Automotive News / Industry / Future Vehicle Discussion Automotive news and discussion about upcoming vehicles

Tesla Model S Officially Priced from $49,990 after Tax Credit, Available Summer '12

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 21, 2011 | 12:05 AM
  #1  
Slappy3243's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,398
From: Fairfax Station, VA. Formally Long Island :(
Post Tesla Model S Officially Priced from $49,990 after Tax Credit, Available Summer '12

I don't know how this company keeps getting funding. I mean, I guess they are making progress, but that price is for the car with the lowest level battery pack. We all know the range estimates, are just that, estimates, and with the A/C cranked and whatnot, it will drop. That is a lot of coin for not so many miles. I personally don't think battery technology is where it needs to be for a company like Tesla to thrive right now.

DailyTech - Tesla Model S Officially Priced from $49,990 after Tax Credit, Available Summer '12

Cheapest Tesla Model S won't be available until Winter 2012

Tesla Motors has been teasing its gorgeous Model S electric sedan for well over two years now. Now the company has confirmed the official pricing for the vehicle, and is holding firm on the $49,990 price of entry after $7,500 federal tax credit.

As it stands now, here's how the four Model S variants will stack up (compared based on their battery capacity). All price listed include the tax credit:
(40 kWh)
$49,900, 0-60 in 6.5 seconds, 110 mph top speed, 160-mile range

(60 kWh)
$59,900, 0-60 in 5.9 seconds, 120 mph top speed, 230-mile range

(80 kWh)
$69,900, 0-60 in 5.6 seconds, 125 mph top speed, 300-mile range

(85 kWh Performance)
$79,900, 0-60 in 4.4 seconds, 130 mph top speed, 300-mile range


All Model S sedans come standard with a 17" touchscreen, 19" wheels, and seating for up to seven passengers. Yes, you read that correctly; the Model S has seating for seven courtesy of two [optional] rear-facing jump seats in the rear cargo area.



Tesla's ordering page also lists all of the available options for the Model S including a $1,500 panoramic roof, $3,750 tech package, $1,500 active air suspension, and $1,500 rear-facing seat option.

The two 85 kWh variants will be made available in Summer 2012, the 60 kWh arrives in the Fall 2012, and the entry-level 40 kWh variant won't be available in the U.S. until Winter 2012 if all goes as scheduled.

Old Dec 21, 2011 | 12:49 AM
  #2  
TOO Z MAXX's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 666
From: Stockton, Ca. USA
Re: Tesla Model S Officially Priced from $49,990 after Tax Credit, Available Summer '

That is a sharp looking car and the performance isnt bad at all, but its too expensive and it will be a flop.
Old Dec 21, 2011 | 01:08 AM
  #3  
King Moose SS's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,069
From: Detroit, MI
Re: Tesla Model S Officially Priced from $49,990 after Tax Credit, Available Summer '

160mi range is not too shabby. That 7 seater thing is stupid though. Who the hell wants to sit facing the rear window, watching all the cars almost rear end you.
Old Dec 21, 2011 | 01:44 AM
  #4  
Shockwave's Avatar
Lounge Moderator
 
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 357
From: Mi Scusi!
Re: Tesla Model S Officially Priced from $49,990 after Tax Credit, Available Summer '

Originally Posted by TOO Z MAXX
That is a sharp looking car and the performance isnt bad at all, but its too expensive and it will be a flop.
Back end isn't bad, but I find the front hideous.

Niche market...I expect these to sell largely in California urban areas at base trim.
Old Dec 21, 2011 | 06:40 AM
  #5  
guionM's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 13,713
From: The Golden State
Re: Tesla Model S Officially Priced from $49,990 after Tax Credit, Available Summer '

One thing you gotta understand. Tesla is a plaything of the rich, and it's got a lot of friends and fans here in Cali, especially the Silicon Valley folks.

The draw to it is the same as the latest iphone or any high tech item. Only bigger and costlier.

I think the funding they got was only startup funding. I don't believe they're getting continuous funding from the Feds. Tesla is actually either breaking even or has enough investors to keep them afloat.

They get the same money the big 3 get for alternative powertrain development, but that's about it now. If you buy their vehicles, just like the Volt and the Leaf, you get a tax writeoff that chops the price down a bit.

Even though I think these vehicles are a waste of time, I have come across enough enthusiasts that I think I understand them a bit better than I used to. We are car enthusiasts that worship V8s. Someone else might worship turbo 4s and AWD. These guys love high tech and electric power. Ironically, and despite stereotypes, while they may be more enviromentally conscious than most of us, they tend to be more rich techies with a BMW or a Benz in the other side of the garage than they are sandal wearing tree huggers.

