The “year of the Tesla Model S” is upon us, but the company is kicking off the year by introducing a new car – the Model X. Tesla’s plan has always been to start with a roadster, follow with a lower-cost sedan and then build out the lineup from there.

Tesla aims to be a full-fledged car company, and you can’t be that with just one model. The platform that underpins the Model S has been developed to be modular and flexible, enabling multiple models to be based on it. That kind of platform utilization will be needed if Tesla is to generate the necessary margins to survive. Introduction of the Model X is just a few days away – February 9th to be exact.

The reveal will take place at a private event in Hawthorne, California where Tesla’s design studio is located. Like the Model, S, the Model X is slated to have a striking design. It is said to be sized like the Audi Q7, but with 40 percent more room and performance like a Porsche 911. The end goal is a car with the “functionality of a minivan…[and the] consumer appeal of a sports-utility vehicle.”

Space in a purpose-built electric car is improved – part of the reason that is able to shoehorn two child-seats in the rear loading area of the Model S. That might give the Model X one of the first usable third rows in the segment – yippee! As far as striking design goes though, the San Jose Mercury News reports the doors of the Model X “lift up and fold – like the wing of a bird.” Another report via Green Car Reports refers to them as “falcon doors.”

This would be a groundbreaking feature of the Model X; one that shakes up conventional thinking. While a boon for practicality, it will be interesting to see if they attempt to find any solution for safety – as in rollovers that block opening of the doors. All this is making us more excited for the car’s debut on Thursday. Stay tuned.

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So far, Tesla has been executing its planned strategy pretty well. The company said all along the goal was to produce lower cost vehicles; the first car would be expensive and then prices would slowly trickle downward as costs tumbled. Just one small problem: no money has been made yet. Tesla is hoping to change that with the Model S when it arrives this year.

The Roadster was Tesla’s first product, so it will always hold a certain cachet. Instead of keeping the Roadster in the lineup alongside the Model S (and upcoming Model X) though, the car is being phased out. That is thanks to a NHSTA exemption for low-volume automakers expiring, along with a lapse in the contract with Lotus to produce the “gliders”, as they are known.

Lotus has been responsible for production of the Roadster, assembling and building the cars sans their electric powertrains. Body parts are shipped from France to the United Kingdom where they are assembled by Lotus. Then, the assembled cars are sent to either either Palo Alto, California or a facility in UK where Tesla installs the electric powertrain. We’ve already seen the last of the Roadsters sold here in the United States, but a few continents get it for a while longer into 2012. They include Europe, Asia and Australia.

For its final run, Tesla has made the Roadster more suitable to extreme climates. The motor and inverter systems have been revised to perform better in cold snow climates, and inside there is a new, beefed up air conditioning system to better handle the heat.

Other changes include a rear snow cover, new front windshield seals to increase quietness, and Xenon headlights (apparently a first for the Roadster). Finally, there is three new colors – Cosmic Black, Galactic Gray and Magma Orange. 1,800 roadsters have been sold since production began, and Tesla is said to be preparing a new car, based on the Model S’ platform. That new Roadster is expected to surface in 2014.

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Tesla has proclaimed 2012 to be the “Year of the Model S.” If everything goes right, the Model S will begin production this year in Fremont, California. A successful launch of the car is imperative for Tesla. Unlike the Roadster, this is a make-or-break for the company. You can’t be losing money on a car when you’re selling thousands a year.

Tesla maintains they will be able to easily hit their targets, and is looking forward to new additions to the product line. If Tesla is really going to be a player in the automotive industry, it will need to have more than one model. A crossover is Tesla’s next frontier. Tesla has confirmed it will be hold a company event on February 9th where it will launch the launching the Model X..

Last we heard, the Model X would be shown before January, with a public debut at the North American International Auto Show. It has been shown – just not to the public. Furthermore, a NAIAS launch has been scrapped. That was never confirmed by Tesla, so it was just hearsay. Most likely they opted for their own event so it wouldn’t get lost in the shuffle of debuts. The Model X is an important part of Tesla’s plans in the future. It will help to increase economies of scale for the Model S, as it shares the same platform and many components.

People who have seen the Model X describe it as a premium product “faster than a 911, with more space than an Audi Q7.” Hopefully more space means a truly comfortable third-row, like we have whined endlessy about no manufacturer truly offering. The February 9th event has been confirmed by Tesla. The plan is to launch the Model X in late 2013, which means Tesla will likely open the order books soon. Expect the car to be shown in near-production form. Color us excited.

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2011 is quickly coming to close – there is just about 11 days left. For most of us it’s a time to start New Years resolutions and look forward to what’s in store for the year head. At Tesla 2010 will mark the most critical time in the company’s history – the launch of the Model S sedan. The company is billing 2012 as the “The Year of Model S.” For their sake (and ours, we love this car!) we certainly hope so. Today Tesla has announced a set of official, finalized information for reservation holders and prospective buyers.

