Tesla has finally released delivery details - and indicative pricing - for the Model S battery sedan, nearly two years after its world debut.
The first 1000 production cars, to be delivered in mid-2012 in the US and late in 2012 in Europe, will be a limited-edition “Signature Series” with special badging and what the maker calls “an extensive complement of options”.
Tesla says it plans to build 5000 Model S's in 2012, ramping up to 20 000 in 2013.
The Model S has a 42kWh lithium-ion battery that provides its electric motor with sufficient amperage for a 0-100 sprint in 5.6sec, a top speed of 200km/h and a range of “up to 483km” on a single charge.
The standard Model S 300M (480km range) will cost about $77 400 (R535 000), with a 230M (300km range) and 160M (250km range) planned to sell for $67 400 (R466 000) and $57 400 (R397 000) respectively.
That's not quite as painful as it sounds, as all Teslas qualify for a $7500 (R52 000) US government tax credit.