Taking elegant touches from the Tesla Roadster’s body, the Tesla Model “S” sedan just came one step closer to reality due to a US government green energy loan. Expect 20,000 of these to be made and sell out in preorders in 2012. As far as pricing, it’s in the same range as the 5-series from BMW – $55K+. Performance is rated as 0-60mph in 5.5 seconds and the driving range is expected to be 300 miles, and will hit up to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds.
Tesla Motors started out by crafting a perfect blend of future energy needs and much needed adrenalin rush. Go after the lux sportscar set first to prove that an electric car has the energy and stamina to be worth six figures. 0-60mph in 3.9 seconds for the Standard Model and 3.7 seconds for the 2010 Sport Model. 300 mile battery range. Have Pininfarina (Ferrari, Lotus, Maserati) design the body. Sell out the first batch.
What’s coming right after the sedan? A smaller car, in the $20,000 price range.
I recently discovered this great flickr group whose purpose “is to act as an archive for modernist graphic design applied to motor vehicles. Planes, trains and automobiles.”
Wow, Neiman Marcus you’ve amazed me again. After looking at this guy, I wonder if The Onion could pull off a PSA about the dangers of eating cupcakes? Ha. Or maybe it just seems a little pedo to me after reading this part of the sales pitch…”Ever had a crowd of kids chasing after you just for the crazy gleeful heck of it?” Because I think Pedos get off to the word gleeful. Go on Neiman Marcus, go on.
Back in July, Aston Martin made news for it’s concept car Cygnet. Based around Toyota’s iQ, this little guy is set to go on sale in Europe next year. It does not support the power of the V8 or V12 the AM’s are known for, so think of it more as your zip around the corner car. The one you pick girls up in and do not totally feel like a tool. At first, the production will be limited, as well as your ability to purchase it (one must own an Aston, to be granted the right). The Cygnet will also feature bespoke interiors, could you expect anything less?
The Swiss are not known for the automobiles but, they are known for making small, detailed mechanical bracelets i.e.watches, as well as hiding money. That may change, check out this simply designed, little gem of a car. The e’mo was created at Rapperswil’s Technical University with the vision to simplify the impact of the automobile on the environment. This little electric car looks cooler than a hotwheel, and would go well with the Plus One bike. Available in 2010. For more info go here www. e-mo-car.ch
Is that a tractor? British GQ has very cool slideshow from the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, Germany. The museum looks as amazing as the cars.
“The museum provides a veritable history of Porsche, showcasing everything from the frame of the Type 64 built in 1939 to the 911, 2.0 Coupe of 1964, the 968 Cabriolet of 1995 to the 908 Spyder of 1970 and also previews the Porsche Panamera, which will be released in September.”
The Museum contains Christophours restaurant and a cigar lounge featuring Laura Chavin cigars. What more can you ask for!