Unlike Fisker with the Karma, the Model S hasn’t been beset by delays or cost increases. Tesla has held the line on pricing. with the base car starting at $57,400 before $7,500 in federal tax credits. There is a few things that are definite profit boosters though, such as $750 for metallic paint (base price only includes solid black or white) and the jump seats in the back for $1,500. With the need to produce necessary profit margins though, that is to be expected.

The base Model S features the 17-inch touchscreen and a 40 kilowatt battery pack, which gives the car a range of 160 miles. The deal with that is, it isn’t available until the end of the year. The early adopters are going to have to pay extra. We imagine that few truly base cars will be sold at the $57,400 starting price – most buyers are going to splurge for some extras.

The earliest adopters get the priciest 85 kWh 300-mile range Model S, checking in at $77,400. The battery packs are launching with a phased roll-out; the $67,400 230-mile Model S follows three months later, then the 40 kw model at the end of the year. All range estimates are based on an average speed of 55 mph.

Tesla is offering a variety of options, including a Performance model for $87,400. It includes exterior carbon fiber pieces, an Active Air Suspension, high performance tires and wheels, along with Sport Tuned Traction Control and a high performance drive inverter. Performance is available right from the beginning of production, and it shaves a bit off the Model S’ 0-60 time without sacrificing range (or so they say). On the other end of the spectrum is a $1,500 option for aerodynamic wheels that is said to increase range by 20 miles. This is all getting pretty exciting – Tesla has made a complete specifications and build-your-own page so you can imagine the car just how you’d want it. All in all, the Model S looks like it will be the most exciting automobile of 2012. Bring it on!

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For new startups in the marketplace, there often is a pivotal point that makes or breaks the company. For Tesla, which has been around since 2003, that point is fast approaching. A flurry of media coverage has surrounded the latest version of the Model S, called the Beta.

Tesla has followed an unprecedented launch strategy for a new production car, showing the Model S to the public in various stages of completion. Going by software terms the next step is release candidate and then its a go for launch. A few weeks ago, Tesla gathered committed buyers and the media to show them the car, along with touring the plant.

In an interview withBloomberg News today, Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk has billed the car as “sold out” – for its first year anyway.

Musk said the company has over 6,500 orders for the Model S, and that they are “mostly new buyers; only about 600 people who have ordered Roadsters have also bought the Model S.” That is a pretty great retention rate if you ask us, and it is likely to be on the increase as time goes on. Nevertheless these orders ensure production for 2011 is sold out already. Musk also said the company is looking to see a profit in 2013.

As we said, that will be the key point. If Tesla can’t make a profit on the Model S, it is doomed. Everything they’ve said so far indicates the car is well within the margin they need to be comfortably profitable however, so things are looking good. Musk’s comments helped to boost Tesla’s share price by 2.9 percent, to $29.87. Imagine what they will go to if Tesla actually becomes profitable! For now there isn’t much left to do but wait. We’re impatient to see the Model S out and about on public roads.

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Ford Start Concept

Designed by Ford’s California-based design offices this Ka-sized city car is powered by a 1.0-litre 1.0 litre turbocharged and direct-injected engine. The ‘EcoBoost’ engine offers the same performance as 1.6 litre engine, but produces less than 100g/km of CO2 emissions.

Arcimoto Green Concept Car

The Arcimoto Green Concept car takes its inspiration from the bicycle. Designed with two wheels at the front and just one at the back, the car is extremely light and as such uses much less battery power than other battery cars giving it a longer range of up to 160 miles per charge.

Phoenix Roadster

Made from bamboo and rattan roadster the Phoenix Roadster is the world’s first biodegradable car. Created by product designers Kenneth Cobonpue and Albrecht Birkner the Phoenix’s biodegradable skin is designed to last at least 5 years, the average length of time most people keep a car.

VW Bulli

The Bulli is an all-electric concept inspired by the Classic VW Camper. This zero-emissions vehicle has a driving range of around 184 miles and a 0 to 60 time of 11 seconds. With rear seats that fold flat to make a bed, all you need is then is your sleeping bag and a surfboard.

Peugeot SXC

The SXC (Shanghai Cross Concept) is a hybrid crossover powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine at the front and an 95bhp electric motor at the rear giving a combined 48.7mpg and emitting 143g/km of CO2. Whilst not the most impressive figures, do bare in mind this thing is bigger than a BMW X5.

Neora

The Neora Concept, from Taiwanese electric car maker Luxgen, is powered a 241 hp motor and is capable of travelling 400 km when fully charged. The Neora has a top speed of 250 km/h and features unique LED lights and an infotainment system from smartphone manufacturer HTC.

Tesla Model S

The Tesla Model S is the electric car maker’s second car. Tesla refer to the concept car as a ‘beta car’ meaning is almost ready car for production. The Model S supports DC fast charging, giving the car an extra 300 miles of range with just a 1 hour charge.

