Tesla Model S gets the chop

Ares Design has released pictures of a new two-door Tesla Model S convertible it has created for one of its wealthy clients.

According to the Modenese coachbuilder, the private owner wanted a useable fabric folding roof, which required most of the space in the second row to be sacrificed to house the roof when folded.

Maintaining structural rigidity, engineers say they've reinforced the sills and side members beneath the cockpit while adding extra bracing around the rear half of the cabin.

The two rear seats, meanwhile, have been custom-made for the pure-electric convertible, while the entire cabin benefits from a premium leather upgrade that now features hand-stitching.

No details have been made available as to how much of a dent the extra weight of the folding roof and the substantial bracing have made to the standard Model S sedan's range or performance.

There's also no word on how much it cost to gas-axe the Tesla, but it's thought a sizeable six-figure sum, plus the cost of a Model S, is what the mystery owner paid to get his or her zero-emissions open-air thrills.