Leak! Tesla Model S pics surface on web ahead of today's debut
by Sebastian Blanco on Mar 26th 2009 at 1:00PM 
Click above for the leaked gallery of the Tesla Model S
Tesla has a big media event planned today at 12PM PST to unveil the new Model S sedan. That plan has been blow out of the water a bit thanks to social media mogul Kevin Rose, the founder of Digg.com, who has uploaded what appear to be a few official images of the all-electric sedan on his Flickr page. We get two views of the car's backside, which looks to crib design cues from modern day Jaguars and Aston Martins. The new XF comes most readily to mind, and while the Model S may be charged with being too heavily influenced by the leaping cat brand, that doesn't take away from the fact that it still looks stunning.
We also have a view of what appears to be an incomplete interior of the Model S, and the most striking element is a center stack comprised entirely of a screen. While we have no details on the car yet, it appears the Model S may feature configurable controls for most of the car's systems (HVAC, audio, etc.) on this large, touch-sensitive display.
Tesla has already revealed that the anticipated base price of the Model S will be $57,400, but will drop to below $50,000 with a federal tax credit of $7,500. We'll be at the unveiling later today and bring back live pictures of the Model S.
UPDATE: More info and pictures here.
Gallery: Tesla Model S
[Source: Flickr]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
thorani 1:05PM (3/26/2009)
looks like tesla raided the MB parts bin for their interior trim. Looks like a steeringwheel off of a CLS, and the usual MB instrument panel. I wonder what else they took
Reply
MT 1:05PM (3/26/2009)
Very clean with nice proportions... like it a lot.
Reply
Navarre 2:34PM (3/26/2009)
Happy WhiteSta.. er.. 'Model S' Day!
I love it! Move over, Chevy Volt.
Watch the unveiling live online:
http://www.leftlanenews.com/tesla-model-s-live.html
Reply
Mike Z 1:10PM (3/26/2009)
Look at the door handles. Interesting!
Reply
Tim 1:21PM (3/26/2009)
Pretty, and it does NOT look like an NEV clown car!
Reply
organic 1:23PM (3/26/2009)
It has CLS parts because the prototyps are built from CLS donor cars. Tesla has two CLS donors, One a full skin job, the other for testing driveline.
Reply
jim 1:23PM (3/26/2009)
Tesla does put forth some attractive vehicles. The dash screen almost looks like its a bad photoshop.
Reply
boo 1:25PM (3/26/2009)
autobloggreen is the one who should be accused of leaking this. Who the hell looks at kevin rose's flikr often? Versus abg readers. Either way, who cares, its beautiful and there will be MUCH more to see in a few hours.
Not to mention actual questions about the model s answered.
Reply
CZ 2:54PM (3/26/2009)
Get over yourself, it was picked up by all the major online news websites and blogs
Sebastian 1:25PM (3/26/2009)
i agree. this is a pretty, pretty car. i know it won't be as fast as a tesla, but i want to drive it today.
Reply
Throwback 1:26PM (3/26/2009)
I'm seeing a hint of Jag in the rear 3/4 view. Overall not bad, but I prefer the look of the Karma.
Reply
ceo 2:13PM (3/26/2009)
I really hope that center-stack screen has some form of touch feedback. Automotive controls that you can't use without taking your eyes off the road are a really bad idea.
Reply
paulwesterberg 2:45PM (3/26/2009)
The prius handles this problem by allowing you access to most controls - climate, audio, etc from tactile buttons on the steering wheel. That way you don't need to look at the touch screen at all while driving. Hopefully tesla will copy their design.
Zeph 3:14PM (3/26/2009)
Fine looking Automobile. Let's hope Tesla dosen't get railrolled out of the market and actually builds the thing.
It is one of the prettier 4 doors out there, and actually looks like a pratical everyday car. Put it on the market and I am a potential, not garanteed but potential, customer.
One thing I am hoping is that third party suppliers popup quick for the electric car market, so we can have free market evolution of things like battery packs, regenerative braking, thermal to electricity converters, solar panneling, electric motors et all. The upgradeability of an electric car is interesting, as if the chassis is made sturdy enough the viehicle could potentially last a lifetime with upgrades.
This imo should be the Tesla business model, build a strong frame, make everything else upgradeable. But who am I kidding?
Reply
BlackbirdHighway 4:39PM (3/26/2009)
I like the idea, but I don't think it works for the automakers. Planned obsolescence is what keeps people buying new ones and keeps the assembly lines moving.
Not that the process is working so good right now...
Bill Max 3:47PM (3/26/2009)
Another bubble and bust...
Reply
SJ 3:53PM (3/26/2009)
Nice looking, but is there any originality here?
Reply
emdee 4:11PM (3/26/2009)
Nice Mazda 6 they've been able to clone:
http://www.motorauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/Mazda/6/off1/Mazda_6_Frankfurt_027.jpg
Reply
Gordio 4:24PM (3/26/2009)
Wow this does resemble the fisker karma S. At least the front half does. No wonder tesla tried to sue...
Reply
Woodenbee 5:36PM (3/26/2009)
I think its gorgeous and thanks Navarre for the link, I remember getting upset with Tesla for looking like another big fraud but they've really come thru, it kinda blows my mind that any "well to do" American can now buy a non polluting yet prestigious status mobile, I for one will think a lot better of some rich guy driving one of these than all those beemer, merc, caddy drivers, and all those SUV douchebags, I'll never get those guys! I love the glass roof and I think its very original I dont see any resemblance to any existing car, they all have to conform to the wind tunnel which makes for some inevitable similarities
Reply