TAG Heuer and Tesla Motors Launch Worldwide Partnership

To be unveiled this week at Geneva Motor Show, unique TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster commemorates Swiss brand's 150th anniversary.

Pioneering luxury Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer and electric carmaker Tesla Motors have teamed up in a worldwide partnership as the iconic Swiss brand celebrates its 150th anniversary.

On display at the Geneva Motor Show starting Tuesday is the 2010 TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster. This one-of-a-kind collector's car includes a unique interior by Tesla Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen, incorporating TAG Heuer avant-garde design elements and a specially designed center console due to host TAG Heuer's cutting edge concept watch, to be revealed in Basel on March 18.

This car also features a TAG Heuer Meridiist mobile phone as well as a one-fifth second Heuer Limited Edition Stopwatch. This Swiss-made timepiece with mechanical movement pays tribute to the 1860 founding of the company and evoques the mythic revival of the brand's vintage stopwatches.


The car's exterior color scheme is Foucault Field Gray, embodying the innovative spirit of both companies. The design was inspired by the new TAG Heuer concept watch, a technical milestone in mechanical movements, which brings technologically advanced art to life through motion.

The 2010 TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster will remain at the Tesla booth during the public show days, March 4-14 at the Palexpo-Geneva conference center. The car will then be driven to Baselworld, the world's largest watch exhibition, for a special event March 18.


Relentless focus on technological innovation

Since its founding in an artisan's workshop in the Swiss Jura, TAG Heuer has become one of the world's best-known luxury brands -- maker of avant-garde watches, eyewear and premium mobile phones for refined consumers around the globe.

TAG Heuer, a star brand from the luxury group and worldwide leader Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy (LVMH), also has deep roots in the automotive sector. Company founder Edouard Heuer received in 1911 the patent for The Time of Trip, the first car dashboard chronograph, followed in 1933 by the Autavia -- the first dashboard timekeeper for both automobiles and aviation. The benchmark in cutting-edge chronographs and timekeeping technology since 1860, TAG Heuer is the watch brand that can claim the longest and strongest association with motor sports and dream cars. Both watches and chronographs are inspired and driven by motor sports, from Formula One to GT cars.


"TAG Heuer has a rich history and expertise with the world's most prestigious racing teams -- but this is the first ever partnership we've forged with an electric sports car company," said Jean-Christophe Babin, President and CEO of TAG Heuer. "We believe that high-performance drivers are increasingly searching for products that are efficient, socially responsible and stylish. TAG Heuer and Tesla are two of the few companies arleady achieving these ideals today."

Tesla Motors began developing an electric sports car in 2004 and remains the only automaker selling highway-capable electric cars. The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than nearly any other supercar yet is twice as energy efficient as a Toyota Prius -- the only car that delivers supercar performance guilt-free, with zero tailpipe emissions and a carbon footprint dramatically lower than any comparable sports car.


Based in California's Silicon Valley, Tesla has delivered more than 1,000 cars to consumers in 21 countries. Advertising Age magazine recently named Tesla one of America's "hottest brands." The Tesla Roadster is quickly becoming the must-have car among Hollywood celebrities, European royalty and socially responsible trendsetters worldwide.

"Engineers at both TAG Heuer and Tesla understand intuitively that technology -- whether worn on your wrist or driven on the road -- can help us live better while we tread more lightly on this planet," said Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

The CEOs of TAG Heuer and Tesla, along with celebrity customers of both companies, will launch their next collaboration in style on March 18 at a party during Baselworld 2010. This nine-month project, commemorating TAG Heuer's 150th anniversary, will have worldwide reach and will raise awareness of technological innovation to consumers on three continents.

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Tesla Offers Leasing Option for Iconic Roadster

Tesla Motors, producer of the world's only highway-capable EV, is now offering the option of leasing the groundbreaking Roadster and Roadster Sport. Tesla Motors Leasing will allow more people to enjoy the Roadster's uncompromising design, engineering, and service with the benefits that leasing provides.


