Tesla Model S production first details; West Coast plant location decided

Two years after scuttling plans to build a plant in Albuquerque, New Mexico, electric car manufacturer Tesla has chosen a new facility on the West Coast. Tesla CEO Elon Musk reportedly told the Automotive News that the West Coast factory will be responsible for the body, chassis, doors, metal stamping, paint, and powertrains needed for their vehicles.

Musk confirmed that a previously-built factory will be used by Tesla, but he denied further details as the deal has not yet been finalized. The facility will be the assembly site for the next-generation Tesla Roadster and the upcoming Tesla Model S.

The Model S is scheduled for a 2012 release, though many of the parts have yet to be sourced. Less than 80 percent of the vehicle's parts have been contracted out at this time, and the company has not chosen a transmission supplier.

Pricing on the sedan will near $50,000.

Source: autonews.com (sub req)

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gasgorth

This is a jaguar with lorinser wheels!!! WTF

April 29, 2010 6:23 am

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Lamborghini

Hahh :D True that!

April 29, 2010 6:38 am

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dbehmoaras

I don't care what it is, it looks brilliant. A good buy at 50 grand, because what it might lose in performance it will certainly make up in style, unless it's Prius slow.

April 29, 2010 7:17 am

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CDspeed

It supposed to be able to hit 60mph in 5.6 seconds and there is also supposed to be a sport version that should accelerate from 0-60 somewhere in the 4 second range as Elon Musk has stated.

April 29, 2010 7:41 am

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CDspeed

The Model S is one of thee best looking electric cars ever. So is the Roadster, it's the first EV to make it into production with a high driving range and high performance. I just wish they had kept the roadster's price down but that's what happens with carbon fiber it's still to hard to make to be cost efficient.

April 29, 2010 7:32 am

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Siawa

I'll be in line to buy it when it launches.

April 29, 2010 9:48 am

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HEMI426

If I had the money I'd buy it if it wasn't electric.

April 29, 2010 9:49 am

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Iconic

I hope they retool the NUMI plant in Fremont. It be a shame to let that place be turned into a bunch of condos.

April 29, 2010 11:56 am

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coopergt

congrats on a fantstic car

April 29, 2010 12:29 pm

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Andres2007

Oh, how I love California. Bringing some glamour to the US auto industry, a glamour that it has been missing for decades. Beautiful car, almost as beautiful as the Fisker Karma. I'd like to see pictures of the interior, though.

April 29, 2010 3:55 pm

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