Sunday, December 25, 2011

Tesla Model S to Cost $49,900 After $7500 Tax Credit; Performance Model Will Be $79,900

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Tesla has released full pricing information for the 2012 Model S sedan, and as we’ve previously reported, it will start at $57,400, or $49,900 after a $7500 federal tax credit. (All of the prices Tesla quotes are after the tax credit, but since buyers will be paying—or making payments based on—the full price, those are the figures we’ll use here.) There will be a range-topping Performance model, along with three battery choices for the non-Performance models. The base Model S gets a 40-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery and an estimated 160-mile range (traveling at 55 mph), but buyers can step up to 60 and 85-kWh versions for an additional $10,000 and $20,000, respectively. The 60-kWh pack drops the Model S’s 0-to-60 time from a claimed 6.5 seconds to 5.9, increases its top speed from 110 mpg to 120, and bumps range to 230 miles. The 85-kWh Model S boasts a 300-mile range, a 125-mph terminal velocity, and is quicker still—Tesla says it reaches 60 in just 5.6 seconds. (Although we have yet to drive the Model S ourselves, we were able to hitch a ride in one; you can read our impressions here.)

The $87,400 Model S Performance comes loaded with the 85-kWh battery, carbon-fiber accents, and a high-performance drive inverter. Nappa leather, active air suspension, “sport-tuned” traction control, and performance wheels and tires can be had for another $5000. Tesla says the Model S Performance has a 300-mile range, a 130-mph top speed, and can rip to 60 in 4.4 seconds. The first 1000 buyers will have to choose between the Signature and Signature Performance models. The special-edition cars come with the 85-kWh battery, active air suspension, and Nappa leather as standard. Pricing starts at $95,400 for the Signature and $105,400 for the Signature Performance.

Complementing the numerous battery choices are a variety of options for charging them. A single 10-kW on-board charger is standard, while a second is available for $1500. A 20-kW home charging station is $1200. When/if Tesla gets its network of so-called “Superchargers,” ultra-fast public chargers, online, 85-kWh models will be compatible; the company is considering compatibility for 60-kWh cars.

Tesla will roll out the Model S from the top down, with the 85-kWh Signature models going on sale midway through 2012. The 60-kWh car will be available about three months later, the 40-kWh model late in the year.


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