Tesla Leasing allows customers to take immediate delivery of a new 2010 Roadster or Roadster Sport with a three year, 30,000 mile contract and with monthly payments as low as $1,658 (see below for details). The relative low cost of electricity vs. gasoline and the low maintenance needs of Tesla's electric motor add to the benefits of leasing a Roadster over a conventional car. The cost savings compared to a similar gas powered car could be $131 per month based on an estimated 833 miles driven per month based on EPA fuel economy tests. At the end of the term, customers have the flexibility to purchase their Roadster or pay a fee and walk away.


"We are committed to continuously improving and enhancing the Roadster, offering a leasing option means even more people can drive this exciting and groundbreaking car," said John Walker, Tesla Vice President of Sales.

The Roadster is the only production car that is faster than many sports cars and more energy efficient than any hybrid. It is quickly becoming the choice amongst discerning drivers who demand performance with a clean conscience.


The Roadster has an EPA range of 236 miles per charge, double that of any other commercially released electric vehicle. It can be charged in any conventional 120 or 240V outlet. The Roadster produces zero tailpipe emissions. It does not need regular oil changes or exhaust system repairs. Roadsters have no spark plugs, pistons, hoses, belts or clutches to replace.

Tesla customers also benefit from the Tesla Rangers, Tesla's pioneering mobile service squad. Tesla Rangers make house calls for annual inspections, firmware upgrades and other services, so customers can enjoy hassle-free service from their home or office. U.S. customers pay $1 per roundtrip mile from the closest service center, with a minimum charge of $100.


Lease financing is available on Tesla Roadster vehicles. Monthly lease payments of $1,658 (excludes sales or use tax) for 36 months based on MSRP of $111,005 (includes destination and documentation fees). $12,453 due at signing includes $1,658 first month's payment, $9,900 down payment, and $895 acquisition fee. No security deposit required. Excludes tax, title, license, registration, and any locally applied fees. This lease offer is subject to credit approval and is for well qualified customers only. Not all customers will qualify for this lease program. Lessee must cover insurance. At lease end, lessee will be liable for disposition fee ($350.00), any excess wear and use as set forth in the lease agreement and excess mileage charges of $0.25 per mile for miles driven in excess of 30,000 miles over the life of the lease. Lessee acquires no ownership interest unless purchase option is exercised. Visit a local Tesla showroom or contact Tesla Motors directly for details and vehicle availability. For more information call 650-413-6300. All figures presented are estimates only. Actual selling price may vary.
More details on Tesla Motors Leasing can be found at: www.teslamotors.com/leasing


About Tesla
Tesla's goal is to produce increasingly affordable cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. San Carlos, Calif.-based Tesla sells cars online and has delivered nearly 1000 Roadsters to customers in North America and Europe. Tesla has showrooms in California's Silicon Valley and Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, Boulder, South Florida, Chicago, London, Munich and Monaco. The Tesla Roadster is faster than many sports cars yet more efficient than a hybrid.
Source: Tesla Motors;More Photos


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Tesla IED EYE Concept

Istituto Europeo di Design of Turin, IED, in collaboration with Tesla, will premiere the Tesla IED EYE concept at this year's Geneva Motor Show. The full scale Tesla IED EYE concept aims to be a 2 + 2 everyday sports car and a status-symbol. The target customer of the Tesla IED EYE concept is a young, cosmopolitan individual that wants a car with an accessible price tag.

The Italian-based European Design Institute (IED) is to be credited with most of the work put into this Concept Eye, with some consulting and a badge supplied by Tesla.

The Eye was designed by a group of students to be an every-day electric vehicle and will be attending the 2010 Geneva Auto Show as a full-scale model. It measures 4.3 meter in length, 1.8 meters in height and 1.4 meters in width.


The IED stand in Geneva will host a concept called Pygmy, based on the Fiat Panda 4×4 and inspired by the agreement between the Italians and the Chrysler Group, and also a sports prototype named Libido, which executes in a futuristic way the excellence and sportsmanship values of Aston Martin.
via:autoevolution


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Tesla launches right-hand-drive Roadster in London showroom

Tesla Motors has announced production of the right-hand-drive version of its iconic Roadster sports car, the only highway-capable electric vehicle for sale worldwide.

