Pics Aplenty: Tesla unloads new set of Model S driving shots
Tesla Model S in motion - Click above for high-res image gallery
Just a day after releasing new images of the Tesla Roadster Sport, the Silicon Valley automaker has gone and unleashed its Model S in a series of actual at-speed driving shots. While we've seen high-res shots of the Model S in the studio from Tesla Motors and we've witnessed the car moving under its own electric power ourselves, this is the first time the automaker has published a photo series of its own showing the car in motion.
Looking a bit closer, we can see that it is none other than Tesla design chief Franz Von Holzhausen behind the wheel of the Model S in these images. Lucky guy. Unfortunately, drivers who didn't help design the Model S but want to pilot the car will need to wait until Q3 of 2011 for the chance.
Gallery: Tesla Model S in motion
Gallery: Tesla Model S
[Source: Tesla via egmCarTech]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Alan 3:17PM (8/20/2009)
Gorgeous. Anyone know who designed it?
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Doug 3:34PM (8/20/2009)
Franz von Holzhausen, the guy shown driving it.
Mark 3:19PM (8/20/2009)
Will the Model S be available worldwide when it is released or will it be restricted to CA or just the USA?
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jpm 3:35PM (8/20/2009)
see Purchase Questions 4
http://www.teslamotors.com/display_data/Model_S_FAQ.html
Mark Kiernan 3:21PM (8/20/2009)
Also anyone know anything about the development of the Blue Star (perhaps Model C)
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Chris M 5:52PM (8/20/2009)
The "blue star" hasn't been officially named, but could be "Model T" or "Model E". It will likely be smaller than the Model S, and Tesla Motors hopes to get the price down to $30,000 or less for a mass market appeal. Not yet known exactly when it will arrive, but I'd expect it in 2013 or 2014.
Too early in development to know much else about it.
SumideXE 4:02PM (8/20/2009)
Freakin' awesome..
$50k for a car like this is NOT BAD.
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David 4:25PM (8/20/2009)
Looks lovely. One thought though... Why does an electric car need an aperture in the front to let air in as if a radiator needed cooling? Is it real, or is it a design cue to keep it looking like a conventional car?
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Doug 4:53PM (8/20/2009)
There is a radiator in the front. The battery, motor, and power electronics in this car are all water cooled. Of course the temps don't really approach that of an ICE.
Chris M 5:43PM (8/20/2009)
Also, the Model S has air conditioning, and that needs a radiator, too.
The actual opening for the radiators is smaller than it appears, so it's partially for looks as well.
yabun 5:56PM (8/20/2009)
Looking at FAQ #4.
This car can seat 7? 2 child seats can fit the hatch area? Interesting....
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Nellydesign 10:56AM (8/21/2009)
Basically it's like stuffing your baby's car seat in the trunk. Nobody wants that. It's a gimmick.
Trent 8:00PM (8/20/2009)
Amazing design. They seem to be leading most the world in the development and they just started?
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PopSmith 11:43PM (8/20/2009)
Franz Von Holzhausen, the guy driving in these pictures, is the guy who designed it. He used to work at Mazda as "Director of Design".
http://www.cardesignnews.com/site/home/rss_display/item128801/
He had been with Mazda since 2005 so to have a practically brand-new startup car company come calling also shows you how much he believes (or at least "likes") what Tesla is doing.
I personally see a mix of Mazda and Maserati in the Model S.
pabs333 8:29AM (8/21/2009)
I must say that is a very nice looking car. I know its out of most people price range but.. If I had that kind of cash i'd get one one them over a Lexus/BMW etc...
Still.. more like a Pininfarina Bluecar or Nissan Leaf for me I think
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Alan 9:11AM (8/21/2009)
Got much info on the Pininfarina Bluecar? Things seem to have gone a bit quiet about that car but I like the styling A LOT! I hope it's going to be affordable but I think it will be more than the Leaf and the iMiEV.
Silly Pickle 8:05AM (8/21/2009)
That is arguably as good or better looking than the Fisker Karma...both are hot. I won't even argue...just accept them both as good. I do wonder how these things would stack up to a month or two of -40° Manitoba winter. Would there be enough charge after a night outside to get going? Would the windchill at speed knock some of its range right outta the park? I'd get half way to work and be done? (30 miles one way) At least I'd be in the prettiest car not stuck in a ditch full of snow. I'd just be sitting on the highway lookin' cool. Literally.
I think I'll wait for the 1:25 scale to come out. At least I can afford that. LOL
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BlackbirdHighway 9:47AM (8/21/2009)
I don't think my ordinary gasoline car will work at -40!
Ernie 3:30PM (8/21/2009)
@Blackbirdhighway:
That shows what you know about operating a car in Manitoba. :)
Let's just say that Canada doesn't close it's doors at -40.
Nellydesign 10:58AM (8/21/2009)
Since battery performance degrades in colder temperatures, I'd say... not well.
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