This is the production version of Tesla's Model S luxury electric hatch that will go on sale in 2012. The Model S is a five-door car that has the same size as the BMW 5-Series. It will likely be sold in the UK after its launch. Incidentally, Tesla's European HQ will open in London later this year. According to Tesla's engineering boss, former Jaguar and Lotus man Peter Rawlinson, the car is deep in the design and engineering phase.
It is claimed that the Model S is able to seat seven with standard front and rear seats for five and two rear-facing seats in the boot similar to the style of the Mercedes E-class estate. Luggage is supposed to go under the bonnet.
In an interview with Autocar, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said that they're still figuring out a way to improve headroom. Musk said that 20,000 Model S hatches are expected to be built in about a year but with the addition of other variants on the S platform, this figure could rise to 30,000-40,000. Rawlinson also told Autocar that two extra models are probable. The choices include a crossover, a coupe and a cabrio. Tesla announced that so far, 1,000 of its Lotus Elise-based Roadsters had been sold.