Prospective customers and media may test-drive right-hand-drive cars available at Tesla's showroom, 49-51 Cheval Place in London's Knightsbridge district (SW7 1EW). The 2010 right-hand-drive Roadster includes a suite of unique noise-reduction materials, an upgraded sound system and other enhancements that make it ideal for daily commuting or weekend drives.


The Roadster accelerates faster than virtually any other car on the road, making it the only production car faster than a Porsche and twice as energy efficient as a Prius. It is quickly becoming the choice amongst discerning drivers who demand performance with a clean conscience.

The Roadster easily travels more than 200 miles per charge in mixed driving conditions, consumes no petroleum and plugs into conventional 220-volt sockets throughout Europe. It can be fully or partially recharged by solar or wind power. A customer's Roadster recently set a world distance record for EVs with 313 miles on a single charge.


"The right-hand-drive model is our response to growing demand from high-performance car buyers in the UK who are also interested in their impact on the environment," said Cristiano Carlutti, Tesla's Vice President for European Sales and Operations. "Tesla is dramatically expanding its retail footprint in Europe, we look forward to building our community of owners and fans throughout the continent."


UK companies that purchase a Roadster benefit from a 100 percent Writing Down Allowance, meaning they can deduct the price of the car from their taxable profits. The Roadster is the only sports car that has ever qualified for a such a tax incentive in the UK.


The Roadster starts at £86,950 and costs about 1.5p per mile, compared to as much as 32p per mile for petro-powered sports cars. Roadster drivers are do not have to pay the London congestion charge, saving up to nearly £1,700 annually. They can park for free and without time limits in various London boroughs, they get four hours of free charging at certain parking sites, and they are exempt from the forthcoming Showroom Tax of £950.

Tesla has delivered about 1,000 Roadsters to customers in 43 states and 21 countries.


About Tesla Motors

Tesla is the world's only automaker selling highway-capable electric vehicles. Tesla sells cars online and operates showrooms and galleries in London, Munich, Monaco, California's Silicon Valley and Los Angeles, Colorado, New York, Seattle, Chicago and South Florida.

The Roadster accelerates faster than nearly any car in its price class and is twice as energy efficient as leading hybrids. It is the only highway-capable electric vehicle for sale in Europe or North America. The Roadster does not need regular oil changes or exhaust system work. Roadsters have no spark plugs, pistons, hoses, belts or clutches to replace. Tesla recommends a standard service and diagnostic inspection once a year – and Tesla can perform this service at customers' homes or offices.
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Tesla to kill the Roadster in 2011, new version coming in 2013?

As everyone's aware, the current iteration of the Tesla Roadster is built in Hethel, England by Lotus using Elise/Exige underpinnings. Judging by the quote above, that means the Elise/Exige is due to be replaced by a new model (good news for enthusiasts), but that leaves Tesla up a creek without the proverbial paddle.


The Model S is due to come out in 2012, which means Tesla might not have any revenue coming in until the all-electric sedan goes on sale. If there's a snag with anything in the launch of the sedan – design, production, engineering, you name it – then Tesla's in serious trouble. That might make investors wary when the upstart automaker finally begins offering shares.


So, bottom line: If you want the current Roadster, order now, or wait until the all-new Roadster goes on sale in 2013.
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Mahalo CEO Jason Calacanis giving away his Tesla Model S (you know, when he gets it)

Jason Calacanis, CEO of Mahalo.com and erstwhile founder of Weblogs Inc. (of which Autoblog and AutoblogGreen are a part) is a big fan of Tesla, and now he's announced that he's giving one away. Calacanis is already the owner of an early Tesla Roadster which he let us drive in late 2008. Even before he took delivery of his Roadster, Calacanis announced his intention to buy the company's second vehicle, the Model S. When Tesla unveiled the sedan last spring, Calacanis made good on his promise and put down deposits on two of the upcoming electric car, including serial #1.