KTM E3W

The KTM E3W is an electric two-seater three-wheeled concept car powered by a 15kW electric motor with a range of up to 60 miles. To keep weight to a minimum the car has a plastic body and to make getting in and out easier the E3W has super cool scissor doors.

VELV

The VELV concept from PSA Peugeot Citroen is a 100% electric car with a 27-horsepower electric motor and a top speed of 68 mph. Capable of 62 miles when fully charged the VELV has aerodynamic styling, gull-wing windows and a peculiarly narrow backend.

Hyundai Blue2

The hydrogen-powered Blue2 hybrid from Hyundai produces an impressive 90 kW of power and is capable of 82 mpg. The car also feature automatic opening doors opening system, cameras instead of mirrors and even LED screens instead of number plates.

Opel One Euro

The One Euro concept from Opel is so called because of its ability to travel 100 kilometres for just one euro. This clever little car is a tandem two-seater, meaning that the passenger sits behind the driver, and has a range of just over 60 miles and a top speed of 75 mph.

MUTE

The MUTE is a prototype lightweight electric vehicle from Munich’s University of Technology. The car features a 15kW engine powered by a 10kW Lithium Ion battery and a 4kW Zinc-Air range extender; where zinc reacts with air producing a chemical reaction that results in electricity.

Jaguar C-X16

The Jaguar C-X16, is a super sexy concept from Jaguar. The hybrid coupe features a kinetic energy recovery system like that found in Formula 1 cars, where energy expended during breaking is stored for later use. One press of the C-X16′s push-to-pass button and the car will get a boost of power without using any extra fuel or emitting any harmful gases.

Audi Urban Concept

The Audi Urban Concept is another tandem car, with space for a single passenger behind the driver. Powered by two electric motors, with a combined 20bhp, the Urban Concept weighs less than half an average car and can be charged from a domestic socket in just one hour.

VW NILS EV

The Volkswagen NILS EV is a single seater featuring in-wheel motors powered by a lithium ion battery. This tiny, lightweight concept is made from aluminium and polycarbonate, weighs just 1014 pounds and has a top speed of 81 miles per hour.

This green car concepts post was brought to you by the team at carrentals.co.uk, a car hire comparison site from within the UK.

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We’ve been following Tesla’s story pretty much since it began in 2003. Many have predicted its demise, as history is littered with examples of failures in the automotive business. Chief Executive Officer of Tesla Elon Musk is determined to make sure his company isn’t one of them. Tesla is a modern day effort at upending the automotive industry, on the level of efforts like Tucker.

Tesla has serious cash behind it though: hundreds of millions is private investment, a $226 million Initial Public Offering and $465 million in loans from the Department of Energy. To give you an idea of just how rare a new volume automaker is, the Tesla IPO was the first to be undertaken by an American automaker since Ford in 1956. That is all needed to produce the Model S, a highly ambitious product.

The real test will come when the car actually goes on sale. Will the production process go as planned? Will there be enough buyers? If there is, will Tesla be able to make enough money on each? Those are questions we have all been asking. The Model S is do-or-die for Tesla; the time has come to turn the company into a profitable business.

Today a new report on Tesla by Automotive News details a visit to Tesla’s plant, the former NUMMI factory in Fremont, California. The factory is gearing up to start production of the Model S in January or February of next year. The first preproduction car is being assembled starting today, October 17th with completion scheduled for sometime in November. Paint technology from BASF AG, automatic guided carts to move cars down the line and a raised bamboo-floored stage that Tesla uses for quality inspections have all been installed within the past month.

Musk isn’t one to avoid hubris, proclaiming the Model S “not the best electric car (but) the best car of any kind.” His reasoning? “It’s about the same external dimensions as a 5-series BMW, yet has twice the cargo capacity. It’s got the biggest sunroof of any car. The fit and finish are superior to any premium sedan. We have the most advanced paint shop in the industry…..if you drive another premium sedan after driving the Model S, it’s going to feel like a jalopy.”

That’s a tall order to live up to. There is a lot of other interesting tidbits in the lengthy piece, such as the fact that Tesla only plans to use about 20 percent of their factory’s capacity. Everything appears to be moving forward as planned with the Model S. With it holding the promise of excellence in every area, the Model S already looks like one of the most desirable cars on the market. We hope it lives up to its promise. If it does we don’t think Tesla will have trouble selling at the volumes it is aiming for.

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Tesla has been busy showing off the Model S Beta to assembled journalists and press. At the event the company revealed that a Model S Sport is in the works that will achieve 0-60 times of under 4.5 seconds.

