Tesla Model S Sedan (From The Northern Echo)

Tesla Model S Sedan

12:08pm Friday 10th April 2009 in

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WHILE the world’s biggest car manufacturers promise action on green motoring, a bunch of internet investors has gone ahead and produced one.

The Tesla Model S Sedan is due on sale in 2012 and test mules are already pounding around Los Angeles as the company perfects its new hybrid drive systems.

Outwardly the Tesla looks a bit like a Maserati crossed with the new Jaguar XF, but it’s what is beneath the bonnet that’s the interesting bit.

The car has a floorpan mounted battery pack good for a 300-mile range and when the cells are exhausted they can be partially recharged in just 45 minutes. And it’s no milk float, with 62mph coming up in just 5.5 seconds and a top speed comfortably over 100 mph. Sadly the price of all this exciting gadgetry is a not insubstantial £50,000. The Tesla may be kind to the environment but not to your wallet.