DETROIT--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tesla Motors today unveils an inside look at the Model S, showcasing Tesla’s revolutionary approach to vehicle engineering. The Model S, engineered from the ground up as an EV, is meticulously designed for superior aerodynamics, stability and handling, crash safety, performance and range. The Model S expanded view on display details how Tesla engineers have created Model S to excel in all of these areas.

Tesla is recognized for its innovation in electric powertrain engineering and battery technology. Tesla design is known for its unique refusal to compromise beauty or efficiency. Today Tesla introduced its excellence in vehicle engineering.

Tesla assembled the brightest, most-promising automotive engineers to build the Model S. They took a fresh approach to their task, without the restrictions imposed by traditional combustion architecture. The result includes superior aerodynamics, remarkable torsional rigidity and an in-house extruded aluminum suspension system.

“We’ve engineered Model S to be a great driver’s car,” says Peter Rawlinson, VP of Engineering, Tesla. “Suspension, aerodynamics, and the marriage of the battery pack to the body structure distinguish Model S as the superior vehicle of its class.”

Model S development includes Alpha and Beta testing phases. The Alpha testing phase began in 2010. In the alpha phase, Tesla will test Model S under extreme conditions for brakes, suspension, driving dynamics, fit and finish, and safety requirements.

Tesla already has over 3,500 Model S reservations. The car will begin production in mid-2012 at the Tesla Factory in Fremont, CA.

Tesla Roadster 2.5

The Tesla Roadster proved Tesla’s electric powertrain is the most advanced in the industry. It is the only automobile in the world to provide super car performance with zero emissions.

In just over two years, Tesla has produced four iterations of the Tesla Roadster, demonstrating Tesla’s commitment to innovation and the company's close feedback loop with its customers. In the last year, the Roadster has reached significant milestones including delivery of over 1,500 cars in over 30 countries, 8.5 million electric miles driven, and most recently VIN 1000 broke a world record, driving 347 miles on a single charge.

On display at Tesla’s booth, the Roadster is equipped with a Tesla engineered custom Roadster ski rack, and set of signature Tesla Folsom Custom Skis. The Tesla Roadster’s electric motor and advanced lithium-ion battery don’t just make it possible to drive in below-zero weather -- they make it a top choice for spirited winter driving.

About Tesla

Tesla’s goal is to produce increasingly affordable electric cars to mainstream buyers -– relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. Based in California’s Silicon Valley, Tesla has delivered more than 1,500 Roadsters to customers in at least 30 countries in North America, Europe and Asia. Tesla designs, develops, manufactures and sells EVs and EV powertrain components. The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release, including statements relating to anticipated demand for the Roadster and the potential benefits from Tesla’s strategic relationships are “forward-looking statements” that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations, and as a result of certain risks and uncertainties actual results may differ materially from those projected. The following important factors, without limitation, could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements: consumers’ willingness to adopt electric vehicles and Tesla’s electric cars in particular; risks associated with sales of the Tesla Roadster; competition in the automotive market generally and the alternative fuel vehicle market in particular; Tesla’s ability to establish, maintain and strengthen its relationships with strategic partners such as Daimler, Toyota and Panasonic; and Tesla’s ability to execute on its plans for new store openings. More information on potential factors that could affect the Company’s financial results is included from time to time in Tesla’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings and reports, including the risks identified under the section captioned “Risk Factors” in its final prospectus relating to its initial public offering filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, on June 29, 2010 and our Form 10-Q as filed on November 12, 2010. Tesla disclaims any obligation to update information contained in these forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

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