First Photo Of The Tesla 'Model S' Luxury Electric Sedan

SAN CARLOS, CALIFORNIA - "Get the scoop" is what they say in the news business, and that's what we are trying to do very 'pronto' as theirEarth releases the first ever complete photo of Tesla Motor's new Model S sedan. From the design lines of the car, one sees that Tesla has created a real sports GT, with four doors and plenty of electric power to give you a zero emissions blast to the future. The Model S is an extremely fast 7-seat car with a 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) time of 5.6 seconds and a driving range on a full charge of up to 300 miles (480 km).

Tesla Motors, the company that was the pioneer of awesome electric motoring, plans a release date for the new Model S by late 2011. As of today, Tesla Motors says they have started taking orders for the new Model S. Residents of the United States will be able to purchase the Model S for $49,900, which is inclusive of $7500 Federal Tax Credit applicable to the car (Model S base price therefore $57,400). Tesla Motors will build the Model S in a new assembly plant in San Jose, California in the United States. The Model S will also be sold in Europe and later in Asia once production ramps up.

The new Model S is a pure electric car with a lithium ion battery pack and Tesla says the Model S can be charged in as short a time as 45 minutes. It is capable of being charged off 120, 240 and 480 AC outlet voltage. The Model S has a 60/40-split rear seat with what the company refers to as a unique storage design, and there is also a forward storage area under the Model S's front hood. Tesla has taken an approach that has helped keep the base sticker price low, by offering the battery pack in three versions - range 160 (256 km), 230 (368 km) or 300 miles (480 km).