Tesla Motors – Automobiles Review

Clone of Tesla Model S Debuts in Hong Kong

The popular and breath-taking Tesla Model S now makes its first debut in the Asian market and it is available for in-person customer demonstrations and test drives in Hong Kong. Model S is a premium sedan built as an electric vehicle with the aim to raise the spirits of public’s expectations of what a premium sedan can be.

According to the opinion of those who were firs to test drive the model there, the EV is quiet, smooth, and pollution free at the tailpipe. They have expressed that it was a pure joy to drive it and it was like no other car – being fast and very responsive, and at the same time including luxury and comfort.

Furthermore, Tesla also introduced its innovative “Design Studio” in Hong Kong, within the same space as its existing Service Center. The Studio includes interactive displays where customers can design their own Tesla Model S on a large touchscreen.

The goal of the new step that Tesla Motors have undertaken is to expand the impression and knowledge in the audience of how advanced technology behind Model S and what are the benefits of an electric car.

At the heart of Tesla Model S is a proven powertrain which delivers great range and a thrilling drive experience. The vehicle has a rigid body structure, nearly 50/50 weight distribution and a remarkably low center of gravity. This means that it offers responsiveness and agility nearly as a sports car.

In addition, Model S offers many battery options that set the benchmark for electric driving range. All of them utilize automotive-grade lithium-ion cells arranged for optimal energy density, thermal management, and safety.

On the other hand the interior of Model S is designed to deliver more cargo space than any other sedan in its class and features a second trunk under the hood. In the cabin can be also seen a 17” in-dash touchscreen with Internet capabilities, allowing for streaming radio, web browsing and navigation.

Tesla is promising that it will continue to expand its retail network into 2013, supporting the mission to engage and inform as many people as possible about driving electric vehicles.

Image Source: Flickr

News Source: Tesla

January 9, 2013

Tesla Model S: Deliveries Start on the 22nd of June

The Tesla Model S is as ready as it can be and the company, which is rather ahead of schedule, is pleased to announce that deliveries will start happening on the 22nd of June. The Tesla Model S is an all-electric, rear-wheel-driven, four-door sedan that brought along a lot of commotion when it was first announced.

It’s one of the most sizable EV of its time with a wheelbase of 116.5”, an overall length of 195.9” and a front track width of 65.4”. Inside you get loads of head room, rear legroom, front leg room and luggage capacity – 28.7 cubic feet at the back and 8.1 cubic feet at the front.

There will be a standard range simply called Model S which will have two sub-options: Model S and Model S performance. Then there will be a Model S Signature range (limited) that also has a “standard” model an a performance version. The cheapest one you can get is the 40 kWh Model S – $49,900. The 85 kWh Model S Signature Performance is prices almost twice as much ($97, 900). That’s a hefty price to pay for a bigger battery pack, 21-inch wheels, some Nappa leather and carbon ornaments. Well yes, you do get also an active air suspension and a sporty traction control but will the Tesla S be able to walk the talk?

According to the figures, chances are it can – The Model S Performance has a time of 4.4 seconds on the 60 mph sprint. The claimed top speed stands at 130 mph while at 55 mph the estimated charge range is 300 miles. Afraid about the diminishable life of batteries? Worry not as all 85 kWh packs have an 8 year/unlimited miles warranty.

George Blankenship, Vice President, Worldwide Sales and Ownership Experience want’s to point out other highlights as well. The Tesla Model S, he says, is widely customizable – the regenerative braking can be either smother or more efficient on request, the power steering can also be adjusted within the options Comfort, Standard and Sport and the suspension can lift up the car high enough to cover spiky rocks and pestering speed bumps, or lower the Tesla so that you get maximum efficiency.

Source: Tesla Motors

May 23, 2012

Tesla Model X reveal [VIDEO]

Here’s a longish video of Tesla co-founder and CEO Elon Musk unveiling the Model X – an electric SUV with the practicality of a minivan and the efficiency of a … well… electric SUV.

It features a unique design that makes use of gullwing doors, although Tesla would prefer the term “Falcon Wing” but the principle remains the same. Third-row access is easy. Even with child seats installed, the second-row seats slide all the way forward. Open Falcon Wings will allow you to stand upright whether getting in or out. Kids will no longer leap and tumble over the second row, and adults will find the third-row seats as accessible as the passenger seat.

In terms of performance, as expected from an EV, torque is instantly available and the center of gravity is very low. Drivetrain composition comes in three different types – Model X with RWD, Model X with AWD (a second motor is added to the front axle). Last but certainly not least is the AWD setup with a performance package. With it the X is good for a time of under 5 seconds in the 0 to 60mph sprint. Strikingly fast. Presumably one would be able to do many sprints from 0 to 60 thanks to the voluminous battery pack which comes with capacity of either 60 kWh or 85 kWh.

Sales are expected to kick off in 2014, production 2013 while reservations are open now. Because the X is actually based on the S it will be around the same price as well.

httpv://vimeo.com/36534892

Source: Tesla Motors

February 12, 2012

Tesla Roadster 2.5 at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2010

At the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2010, Tesla Motors has pulled-off the cover on its new, refined version all-electric sporty ride Tesla Roadster 2.5. (more…)

July 6, 2010

Tesla and TAG Heuer showcases one-of-a-kind Roadster at Geneva 2010

At the 80th edition of Geneva Autosalon, Tesla Motors and TAG Heuer have teamed up to present the 2010 TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster. (more…)

March 4, 2010

Tesla Roadster financed by Bank of America

Tesla Motors announces Roadster financing in the United States by Bank of America, thus significantly expanding the number of customers who can experience the all-electric Roadster. (more…)

July 15, 2009

Tesla to Open First EU Regional Sales & Service Center in London

Tesla Motors is opening a regional sales and service center in London, the first of three European stores that the electric vehicle manufacturer plans to launch this year. (more…)

April 13, 2009

Tesla Motors introduces Roadster Sport

tesla-roadster-sport_thumb Tesla Motors Inc. began taking orders today for the Roadster Sport, a high-performance sports car based on the world’s leading all-electric, zero-emission vehicle.

The Roadster Sport accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, compared with 3.9 seconds for the standard Roadster. It comes with a hand-wound stator and increased winding density for lower resistance and higher peak torque. In addition to Yokohama’s Ultra High Performance tyres, the Roadster Sport has improved suspension with adjustable dampers and anti-roll bars that will be tuned to the driver’s preference.

The Roadster Sport starts at $128,500 in the United States and €112,000 (excluding VAT) in Europe. Deliveries begin in late June.

“This car can beat nearly anything in its price class – yet it is twice as efficient as compact hybrid sedans,” said Michael van der Sande, Tesla’s senior vice president of global sales, service and marketing. “If you refuse to compromise on performance or the environment, the Roadster Sport is your only option.”

The Roadster Sport is the first derivative of Tesla’s proprietary, patented powertrain. San Carlos, Calif.-based Tesla plans to begin producing the all-electric, zero-emssion Model S five-passenger sedan in 2011.

Tesla has delivered more than 150 Roadsters to customers, and about 1,100 people are on the waiting list. Customers who haven’t taken delivery may upgrade to the Roadster Sport.

“The Roadster Sport embodies Tesla’s spirit of continuous improvement,” said CEO, Chairman and Product Architect Elon Musk. “The Roadster has been a great success, but no one at this company remains satisfied with the status quo.”

January 12, 2009

Tag: Tesla Motors