High-po Tesla Model S gunning for BMW M5
Tesla founder Elon Musk declares war on the super-sedan heavyweights by announcing a high-performance version of the Model SBMW’s M5 and Mercedes-Benz’s E63 AMG are set to face competition from an unexpected quarter as Tesla next year plans to launch a high-po version of the Model S that will allegedly sprint from 0-60mph (0-96km/h) in a brisk 4.5sec.
The announcement was made by company founder Elon Musk as he wheeled out a near-production-ready ‘Beta’ prototype of the Model S at a Silicon Valley event for reservation holders of the premium electric sedan.
Musk also revealed the high-performance version (costing around $80,000 in the US) will offer a range of 300 miles (480km), thanks to a larger battery pack than the standard model --which will be equipped with a range of packs that allow for 160-mile (260km), 230-mile (370km) and 300-mile (480km) ranges.
There will also be an optional aerodynamic wheel package that boosts the range of the 300-mile car by an additional 20 miles (32km).
“People were sceptical about whether we could build an electric car with a 300-mile range,” said Musk. “And we’ve gone and made one with a 320-mile range.”
At the prelaunch event Musk also reiterated the Model S’s seven-seater capacity, whereby a third row of rear-facing pews can accommodate a pair of children up to 1.5m tall.
If the seats are not being used, the rear luggage bay can allegedly offer as much space as the boot of a BMW 5 Series, and there is an additional storage area at the front with similar capacity.
“This gives us twice the luggage space of a BMW 5 Series with similar exterior dimensions,” boasted Musk.
Other claimed USPs of the Model S include ultra-high-quality paint finishes, a huge panoramic roof, self-adjusting air suspension and a low centre of gravity made possible by the floor-mounting of its battery pack.
What’s more, the battery pack has a DC fast-charging capability that reportedly enables the 90kWh 300-mile range pack to be fully recharged in an hour, or removed in less than a minute -- in case battery-swap stations ever replace fast-charge stations.
Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
Tags
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
