The Model S introduction is make-or-break time for Tesla.
The Model S starts at $57,400 and ranges up to $105,400, before federal tax incentives. Tesla plans to make more than 5,000 this year and 20,000 in 2013.
It's all part of Tesla's long-term strategy to infiltrate the mass market bit by bit, from the top down. Each car model the company introduces will be less expensive than the last.
The most expensive of the car's three battery pack options can go 300 miles on a single charge. The previous Roadster model could 'only' drive 245 miles on a charge.
More than 10,000 people have put down $5,000 apiece to reserve a Model S. The company estimates that the company needs to sell 8,000 per year to reach profitability. It could be a close call but it's a beautiful car that deserves to do well.
