No longer a Lotus spinoff, the Model S is not only an all-new model based on an all-new chassis, it looks extremely good too. Long and sleek, classically proportioned yet uniquely modern, it appears that ex-Mazda designer Fritz van Holzhausen has created what is needed stylistically to woo premium buyers into the ultra-green camp. Will it dethrone Fisker�s Karma as best looking ultra-green super sedan? That�ll be a personal decision, but where the Karma is a plug-in series hybrid with an extremely sophisticated and efficient powertrain the Model S is purely electric and therefore zero-emissions thanks to its all-electric drivetrain.
Practically speaking the Model S is quite brilliant. Not only does it incorporate a hatchback for ease of access to the cargo bay that houses enough volume, with the 60/40 rear seats folded flat, to haul a surfboard, a 50-inch flat panel TV and a mountain bike, simultaneously, but it also boasts more luggage space up front where the engine of a conventionally-powered car would normally be. Instead of an internal combustion engine (ICE) and transmission there�s a compact electric drivetrain connecting to batteries located under the seats, just another benefit to going 100-percent electric. As for who will supply that motor, the battery pack, or what type of suspension setup it will include, or for that matter what the car�s specific dimensions will be, other than being about the size of a BMW 5-Series Touring (wagon), according to Tesla, and having a base weight of about 2,222 kilos (4,900 lbs), the company is either keeping hush-hush on the subject or doesn�t yet know.
No comments:
Post a Comment