Tesla adds $6,500 'Performance Plus' option to Model S; adds range, improves handling
05-06-13, 11:20 AM
#1
Tesla adds $6,500 'Performance Plus' option to Model S; adds range, improves handling
Tesla adds $6,500 'Performance Plus' option to Model S; adds range, improves handling
Tesla Motors is adding a special performance package for its all-electric Model S that not only will add miles of single-charge range, but will make sure those miles aren't driven sideways.
The automaker is charging $6,500 for its new "Performance Plus" option, which includes wider rear tires, upgraded stabilizer bars and bushings, among other goodies. Tesla says it took "hundreds of iterations affecting every detail of the suspension," but "our vehicle dynamics team was able to achieve the rare outcome of simultaneously improving performance, comfort and efficiency." The new rear Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires are 20 mm wider than previous tires and are "staggered for improved acceleration on low grip surfaces." Folks will also be able to get between six and 12 miles of range from those new tires.
Tesla continues to move its already up-market car into the proverbial stratosphere, and for good reason. The company, which beat its first-quarter sales targets, discontinued its cheapest variant of the Model S because of lack of demand even as it has improved the financing options for the EV.
http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/05...el-s-adds-ran/
I wonder what the other goodies are that make up the 6500
05-06-13, 11:45 AM
#3
Lexus Champion
just saw one of these again today - just a stunning, gorgeous car.
http://rumors.automobilemag.com/tesl...-s-222331.html
A new option pack for the Tesla Model S electric car is supposed to give it “supercar handling.” The Performance Plus option is a $6500 suspension upgrade for the Model S that is designed to improve the car’s handling.
The upgrade package is available only for the Tesla Model S Performance, which has an 85-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Its electric drive motor is rated for 416 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, and Tesla says the 0-to-60-mph run takes just 4.2 seconds. (We found that a car so equipped can even outrun a BMW M5.)
Opting for Performance Plus adds Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires on 21-inch wheels; 19-inch all-season tires are standard on the Model S and 21-inch Continental ExtremeContact DW tires are optional. In addition, the Performance Plus rear tires have a 265 section width, 20 millimeters (0.8 inch) wider than the standard 21-inch tires. Tesla also installs upgraded suspension dampers, bushings, and anti-roll bars to further improve handling. The upgrades are said to add between six and twelve miles of driving range to a Tesla Model S Performance; according to the EPA, the luxury sedan can normally drive about 265 miles on a full charge, so adding the Performance Plus treatment pushes the range to as much as 277 miles.
Tesla recently enhanced its warranty program to cover the lithium-ion battery pack no matter how the owner charges the car, for eight years or 125,000 miles. Owners can borrow a Roadster or Model S loaner car while their Model S is being serviced. Tesla also announced a unique leasing program for the car earlier this spring, which makes the car available for between $1051 and $1199, depending on trim level and before various discounts.
The upgrade package is available only for the Tesla Model S Performance, which has an 85-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Its electric drive motor is rated for 416 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, and Tesla says the 0-to-60-mph run takes just 4.2 seconds. (We found that a car so equipped can even outrun a BMW M5.)
Opting for Performance Plus adds Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires on 21-inch wheels; 19-inch all-season tires are standard on the Model S and 21-inch Continental ExtremeContact DW tires are optional. In addition, the Performance Plus rear tires have a 265 section width, 20 millimeters (0.8 inch) wider than the standard 21-inch tires. Tesla also installs upgraded suspension dampers, bushings, and anti-roll bars to further improve handling. The upgrades are said to add between six and twelve miles of driving range to a Tesla Model S Performance; according to the EPA, the luxury sedan can normally drive about 265 miles on a full charge, so adding the Performance Plus treatment pushes the range to as much as 277 miles.
Tesla recently enhanced its warranty program to cover the lithium-ion battery pack no matter how the owner charges the car, for eight years or 125,000 miles. Owners can borrow a Roadster or Model S loaner car while their Model S is being serviced. Tesla also announced a unique leasing program for the car earlier this spring, which makes the car available for between $1051 and $1199, depending on trim level and before various discounts.
06-04-13, 09:04 AM
#7
Lead Lap
I don't find the Model S to be stunning at all. It looks like a derivative Jaguar. Also, I don't understand how its interior doesn't criticized more than it does. But woof you can't argue with that performance and economy.
Trending Topics
06-04-13, 09:17 AM
#9
Lexus Test Driver
Have you seen it in person? IMO it looks much, much better in person than in pictures.
06-04-13, 11:04 AM
#13
Lead Lap