The Model S is Tesla’s second model, after the Lotus-based Roadster, currently in iteration 2.5. While the Model S is not even on the road yet, the company is looking forward to its next model, the Model X. Is that the low cost $25,000 sedan? No, instead it is a luxury crossover based on the same platform as the Model S. Autocar reports it will see the its auto show debut at the North American International Auto Show in January, with a reveal taking place before then.

Rumors have swirled about such a Tesla crossover, but this comes directly from the top via Autocar – Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk. “The time is right to unveil the car,” said Musk. “I’ve seen the latest design for it and I’m very happy with it.” If it looks like a crossover version of the Model S, we’d be very happy with it indeed. The platform Tesla has developed for the Model S is modular, meaning that Tesla can build a variety of models on it, even on the same assembly line. Tesla manufacturing boss Gilbert Passin says “We can build many models on the same line….the Model S is just one ‘top hat’ on a platform that is very modular. All our pressing modules are very adjustable and we’re working on improving that flexibility even further and making it faster at the moment.”

That flexibility and ability to respond to market demand is highly important. It means new variants can be developed quickly, and production adjusted to respond to what the market is wanting. All under one roof too, something that would have been unheard of a few years ago.The Model S is being praised for its high levels of cargo space and the ability to carry seven passengers.

As a crossover, Model X should only take than even further. Could it be a seven-passenger crossover that actually has leg and head room for the third row? It is something a lot of people would welcome. As for a production date, sources have said 2014, although Musk isn’t talking about that at the moment – Model S remains the focus.

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1. Sold Out? Tesla Logs 6,500 Orders For Model S
2. Tesla Model S Sport Coming With 0-60 Time Faster Than a 911
3. 2014 Tesla Model X Said to Have Doors Like a “Falcon”

While some have said Tesla would never get to this point, work is moving forward full-speed ahead on the company’s next product, the Model S. On Saturday Tesla gave journalists and prospective Model S buyers a preview of the latest iteration of the car, Model S Beta. The company is using software terminology for the car as it leads up to a production launch. The event took place at the former General Motors-Toyota NUMMI joint partnership plant in Fremont, California. Toyota sold the factory to Tesla a year ago. Some new details have come out about the car from Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk. The Roadster dispelled any notions that Tesla would be making slow vehicles that weren’t fun to drive – electric cars have the capability to be very performance oriented. The 5.5 second 0-60 performance number that has been quoted about the Model S has been regarded as very good. However, a new Model S Sport model is coming that will enhance performance even further, lopping a whole second from the standard car’s time, bringing the 0-60 time to 4.5 seconds.

Wow – that is faster than a Porsche 911 Carrera (equipped with the PDK transmission, that is), says Musk. Not bad for a four-door electric sedan that seats seven. What’s more, Tesla the Sport model won’t sacrifice any range. We’ll see how that one works out.

On the other end of the scale, not only will the top model hit 300 miles of electric range, there will be an aerodynamics package (that includes different wheels) that will boost range on the top end model to 320 miles. Musk says Tesla is proving everyone wrong with the Model S. So far, that looks to be the case. We’ll won’t know for sure until it hits the market though. 6,000 customers have reserved a Model S, which starts at $49,900 after a tax rebate from the government. That base price is for a model with 160 miles of range.

Two other variants, with 230 and 300 miles are also available. The 300-mile range model will set you back $77,400. Ouch. That is the price of early adoption though; look for the price to come down further as time goes on. Even so, all these numbers are down significantly versus prices Tesla had to charge for the Roadster. Progress is good, and the Model S is looking to be a fantastic, no-compromises product loaded with technology. All reports coming out of Fremont are very positive. We can’t wait to get our hands on one!

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The plot thickens, as they used to say in the film noir days. There have been rumors and innuendos and the fluttering of little birds about Toyota (worlds biggest car company until Japan got drilled by an earthquake and then a tsunami and then a quadruple reactor melt-down) wanting to do something (be more than friends?) with Tesla, manufactures of the only all-electric sportscar out there.

And let me just fire this preemptive shot before any of you out there get your anti-EV hackles up: Shut up you stupes! Shut up and drive a Tesla. Seriously. These things are very, very quick. And they have more than enough range for your daily driving. Sure, they go for into the six figures new (although the used prices are down in Porsche territory (i.e. around 70 – 80 K)). But it’s hard to fault them on anything other than price.

And now comes word that Toyota and Tesla might be up to something, and the bottom line (literally) is a billion dollars. The two companies have been flirting with some sort of deal making, initially a $60-million deal that then ballooned into a $100-million affair and now reports of the deal reaching the billion-dollar level.

According to Tesla’s ebullient CEO Elon Musk, the electric car company is currently in talks with the Japanese auto giant to sign a deal that would see $1 billion landing in the California car company’s coffers. The benefits for Tesla are obvious. The EV car company’s concerns about capital would hastily vanish, and, thanks to this serious cash cocktail, Tesla could quickly become a major player in the automotive industry.

And what would Toyota get out of the deal?

