Last Saturday Tesla opened up its NUMI factory to 3,000 guests and revealed both the production line and, more importantly, the Model S Beta. The company’s CEO, Elon Musk, drove on stage in a Beta Model S with passengers occupying all seats, including the rear facing seats.
Musk presented the car’s features, such as the 17-inch touch screen and the voice command audio system to the large audience. He also said that this Beta version is very close to the actual production car in terms of fit, finish and performance. Then the company’s customers went on to get their first real taste of their future car driving it on a slalom course.
The real surprise in the Model S presentation was Musk’s announcement that Tesla plans to unveil an even more powerful version that will accelerate from 0-60 mph (96km/h) in just 4.5 seconds. That’s BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG territory, which means that the EV luxury saloon will have to face some serious competition indeed.
Musk, however, is certain that Tesla can achieve almost anything: “The goal with the Model S was to build the best car, not just the best electric vehicle. It can seat seven, has two boots, a low center of gravity. No one thought any of it was possible. I’m proud of this car and it’s a revolution that I hope the rest of the industry will follow.”
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