A recent report in The Verge claims that Tesla is preparing an all-wheel-drive version of the Model S. Citing unnamed sources “familiar with the situation,” the report says that the new model could launch as early as 2014, and initially will be available in an “ultra-premium” trim with performance equal to or better than the current Model S equipped with the high-performance 85-kWh drivetrain. The Model S shares its underpinnings with the upcoming Model X crossover, which will feature all-wheel drive, so it would seem that the brand already possesses the capability to accommodate four driven wheels using its existing architecture. Tesla declined to comment on the original report nor would it answer questions about future products.
- First Drive: 2013 Tesla Model S
- Comparison Test: 2012 Chevrolet Volt vs. 2012 Fisker Karma EcoSport
- Instrumented Test: 2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 5
At a shareholders’ meeting in June, Tesla CEO Elon Musk stressed the importance of the untapped “middle of the country” market, one where weather not nearly as picturesque as Southern California lends itself to a demand for all-wheel-drive capability. That aside, all-wheel drive quickly is becoming standardized as an option on models that compete directly with the Model S in price and performance. If Tesla wants to be taken seriously, it needs to be a well-rounded player, regardless of its unique powertrain.
Source: CarAndDriver
No comments:
Post a Comment