Tesla Motors plans to start delivering the Model S electric sedan in the second quarter of 2012 and expects to make about 20,000 units yearly, the company said at the Detroit auto show on Monday.
Tesla has booked greater than 3,000 reservations for the Model S in North America and Europe. The car's estimated base price is $49,000.
The Model S was declared in June 2008 as the less-expensive, higher-volume sedan to pursue the Roadster and Roadster Sport. Tesla has sold about 1,500 Roadsters and Roadster Sport models through 14 dealers since deliveries commenced in February 2008.
Temporarily, Tesla revealed at the show a Model S unibody equipped with suspension, battery and powertrain components. The unibody illustrated the sedan's lightweight aluminum structure. High-strength steels are used only for strengthening in key areas, such as the front and rear bumper bars.
The 2012 Model S is rear drive and the compact electric motor and transmission assembly--much slighter than a conventional internal combustion engine and gearbox--is mounted behind the rear axle line and under the trunk floor. More than 7,000 lithium ion battery cells are packaged in a reinforced structure that assists encompass the vehicle's floorpan. Cargo volume goes beyond 30 cubic feet thanks to functional front and rear luggage areas.
The Model S has three options for battery packs, permitting customers to select from a standard 160 miles per charge, to upgraded arrays capable of 230 and 300 miles per charge.
Construction techniques will comprise traditional welding and riveting. To save weight, some elements will be fastened by high-tech adhesive systems. These bonding construction processes are also used for the Jaguar XJ and Audi A8, both considered lightweight vehicles in their individual classes.
Toyota has invested $50 million in Tesla Motors and Tesla, with Toyota, will make all future Tesla models at the former NUMMI plant in Freemont, Calif. Roadster production will not move from the current Menlo Park, Calif., facility to Freemont since that model will be phased out in 2012.
