[ad_1]
A picture of the Tesla logo on a Model S inside the Tesla dealership in New York, US, April 29, 2016. REUTERS / Lucas Jackson / File Photo
Tesla Inc will introduce a high-performance version of its Model S on Thursday, aiming to reignite interest in the nearly decade-old sedan and fend off rivals such as Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and Lucid Motors in the luxury electric vehicle market.
Tesla (TSLA.O) redefined electric cars in 2012 when it launched its high-end Model S with a sleek design and long driving range, but it’s facing a host of new competitors.
The livestream automaker plans to deliver the first Model S Plaid at its U.S. plant in Fremont, California at 7 p.m. PT (0200 GMT, Friday), according to its official Twitter account.
CEO Elon Musk didn’t say if he’d take the platform, but he did promote the new model on Twitter, which is priced at $129,990 versus $79,990 for the long-range Model S.
The latest Model S Plaid price is $10,000 more than what was shown a few days ago on Tesla’s website.
“The Model S hasn’t changed much in terms of looks over the past decade or so. I think Tesla has to offer consumers something more,” said Jessica Caldwell, CEO of automotive information provider Edmunds.
The launch of the Model S Plaid, which has already been shown online, has faced delays and some controversy over an expected aircraft-style steering yoke. Musk eliminated another variant, the Model S Plaid+, which would have had a 33% higher driving range than the Model S Plaid and used advanced battery technology, known as 4,680 cells.
“The Model S Plaid is certainly intended to help reduce the migration of existing Tesla owners from Tesla,” said Ed Kim, Vice President at AutoPacific Consulting. “I think what we’re seeing now is that Tesla can no longer operate in a vacuum.”
He said the Model S Plaid is a low-profile halo model meant to show the automaker and create excitement about the sedan, as Tesla needs to successfully roll out new models like the Cybertruck and Semi Trucks to expand its customer base.
Musk called the Model S Plaid “the fastest accelerating car ever.”
The more powerful sports sedan goes from zero to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 1.99 seconds and has an estimated driving range of 390 miles.
While it does offer a slight change to the body style, as well as the steering, the Plaid is expected to feature improved gameplay with new titles and more powerful processors.
The launch event has been postponed to Thursday, June 3, 2021.
Our Standards: Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
.
[ad_2]
Picture Credit!