Latest 2012 Tesla Model S

No longer a Lotus spinoff, the Model S is not only an all-new model based on an all-new chassis, it looks extremely good too. Long and sleek, classically proportioned yet uniquely modern, it appears that ex-Mazda designer Fritz van Holzhausen has created what is needed stylistically to woo premium buyers into the ultra-green camp. Will it dethrone Fisker’s Karma as best looking ultra-green super sedan? That’ll be a personal decision, but where the Karma is a plug-in series hybrid with an extremely sophisticated and efficient powertrain the Model S is purely electric and therefore zero-emissions thanks to its all-electric drivetrain.

Practically speaking the Model S is quite brilliant. Not only does it incorporate a hatchback for ease of access to the cargo bay that houses enough volume, with the 60/40 rear seats folded flat, to haul a surfboard, a 50-inch flat panel TV and a mountain bike, simultaneously, but it also boasts more luggage space up front where the engine of a conventionally-powered car would normally be. Instead of an internal combustion engine (ICE) and transmission there’s a compact electric drivetrain connecting to batteries located under the seats, just another benefit to going 100-percent electric. As for who will supply that motor, the battery pack, or what type of suspension setup it will include, or for that matter what the car’s specific dimensions will be, other than being about the size of a BMW 5-Series Touring (wagon), according to Tesla, and having a base weight of about 2,222 kilos (4,900 lbs), the company is either keeping hush-hush on the subject or doesn’t yet know.

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