For one thing they would get access to the off the shelf technology that Tesla would bring to the table. Tesla’s batteries are known to be the best in the EV world, and their motors are also ultra-trick, boasting of proprietary winding techniques. But Toyota would get more than that.

If this deal were to hasted along the building of the Tesla Model S sedan (which it most likely would) it could possibly mean that Toyota could use at least the platform (of not an outright rebadging) and come out with their own 100% EV in next to no time. Take that, Nissan Leaf.

It has been common parlance in the gearhead world that Toyota has been smarting at the hands of Nissan’s Leaf all electric car, and Nissan has not been shy about rubbing handfuls of salt into Toyota’s wounds. Nissan never seems to not mention that the Leaf is the first mass market EV in the world.

Entering in to some kind of partnership with Tesla would allow Toyota to not only get their “own” EV out on the road, but it would also allow them to one up Nissan in the tech department by touting all the proprietary goodness that Tesla brings to the party.

Of course it would be the coolest of the cool if Toyota could bring out it’s own version of Tesla’s Roadster for about 30% of the price. Because then I could almost afford to buy one of the things. Almost.

Source: Autoblog

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‘Range Anxiety’ is what electric vehicle makers call it. It’s what some prospective EV customers suffer from when considering buying something like Nissan’s Leaf EV or Tesla’s Roadster (although probably not so much for Tesla buyers, who can afford to drop into the six-figures on an electric car).

How to overcome ‘Range Anxiety’ is largely the problem of the carmakers, but it also turns out that AAA, bringers of roadside assistance in many forms for many years have now added another service arrow to their quiver.

The American Automobile Association will be rolling out a small armada of quick-charge trucks that will rescue electric vehicles with flat battery packs and get them and their anxious owners back on the road with relative speed.

AAA’s move was announced today at the big Plug-In Conference & Exposition in Raleigh, North Carolina. Given AAA’s role as a huge provider of roadside assistance, this seems like both an eminently logical service for them to offer, as well as a rather shrewd business move. AAA, which boasts more than 52 million members, wants to set itself up in a new niche as more car makers join Nissan in offering mainstream mass-market EVs.

“As an EV advocate-turned EV salesman, I applaud the AAA for taking the lead offering this service to EV drivers. Many people have asked me what would happen if they were to run out of juice on the freeway and now I have a very good answer: They get juiced up by AAA,” said Paul Scott, a founder of the advocacy group Plug-In America

However, this is not a new development in the EV world. Rescue trucks for EV’s are already on the roads in Japan, where Nissan and the Japan Automobile Federation deployed a truck in June. AAA says it will arrange for one truck in each of six metro areas later this summer. The metro areas will be Portland, Oregon; Seattle; the San Francisco Bay Area; Los Angeles; Knoxville, Tennessee; and Tampa, Florida. AAA hopes that as the program picks up momentum along with the increasing numbers of EVs, they will roll out more trucks into other cities.

AAA exec John Nielsen said, “While these six areas are part of the initial pilot program, we’ve had tremendous interest from AAA clubs across the country to offer this service to their members, and we anticipate expanding the program to additional areas in the months following initial deployment.”

And the tech involved is pretty interesting as well. Depending upon the vehicle needing service, AAA members can get either a Level 2 (220 volt) or a Level 3 (440 volt direct current) quick-charging service when needed. The caveat being that Level 3 charging can “fill” a depleted battery in as little as 30 minutes, but not all EVs have the capacity to take Level 3 charging, and, ironically enough, there is still no global standard for the Level 3 plug.

AAA says their EV rescue trucks will include charging units from different manufacturers so it can evaluate the various systems. The truck they recently unveiled gets its energy from a lithium-ion battery. The auto service company says that other trucks will use generators powered by compressed natural gas or an hydraulic power take-off from the truck’s transmission. Both of which are pretty slick.

The amount of time and the level of charge you’ll get might be slightly problematical, for certain points of view. You’ll get 15 minutes with the truck, which isn’t a great deal of juice, especially if you’re using Level 2. They say that it will be enough to get you three to 15 miles down the road to your garage or a public charging station. No, not a full charge, but then again, if you run out of gas and call Triple-A, they only give you a gallon or two to get you to the nearest filling station. Public charging station, you ask? It turns out that there are about 1,300 nationwide at the moment, and there are more on the way.

So, another piece in the ‘how are we going to move to EV’s’ puzzle drops into place.

Source: Wired Autopia, photos from Wired and Flickr users Tom Raftery, mariordo59 and cliff1066™.

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After an extension in production for the Tesla Roadster, the company is moving forward full speed ahead on its Model S sedan project.

The Model S is Tesla’s first foray into a more mainstream, volume production model. The price point is also significantly reduced, coming in at around $56,000. To achieve its goals, Tesla received $465 million in Department of Energy loans from the government.

