Tesla's out to prove its electric Model S luxury hatchback is unique in its technological advancement. To make that happen, the company has released three videos featuring Peter Rawlinson, Tesla's vice president of vehicle engineering, talking about the car's structure.
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We're expecting to find more information about the Model S at the Detroit Auto Show next week but, for now, we've got these videos highlighting the aluminum structure.
[vimeo 18442704]
"We're particularly pleased with this," Rawlinson says, "it's a very advanced form of architecture, which is a combination of castings, extrusions, and stampings."
Currently, the Model S is in its Alpha testing and development stage. In other words, it's in stage one of two. As though having an electric powertrain wasn't enough, the Model S will also distinguish itself from other luxury vehicles with its seven-passenger seating.
"Model S has such extraordinary package efficiency, it's possible to endow it with a third row of occupants," Rawlinson says.
[vimeo 18443539]
Underneath that third row you'll find the compact electric motor and rear suspension -- we're eager to see just how comfortable that third row will truly be.
Rawlinson continues in the third video, discussing how the battery pack helps increase torsional rigidity. Many still doubt whether Tesla will be capable of introducing the Model S quickly enough and selling it at a reasonable price.
[vimeo 18443073]
"We have a very lean team," Rawlinson says. "We have people from different disciplines sitting right next to each other and sharing the collective experience of designing and packaging the car."
Source: Tesla
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