Official: Tesla Model S is Here! (Loads of Info)

Finally! Finally as it's been forever seen we've first heard about the Model S and finally since it's been a few hours since the reveal started at 12PM PST. So here's everything I've got on Tesla's latest introduction, the Model S sedan.

Maybe, just maybe if all goes to plan, you'll be seeing this car and 20,000 like it on the road sometime in 2012. Production is scheduled to start in late 2011. Tesla and CEO Elon Musk seem very confident about this car, and if this it's for real, then they indeed have a reason to be.

In one way, this seems a bit like vaporware, with the company beginning to take orders and deposits already (there was even a card that circulated with details on the bank account to wire the money to) while the car is still currently in pre-production state.

In another way, the Model looks extremely polished, well-designed and Elon Musk's credibility is on the line here. It's a running, driveable prototype as well.

So, I'm going to give the company the benefit of the doubt. It's clear that the Model S (and maybe the future of Tesla) depend on the Department of Energy loan grant. I think that's most likely something that will go through though, especially with the Obama Administration in command.

The design is excellent; everything it should be. Highly modern, lithe and very stylish with nothing giving away it's electric propulsion. That's a good thing, because it is a constant refrain for those who just want a "normal looking car" but they want it to be electric.

There's a lot of attention to detail too; check out those door handles. They fold in after use to reduce drag. The Model S has a drag coefficient of 0.27 versus the 0.35 of the Roadster.

Not only is the Model S merely "normal looking", it's upscale. This could have been the the new Jaguar XF. Again, that's a good thing. Not to say the Tesla copied (they didn't) but the point is that this is an impressive show of design from the company. If this is the new look of Tesla, I like it. A lot!

Is that insanely cool or what? No buttons on the center stack. Just one haptic (!) 17-inch (!!) screen that will handle all of the car's operations. Instrumentation is displayed on an configurable screen as well. They're connected to the Internet, and Tesla Headquarters with approval, via a 3G celluar network.

Here's for some really good news; unlike first reported, it looks there won't be two battery options. According to press materials the base car, which retails at $49,900 after $7,500 in government incentives, gets the 300-mile pack standard. Wow, wasn't expecting that! Scratch that; looks like there will be a 160-mile pack standard. They're still figuring out pricing for the 300-mile pack.

The battery pack is indeed swappable (in 5 minutes), charges fully in 4 hours from a 220V outlet and has something called QuickCharge that can charge the pack to 80% capacity in 45 minutes.I wonder if that can be done with a standard outlet? I'd think not but you never know.

Thought that was amazing? Wait, there's more. The Tesla Model S fits 7 people. Yes, 7. 5 adults + 2 children's seats facing the opposite direction. I assumed accessed by the rear hatch? Haha, I've got to see that.

When not used for the children, it can fit an assembled mountain bike,  a surfboard and a 50-inch television at the same time. Versatility in spades.

As it stands, this is huge competition to regular luxury sedans like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5-Series. Luxurious, with versatility and green credibility all at a pricepoint of $49,900?

I'm still waiting for official pictures of the interior. Would like it if they released better press shots of the car in real-life settings too (Wallpaper, anyone?), but who knows what we'll get. Maybe they're saving that for later.

There they are together! Roadster and Model S, Tesla's two models side-by-side. Actually looks like a "real" car company, huh? Hopefully they can be produced like a "real" car company too. I want to see this make it to production!

Is it possible it's too good to be true though? It certainly sounds incredible. No doubt one thing is for certain, if Tesla pulls this off it will be one for the history books. The car is based on an entirely new platform of it's own and is being developed entirely in-house.

I'm going to remain optimistic; hey they've made it this far right? I'm definitely excited to see this car coming to life. I can't wait to see them on the road and to be able to check out one for myself. I want them to succeed.

If they make it, we all know who one of it's primary competitors will be: bitter-rival Fisker's Karma. Model S vs. Karma - Fight! I'd love to do a comparison test between the two someday. I'm sure the car mags will be happy to oblige and do one as well.

The price points for both vehicles are amazing, but especially on the Model S. I wonder who will prevail? I hope both can succeed.

There definitely is enough room in the market to support each of their respective sales volumes (at least in my opinion) but to me it has more to do with business models. Which one is more realistic? I honestly find it hard to see how either is able to make money while putting these numbers out.

So, long live the (new kind) of independent American automakers! Fisker currently has the leg up, as it clearly showed with it's recent dealer announcement. Smooth move Fisker, dropping that one right ahead of the Model S's release. Just a reminder that hey, we're farther along then the other guy.

Stay tuned for any more information, I hope some more official pictures will drop soon.

(Live Pictures Courtesy of Autoblog Green)