Introducing the Tesla Model S, the non-combustion, fully functional EV. The automaker says the Signature Performance edition can go from 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds, and has a top speed of 216 km/h.
The car’s aesthetic seems to blend with its oposition, perhaps taking a couple of design cues from Jaguar. Regardless, Tesla’s Model S is as spectacular as the new technology that makes the car as revolutionary as it is.
The centre of gravity of the car is low due to the battery pack which is positioned low in the chassis, which means that it should come as no surprise that several people who have driven the Model S report the car’s handling to be above par.
Fuel efficiency is no longer relevant. The questions that should be asked are; how much range will the battery allow, and how long does the battery take to charge?
The expected range of the vehicle freshly charged is about 480 km with the 85 kWh battery pack. As for charge times, it takes between 10 to 12 hours to charge a depleted battery via a 220V port. Tesla also offers a 480V supercharger system, which is said to able to charge half the battery in around 30 minutes.
Below you can watch the Tesla Model S take on the BMW M5 in a drag race which took place during Automobile Magazine’s 2013 Automobile of the Year testing.
You may have noticed that the M5 seems to take off later than the Model S. The reason for this is that the Model S has 442 lb-ft of torque at 0 rpm, meaning that it has a more efficient acceleration and doesn’t require any time for fuel combustion to occur.
Located in the central console is the 17” touch screen, which controls most of the functions in the car. Including being able to operate the sunroof, headlights, check your energy usage, open the charge-port and several other functions, the touch screen device enables you to control virtually everything in the Model S.
You can adjust the steering wheel sensitivity (options being comfort, standard and sport), and access a web browser via the built in 3G. Featuring Bluetooth support, users can also easily play songs through the speaker system.
The RRP of the Tesla Model S Signature Performance edition is around $110,000, though it has been reported that Tesla plan on bringing out an affordable electric sedan by 2015, with an expected base price of $30,000.
To be taken to Tesla’s website, click here.
Photographs via Autoblog.
