All-new Model S sedan, slated to be unveiled to the public in about a month, has become the focus of quite a bit of speculation. The company recently released two teaser images of the car, which, when combined with previous information, give us enough info to create a pretty accurate illustration of the car. If you’re anxious to know how the finished car might look, be sure to check out our exclusive preview.

Pricing is expected to range from $58,000 to $68,000, though the car’s eligibility for a $7500 tax credit will reduce that figure significantly. The car is about the size of a BMW 550i or Mercedes-Benz E550, and will offer similar levels of performance and luxury. The California-based startup is hoping to begin production in 2011.

At a recent ‘town hall’ meeting for Tesla customers, CEO Elon Musk confirmed the car will have a 300-mile range based on the currently-available battery technology. Tesla reps we’ve talked to acknowledge better batteries might be on the market by the time the Model S rolls down the production line, but even a 300-mile range is pretty impressive in the EV world. Comparatively, the Tesla Roadster has a 244 mile range, as measured by the EPA.

In terms of performance, expect a zero to 60 mph time of around 5.6 seconds. Again, this should prove quite competitive in the midsize luxury sedan segment. Like the Roadster, the Model S will have a top speed of 120 mph.

Tesla recently confirmed the platform — which is not sourced from another automaker — will be suitable for a variety of future body styles. The architecture will have the option of mating to several different ‘top hats’ — from a coupe to a delivery van.

Model S is rumored to have swappable batteries, making it compatible with Shai Agassi’s ‘Better Place’ battery exchange program. On the other hand, the car is also said to be capable of relatively quick charges, although exact charge times will be determined by the final battery chemistry. The Tesla Roadster is theoretically capable of charging in as little as 45 minutes, but that requires a 440V/160A power source and a heavy duty charger. Musk has previously indicated the Model S will have such a charger on-board, but at the moment it would be hard to find an outlet capable of the necessary amperage and voltage. EV advocates envision high-output “charge points” throughout cities and along interstates in the coming years. Typical home charging will likely take around four hours via a 220V/70A connection.

In a recent letter to customers, Musk said Tesla expects its Roadster business to become profitable by summer. This should, in theory, qualify it for government loans of $350 million — roughly 1.5 percent of the $25 billion Department of Energy vehicle technology program. Ford is said to be seeing $5 billion from the same program, while GM and Chrysler are looking for $8 billion apiece.

The loan would be used to build an assembly plant in San Jose for the Model S. Tesla aims to have the car in production in 2011. If the company is denied the DOE loan, Musk estimates production will be delayed by 6 to 12 months, depending on economic conditions. That’s because Tesla would have to wait for private funding to become available again. Given the current state of the economy, such funding is extremely scarce.

Article key :  Tesla Model S, Electric Illustrated, New Car, 2012