Now Calacanis wants to give away his second Model S by getting his newly established Twitter account @auto to number 1 on the micro-blogging service. That position is currently held by actor and cougar-catcher Ashton Kutcher who has over 4.2 million followers. As this is written, @auto is up to almost 1,000 followers after only one hour. If you want a crack at a free Model S, just follow @auto.


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Tesla _ BRABUS Ultimate High Voltage Concept

The BRABUS Ultimate High Voltage is based on the smart fortwo. First seen at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show as a concept car called smart fortwo BRABUS Electric Drive few details were released. But now it looks set for production since BRABUS has released initial specifications.


Powered by a lithium-ion battery located under the floor and electric motors co-developed with Tesla Motors, the Ultimate High Voltage will do the 0 - 60 km/h (38.5 mph) sprint in 3.7 seconds and 0 - 100 km/h (62 mph) in 9.8 seconds.


Building off of the Geneva concept's exterior body kit, the Ultimate High Voltage includes cream colored matte Tridionzelle paintwork, LED daytime running lights, beefy Widestar fender flares, Widestar side skirts and 18-inch wheels with transparent Plexiglas covers.


The key elements responsible for the pocket rocket's performance is the light body mass, and 61kW (82hp) and 280Nm of peak torque achieved at 0 rpm. One disadvantage with EVs is the lack of sporty exhaust vocals, so to compensate BRABUS equipped it with an artificial sound generator that can simulate engine sounds like American V8s or racing cars.


Interior comforts include processed white leather stitched with a yellow thread and a special instrumentation display monitor built into the lower center console for drivetrain and trip information.
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Further details and real photos For Tesla Roadster Sport

Tesla Motors has released new photos of the high performance Roadster Sport. We have extra details and pictures of a real model to complement the previously published 3D renderings.


Official figures declared way back in January said the Roadster Sport could sprint from 0 - 60mph in 3.7 seconds. The motor is able to rev up to 14,000rpm and delivers zero emissions through its all-electric powertrain. Base prices were announced as US$128,500 for North America and €112,000 (excluding VAT) for the European market.


It features a simpler motor which is said to produce more power while at the same time being more efficient. The car will have options such as clear coated carbon fibre rear spoiler and hood louvres plus an adjustable suspension system.


Inside improvements and changes include an upgraded interior with more carbon fibre detailing, premium leather, a push-button gear selector, which replaces the aluminum gear lever, an enclosed locking cubby hole/ glove box and a centre-mounted touch screen. The video display unit gives off information like the car's current estimated range and how many barrels of oil have been saved through driving the Tesla, a good way to impress any "green" conscience.
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Tesla issues response to slander and libel lawsuit

Earlier this month we reported on a subject of discussion where the original founder and designer of the famed Tesla Roadster filed a lawsuit against current Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, claiming a number of actions that could be potentially damaging to both Musk and the company. The suing, which covers libel, slander and fissure of contract, has been brought by Tesla founder Martin Eberhard, who is claiming that Musk systematically set out to oust him and gain control of the company when he first became an investor.

In response, Tesla has revealed to Edmunds that the suit in law is “twisted and wrong” and “will not have a single one effect steady Tesla’s considerable momentum or business strategy going forward.” The information was revealed by Tesla spokesperson Rachel Konrad, who explained that “Tesla’s well stocked board of directors unanimously fired Martin shortly after discovering that the cost of the car was more than twice what Martin portrayed it to be at the time.”

Eberhard originally left Tesla in late 2007 with a severance agreement of $100,000 and 250,000 shares in the company. However, he says the separation payments stopped after he posted up an bind upon his personal blog that was precarious of Tesla.

Whichever party is the wronged one in this exchange remains to be seen, but now we know what Tesla thinks of the claim and a bit greater quantity of its side of the story. Tesla is now planning to file its own counterclaim to set the story of the company’sitting history right.

Source: www.motorauthority.com

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Tesla Model S Revealed to Media

Tesla is aiming to steal the limelight from much bigger companies by confirming it will bring into production this electric-drive Tesla Model S in the third quarter of 2011. The 196-inch (4.98m) Model S is the more practical vehicle from Tesla who also build the Tesla Roadster sports car.


