Tesla introduces 4 door, 7 passenger electric car

With a range up to 300 miles [optional $$] and 45-minute QuickCharge [also optional $$$], the $49,900 Model S can carry five adults and two children in quiet comfort – and you can charge it from any outlet, without ever stopping for gas. World’s first mass-produced electric vehicle offers performance, efficiency and unrivaled utility, making it the only car you’ll ever need.

Three battery pack options offer a range of 160, 230 or 300 miles per charge. With the 45 minute QuickCharge or a 5 minute battery swap, you can drive from LA to San Francisco, Washington to New York or take even longer road trips in about the same time as in a conventional car.

The Model S powertrain features a liquid-cooled, floor-mounted battery pack and a single-speed gearbox, delivering effortless acceleration, responsive handling and quiet simplicity -- no fancy clutchwork or gear-shifting required. Model S costs about $4 to fully charge – a bargain even when gasoline is $1 per gallon. You can listen to Pandora Radio or consult Google Maps on the 17 inch touchscreen with in-car 3G connectivity.

Source: http://www.teslamotors.com/models/index.php

http://static.flickr.com/3619/3387753757_f5ab39dcc5.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/3663/3387740231_a201d145bc.jpg

http://www.gizmag.com/pictures/tesla-model-s.jpg

http://blog.wired.com/cars/images/20...26/tesla_c.jpg

Specs:

- 300 mile range
- 45 minute QuickCharge
- 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds
- Seats 7 people
- More Cargo space than station wagons
- 2X as efficient as hybrids
- 17 inch infotainment touchscreen

- Seating for 5 adults + 2 child seats
- Unique hatch for oversized items
- 60/40 flat-folding rear seat
- 2nd trunk under hood

- 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds
- 120 mph top speed
- Sport sedan dynamics
- All-wheel-drive available

More here: http://www.gizmag.com/tesla-model-s/11339/gallery/
And here: http://blog.wired.com/cars/2009/03/leaked-photo-te.html


I like it! Supposedly, the batteries are under the floor, but I'm trying to figure out how they fit 7 people in it? I dig it, and the price isn't super bad either. :D

Also, in other Tesla news, the Roadster is getting an upgraded dash.

I think it looks cool. I remember hearing about this car months ago from Tesla. They were on NPR talking about the down grade in the economy and how they were hurting. I guess they had to lay off people and were hoping a car that appealed to more would keep them afloat.

If I had $50k to spend on a car, that might be the one I would get. But I don't.