Tesla is following a software model toward development cars, with the latest car referred “Alpha” as it heads farther into the development process. It is similar to the way the refreshed Roadster is called Roadster 2.0. With the Model S, the company is building an all-new car from the ground up, and as expected, is tweaking things along the way.

As such, new photos of the Model S “Alpha” build have been released. They show some subtle changes to the car’s exterior styling. They look fantastic; while not groundbreaking from a design standpoint, the Model S is beautiful. It looks every bit its $56,000 asking price and far beyond. It certainly won’t have any electric car stigma.

The prototype was a bit sleeker, as the Alpha build adds some vents below the headlights and redesigns the turn signal element. The appearance is more aggressive than the benign (but handsome) look of the prototype.

There is also additional refinement in the headlights and the rear taillights get a new look. Black is a striking color for the Model S. The new images have us excited for final production of the Model S to begin, and for us to see more elements, such as the interior, as production nears. You can check out Tesla’s photos of the Model S Alpha (shown in black) in our gallery, along with a few of the prototype model to compare the changes.

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Here’s what:

We are going to have to deal with electric cars. Period.

Let me say that one more time: We are going to have to deal with electric cars.

No amount of droning and bitching and moaning, no amount of wishful thinking is going to let us (i.e. humans) keep producing cars of the “efficiency” of a built 1968 GTX by the tens of thousands.

There are many, and on some days, I am one of them, that this is a terrible loss not just for the people who are in to cars, but also humanity in general. That might be the case. But it is also the undeniable fact that designing, building, manufacturing, owning, running, maintaining and disposing of vehicles like that (even their modern equivalents) is going to become so astronomically expensive (in terms of money, enviro impact, morality, etc.) that we are going to be driving alternatives.

In other words: If you’re a gearhead, then you’re going to have to learn to live with electric cars.

That is why it is important to note that this fellow, Hansjörg von Gemmingen has just rolled over the big 100 (yes, even if it is in 100-thousand of those diabolical, socialist metric system thingos (why next thing you know, they’ll start measuring Mustang engines using the metric system!)).

“But, but … ” you’ll hear the knuckle-dragging stupes sputter before launching into some screed about how this is demeaning, not only to our societal system, but to us as free and thinking individuals. They’ll start losing it and will start mawkishly going on about “basic market principles” and “our God-given rights” to own something that weighs 5300 pounds at the curb (or should I say kerb?), ready to drive down to the track for the day, loaded with coolers and beer and your stash and 3 of your buddies and two new girls, burning about 5 gallons of dino-juice for every mile your lead right foot commands it to cover.

But nothing, bub.

That is going away, more than anything else, due to the fact that we’re running out of gas, and we’re finally starting to deal with the fact that automotive transportation is far dirtier than we can efficiently deal with.

So if you’re in favor of personal mobility (and I sure as hell am), then we’re going to be driving electric cars, if at all. The longer we fight against this. The longer we stick our heads in the sand and say “NO! That’s not true! Global warming is a scam! NO! That’s not true! There’s plenty of oil! NO! That’s not true! We don’t have to worry about things like renewable energy! NO! That’s … blah, blah, blah …. whine whine whine!” The longer we cram our stubby little fingers in our ears up to our calloused, greasy knuckles, the worse the outcome will be.

And yes, I mean that it will both make things worse for the planet (due to our demonstrably foolish short term profit thinking more than anything else) and make it worse for car guys.

In the first instance, because that sort of willful intransigence won’t go over well with the billion people (give or take) displaced by rising sea levels, and only make those environmental impacts worse, but in the second instance, the more we dig in our heals and deny the actual scientific facts on the ground, the more fuel it will give to those who hate cars with a white hot passion.

I know car guys out there that look upon rides like the Tesla Roadster as some sort of automotive option designed by Torquemada (look it up, meathead). If you listen to them, you think that if we don’t dig in our heals, next thing you know, Al Gore and Ed Begley Jr. will be at our front doors and forcing us at bayonet point to drive abominations like the Tesla Roadster. No, that won’t happen. If we decide to make out Custerian stand here, now, at this moment, in this place, we will eventually have to deal with people who look at folks like Al Gore and Ed Begley Jr. as right-leaning hacks. And those people, the people who succeed fairly benign individuals such as Gore, Bagley et al, those people will end up making sure that if we can afford to buy a car at all, it will be an electrified version of a Tata Nano with a $94,000 sticker and a top speed limited to 34 MPH.

In other words: We all better learn to love cars like the Tesla Roadster, and figure out how to make them cheaper, better, and most of all, faster. We can either be part of the solution, or we will be perceived as being part of the problem. Then marginalized. Then ignored. And then have cars that would make a Parisian laugh shoved down our throats.

And, apart from price, there is a lot to love about Tesla Roadsters.

