (forward, reverse, park–no driving gears)

The braking system is top-quality Brembo (6p calipers and 4p mono; front:rear) and the other specs are equally as high quality.  From the tires to the LED lights, the Model S is a true luxury sedan.

Technical specifications are also important for the vehicle junkies I know are reading this, so I’ll get to those now.  These are still considered preliminary by Tesla, so they could change, of course, but now that the pre-production models are out, it’s not likely that they’ll alter too much.

Tech specs:

• 42kWh battery system (70kWh optional)
• 9-inch liquid-cooled electric motor (same one as in the Roadster)
• 3,825 pound curb weight
• 116.5″ wheelbase
• All-wheel drive optionally available after 2011

Most of the drive train components are the same as for the Roadster, but now on Tesla’s own proprietary platform.  The positioning of the batteries under-carriage means the car can be lifted, the battery system dropped, and a new one put in its place. This is the “quick swap” mentioned earlier.

Overall, this is a seriously competitive car.  Whatever you think of Tesla Motors, they are definitely making waves and appear to be doing some things right.  Despite the nay-sayers who’ll lambast it’s “priciness” or it’s ugly looks compared to the Roadster–this model will be the one that shows middle-class America that EVs are not only possible, they’re realistic and affordable. Not just the rich playboys and wannabes will have them.  Soccer moms can too.

If nothing else, at least the Model S will show that.  Tesla plans to begin production for sales in 2011 and to have 20,000 leaving the factory by 2012.

Not even in production yet and some geek's trying to mod it!

Sources: 1, 2