Intresting breed of folks indeed.
Old Dec 21, 2011 | 07:25 AM
  #6  
ImportedRoomate's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,647
From: Jupiter, FL
Re: Tesla Model S Officially Priced from $49,990 after Tax Credit, Available Summer '

Considering that the Leaf has about a 100mi range and starts around $30k, this seems to be pretty inline with stepping up to a nicer vehicle with better styling and interior room. Just as Guy mentioned, techies with a little more money to spare are going to jump all over this.
Old Dec 21, 2011 | 09:01 AM
  #7  
Koz's Avatar
Koz
Registered User
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 445
From: Livonia, MI
Re: Tesla Model S Officially Priced from $49,990 after Tax Credit, Available Summer '

Originally Posted by ImportedRoomate
Considering that the Leaf has about a 100mi range and starts around $30k, this seems to be pretty inline with stepping up to a nicer vehicle with better styling and interior room. Just as Guy mentioned, techies with a little more money to spare are going to jump all over this.
I agree. I think the pricing is pretty fair. Costs twice as much as a Volt, less than 3 times as much as a Leaf; yet delivers ~3x as much of the range, and a LOT more style and luxury, and also offers some pretty good performance (4.4 second 0-60 is pretty damn good!). This is an electric car that I would want to own.

I think it's a fantastic looking car; and I hope it does well!

According to the owner of the company, they won't have any problems with selling the cars when they're availble. They're completely sold out (6,500 units) through the first model year

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/01/m...el-s-sold-out/

Last edited by Koz; Dec 21, 2011 at 09:05 AM.
Old Dec 21, 2011 | 09:40 AM
  #8  
Z28x's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 10,285
From: Albany, NY
Re: Tesla Model S Officially Priced from $49,990 after Tax Credit, Available Summer '

I think most people will spring for the faster longer range $59,990 model.

These are going to be sold to a techie crowd that would normally buy a BMW. If I had the money I would buy or lease one.
Old Dec 21, 2011 | 10:13 AM
  #9  
Eric77TA's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,958
From: Kansas City, MO
Re: Tesla Model S Officially Priced from $49,990 after Tax Credit, Available Summer '

Don't forget that Tesla also has a $50 million dollar investment from Toyota to help them out. Tesla bought NUMMI from Toyota to build the Model S. I'd assume they probably got a pretty good deal.

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/toy...ipo-2010-05-21

And Toyota gets a technology incubator out of the deal.
Old Dec 21, 2011 | 01:48 PM
  #10  
Threxx's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Sep 1998
Posts: 4,320
From: Memphis
Re: Tesla Model S Officially Priced from $49,990 after Tax Credit, Available Summer '

Do you get anything more than an extra 20kw/h and improved acceleration for the extra 10 grand?

I actually think this may do OK assuming it's otherwise a 'premium' feeling and driving vehicle and has reasonable reliability.

If it's no nicer to drive than a Volt or Leaf then yeah it's overpriced, but I don't get that impression based on pictures. I see prospective buyers cross shopping this car with their traditional BMW or Lexus and going with this because of the 'cool' factor or just the fact that nobody else they know has one yet.
Old Dec 21, 2011 | 02:43 PM
  #11  
97QuasarBlue3.8's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,018
Re: Tesla Model S Officially Priced from $49,990 after Tax Credit, Available Summer '

They won't have any problems moving these. I think their biggest challenge will be building enough of them to make the r&d costs recoverable. First year production, as stated, is only 6500 units.
Old Dec 21, 2011 | 04:11 PM
  #12  
ImportedRoomate's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,647
From: Jupiter, FL
Re: Tesla Model S Officially Priced from $49,990 after Tax Credit, Available Summer '

Originally Posted by Threxx
If it's no nicer to drive than a Volt or Leaf then yeah it's overpriced, but I don't get that impression based on pictures. I see prospective buyers cross shopping this car with their traditional BMW or Lexus and going with this because of the 'cool' factor or just the fact that nobody else they know has one yet.
I hope they got engineers that knew what they were doing when it comes to components and assembly. Especially for interior parts, people used to BMW and Lexus will have high expectations for quality. Some reviews have noted that the Roadster has some issues with squeaks and rattles which are easily heard due to the lack of engine noise. As a relatively new company, Tesla doesn't have the R&D or knowledge base of a well established auto company. If the car starts developing rattles after a few years that wont look good.
Old Dec 21, 2011 | 04:38 PM
  #13  
routesixtysixer's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 669
From: Arcadia, OK
Re: Tesla Model S Officially Priced from $49,990 after Tax Credit, Available Summer '

Originally Posted by Threxx
Do you get anything more than an extra 20kw/h and improved acceleration for the extra 10 grand?

I actually think this may do OK assuming it's otherwise a 'premium' feeling and driving vehicle and has reasonable reliability.

If it's no nicer to drive than a Volt or Leaf then yeah it's overpriced, but I don't get that impression based on pictures. I see prospective buyers cross shopping this car with their traditional BMW or Lexus and going with this because of the 'cool' factor or just the fact that nobody else they know has one yet.
20kw/h = just a bit more than the energy contained in 1/2 gallon of gasoline... think about it. (Not judging, just sayin')
Old Dec 21, 2011 | 05:23 PM
  #14  
ImportedRoomate's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,647
From: Jupiter, FL
Re: Tesla Model S Officially Priced from $49,990 after Tax Credit, Available Summer '

That just shows how inefficient internal combustion engines are...
Old Dec 21, 2011 | 07:45 PM
  #15  
VladimirSteel's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 470
From: Stillwater, OK
Re: Tesla Model S Officially Priced from $49,990 after Tax Credit, Available Summer '

the nose looks maserati-ish and the tail looks like a jaguar. Looks good. I'd like to drive one



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:32 PM.