These things are q-u-i-c-k quick. They have a ton of torque and grip about as good as any Colin Chapman (i.e. Lotus) chassis does. I talked with a guy at a Sunbeam Tiger auto-cross once. He owned not only a Tiger, but also a Tesla Roadster, and he said, without hesitation or equivocation that the Tesla was a much quicker car and a better auto-crosser.

What, you can’t monkey under the hood? Have you ever played around with slot cars? Teslas are essentially huge slot cars, so have it boys and girls. Didn’t most of us start out as kids (usually) with dads that messed around with drag cars or dirt bikes or karts or some such? Gearheads, car nuts, grease monkeys and etc. can, and will hot-rod anything and then we’ll go have fun with them. When we were kids, how many of us would build and race some sort of un-sanctioned soapbox cars? Raise your hands! Yup, thought so.

Same thing applies here: Get into electric cars and learn how to hop them up. The future is bearing down on us, one second at a time, so we better be prepared to make it ours as much as we can.

Source & Photo: Wired Autopia

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3. Dashboards Past

Since the beginning of motoring, the convertible lingered long before the sport utility, minivan or crossover captured buzz. In modern times, the convertible is a type of freedom symbol allowing the confides of everyday responsibilities and routines to slip away temporarily. As the mercury rises, as temperatures spike, the choices for fashion open up to embracing the more refreshing outdoor weather. For the world of automobiles, the warmer summertime climate ushers away the cocoon of so many closed cabin vehicles. For 2011, the latest crop of liberating drop tops could become a companion to a holiday weekend memory.

Ford Mustang GT Convertible

Mobilizing the youth of North America thought the 1960s when gasoline was cheap and cross-country trips were a common theme during the warmer months, the Ford Mustang Convertible continues to remain a rather accessible dream machine. Though the more the ample momentum of the Ford’s 3.7 liter V-6 powerplant will grant any summer weekend adventurer the soul of American-style, top-down riding, the intense gallop of 412 horsepower of the Ford Mustang GT Convertible provides an even more aggressive stride towards good times. Backing up the full-hearted performance with classic American muscle car appearances, the Mustang GT Convertible also combines the benefits of 21st century enjoyment including Ford SYNC. A voice-activated navigation system is also available to assure maximum vacation time rather than devoted to constant map reading.

Chrysler 200 Convertible

A budding new creation of Chrysler’s fleet wide makeover, the “Imported from Detroit” convertible version of the Chrysler 200 reflects on past staples of American elegance. The 2011 Chrysler 200 is not only the sole existing convertible in the auto manufacturer’s product portfolio but it is the brand’s only two-door vehicle. Charming with a premium ride and luxury, the 200 convertible most amusing characteristic is a base price under $30,000 US. A big chrome grille topped by a pronounced emblem, the all-new Chrysler 200 convertible features the tasteful sheltering of either a soft or a hard top. Inside, an available voice-activated media center features a 30-gigabyte hard drive sound system that includes nationwide coverage of a Sirius satellite radio as well as Sirius Travel Link. Standard power comes from a 2.4 liter World Gas Engine, the best cruising enjoyment will be partaken when the 283 horsepower Pentastar V-6 powerplant drives your holiday.

Mercedes-Benz SLK

Just in time to take advantage of the warm, convertible weather, the brand new Mercedes-Benz SLK enters the North American marketplace presenting more than one option to enjoying (or hiding) from the weather. On ideal days, the open-air roadster providing up to 302 horsepower to delightfully navigate through a scenic country drive. The driver, as well as passenger, rides inside of a cabin decked with brushed aluminum trim accents and optional sun reflective leather. On less than perfect days, Mercedes-Benz SLK owner came either seek the cover of a coupe-like hard top or a tinted glass vario-roof. A high-tech new option is MAGIC SKY CONTROL interacts with crystals embedded in a glass panel to variably regulate the amount of light shining through to the interior.

Maserati GranTurismo

An Italian auto company under the Fiat umbrella, Maserati’s best efforts frequently buried under the achievements of Lamborghini and fellow Fiat brand Ferrari. Giving worthwhile recognition with subtle yet lavish Pininfarina styling, the personal luxury coupe Masersati GranTurismo blew its top in 2010. The Maserati GranTurismo convertible rushes down the streets of Rodeo Drive or a Sunday cruise with a pair of 400-plus horsepower V-8 engines. Featuring a 6-speed automatic transmission and adaptive Skyhook suspension, the Maserati GranTurismo convertible delivers the open-air motoring that can be expected from a $136,300 vehicle. A 2+2 convertible the configuration allows the driver to be generous to three passengers (however, one choice passenger can be liberated from the less catered rear seating).

Porsche Boxster Spyder

So your weekend getaway doesn’t prescribe to an easy drive to a resort, the Porsche sports car line-up is infused with the ideal ingredients for an adrenaline-seeking few days. Led by 320 horsepower, the Porsche Boxster Spyder is specially built as a reaction to pure sports car fans. A slimmed down by 167 pounds compared to the Boxster S, the Porsche Boxster Spyder launches in only 4.9 seconds with a 6-speed manual or as little as 4.6 seconds when equipped with a Sport Chrono Package Plus fitted to a PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplung) transmission. The comfort accessories coming standard on the Porsche Boxster Spyder are kept scarce for the purpose to honour the raw performance dynasty. For times when weather begins to interrupt the fine driving experience, there is only a basic soft top without the fancy automatic operation.

Tesla Roadster 2.5

Granting not only a connection with the wind flowing over separated by an aerodynamic pocket, the Tesla Roadster 2.5 merges the driver into 125 mile per hour motoring with hardly a peep. Powered by an air-cooled 375-volt AC Induction electric motor, a driver and passenger of the Tesla Roadster 2.5 advanced powertrain equating to 288 horsepower is matched with striking exotic car looks. Currently the only popular all-electric sports car on the market, the Tesla Roadster 2.5 consists of a newly prepped interior and exterior introduced mid-last year. A two-seat performance roadster that will still capture attention despite its silence, the driving experience will be somewhat more limited when it comes to distance. Range for the Tesla Roadster 2.5 is slated to as much as 245 miles.

Information source: Chrysler Group, Ford Motor Company, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz USA, Porsche Cars North America, Tesla Motors
Photo Source: Chris Nagy, Chrysler Group, Ford Motor Company, Porsche Cars North America, Tesla Motors

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3. Diesel Performance

As was stated with Toyota’s partnership with Tesla formed earlier this year, there was going to be a mutual benefit to the furthering of electric vehicles. As Tesla Motors received much-needed finances and use of the former NUMMI plant in California, Toyota would obtain the upstart electric auto company’s applied expertise in electric powertrain manufacturing. Unveiled at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, the electric version of the Toyota RAV4 is officially given a once-over first by journalists and later by auto show spectators. Presenting 1 of 35 demonstrated models of the RAV4 EV which is admittedly retrofitted with an electric powertrain, Toyota has defined this prototype vehicle part of “Phase Zero”. President of Toyota Motors Sales USA Jim Lentz affirmed that continuing development of the Phase Zero RAV4 EVs will lead to enhancements to a 2012 production version.

The small sport utility vehicle will be built similar to fuel-burning RAV4 models at the Woodstock, Ontario, Canada plant. Small adjusts to the interior and exterior are performed to differentiate Toyota RAV4 EV from conventional RAV4 models. A new front end fascia involves a smaller grille opening (a customary design move since the cooling needs of an electric vehicle is far less than one powered by an internal combustion engine). Specialized EV badging and exterior paint colour described as ‘mutually exclusive’ are also found on this Toyota RAV4 EV. Interior enhancement for the RAV4 EV features special seating, multimedia dash and a push-button gear shifter.

RAV4 products destined for the EV treatment will be sent from Woodstock (absent powertrain components) to Tesla’s Palo Alto, California facility. In the Tesla plant, a battery, electrical motor and hardware will be installed to complete the 2012 Toyota RAV4 EV. Full technical specifications are yet to be determined for the production vehicle but the RAV4 EV will run for between 80-110 miles on a charge which can be facilitated from a 220-volt household charger.

Pricing details for the 2012 Toyota RAV4 EV are yet to be announced but Toyota USA president Lentz commented that the auto company will do everything possible to make it reasonable. “Providing a compelling product is one thing. Creating an attractive value proposition is another.” Lentz said in the press conference in Los Angeles.

A highly-public champion for the usage of electrical powertrains, Toyota’s first charged-up the North American marketplace with the Prius. Now, with almost 10 years of sales in United States, the Toyota Prius and its Hybrid Synergy Drive has bred 6 other current Toyota and Lexus products using a hybrid power. On-deck for the Prius is a plug-in hybrid version planned for sales within a year.

Before Toyota Prius roamed the American streets and the dreams of environmentalists, the Toyota RAV4 was in fact an early test bed for all-electric vehicle power. In 1997, a first generation Toyota RAV4 EV was built created as an auto industry-wide attempt to pay lip service to California ill-fated and poorly-backed initiative to have 10 percent of their state’s vehicles run on electric propulsion by the year 2000. Incredibly, 746 of these first-gen RAV4 electrics remain in existence as road-worthy vehicles.

Toyota’s respect for their early electric vehicle is unlike the practice of now green car corporate stumpers General Motors and Honda. Leasing their vehicles at the time as the first Toyota RAV4′s sales, once the California state law was abolished, both companies made a legal decision to viciously destroy much of the practical evidence relating to their early electric car work.

In little more than a year, the reaction to the 2012 Toyota RAV4 EV will determine if the Toyota/Tesla pairing flatters each other with a mutual attractiveness as a proton and electron.

Information and photo credit: Toyota Motor Sales USA

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