Tesla does not seem to have traded performance for practicality on this car. The 0 - 60mph sprint is covered in 5.6 seconds, the quarter mile in 14 seconds and top speed is 120mph (193km/h). It will brake from 60 - 0mph within 135 feet. There is a Sport version planned which will dip under 5 seconds in the 0 - 60mph dash.


Lightweight is the way to go and Tesla has made sure the Model S keeps its weight down to 3,825lbs (1735kg) by using mostly aluminium in its body construction. It achieves a drag coefficient of about .27 which is lower than the Roadster's .35. A single-speed transaxle is used to drive the liquid-cooled 9-inch motor so fewer parts are fitted.


Powering the car is a battery pack made up of 8,000 cells. This gives a range of about 300 miles (483km). Batteries are housed on the floor which frees up plenty of space in other places. For example the space under the traditional bonnet is used for storage. It's a big car which can accommodate five adults plus two children in rear-facing seats under the hatch.



A warranty of 3 to 4 years for the car and 7 to 10 years for the battery pack is expected to be offered. Good news for countries like South Africa, Japan, Australia and the UK is that the Model S will also be sold in right-hand-drive. Indicative pricing is US$49,900.
via:World Car Fans



Other article:
New Teaser of Tesla Model S surfaces, our friend Jason orders two!
Tesla Model S Sedan teased by Chief Designer
Tesla Roadster on sale in Canada as of... today, deliveries start in Q4 '09
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Tesla Roadster on sale in Canada as of... today, deliveries start in Q4 '09

Canadian territory is not always friendly electric cars, but constantly changing. Tesla at the formal empire expanded to Chicago yesterday, the company has announced that it would take part in the northern part of hurry, now ready at the Order of Canada.

Canadian buyers will have to wait until the fourth quarter of 2009 the actual access to their cars, but they should be ready to apply for 109,000 U.S. dollars of electric vehicles as long as feel like it. Oh, This is the United States at retail prices; Canadian cost will be set later this year) The first delivery will be at the upcoming Tesla "Regional Center" in Seattle and New York, but is headquartered in Canada Shops are at work.

In announcing the Canadian sales, Tesla highlight a big difference between American and Canadian sports car: power-driven vehicles more easily be removed and the North:

Canada and Norway are all over the world there are only two of the country most of the electricity from renewable resources, including river running small hydropower, wind energy, biomass, geothermal and solar power. A rechargeable electric vehicles increases from the current grid, the average will reduce greenhouse gas emissions of about 85 compared to the same gasoline power automobiles. At the advantages of hydropower in British Columbia, Quebec and Manitoba, will be a reduction in an impressive 98%.
Read more



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New Teaser of Tesla Model S surfaces, our friend Jason orders two!

Over at Jason Calacanis' blog, a new teaser shot of the Tesla Model S has surfaced that shows a bit more detail of the car's greenhouse profile. According Jason, the photo was emailed to buyers of the Signature 100 cars of which he is one. We got our first glimpse of the new car last week but this one shows more.

Most of the car appears to be hidden in this image but there are details if you know how to look.A visit to the curves adjustment in Photoshop reveals the same fender trim seen on the earlier shot as well as the wheels. In the adjusted version, the door handles and side glass profile are also visible as is the glass roof. We don't know at this point if the glass roof will be part of the production model although it could be problematic for an EV. The extra thermal load would have the air conditioning working harder cutting into the range. You can check out the enhanced photo after the jump.


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Other article:
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Tesla Roadster: In Detail
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$50K Smart Electric Vehicle set for Limited Production Run - powered by Tesla

In a recent statement, Daimler AG announced, "The next generation prototype of the smart fortwo electric drive is being presented in the US for the first time during the NAIAS Autoshow. At the End of 2009, smart will start the production of the smart fortwo electric drive with a lithium-ion battery. The company is exploring opportunities for the United States market."


These Smart cars should cost US$49,900 when they go on sale this year according to Tesla CEO Elon Musk who confirmed the existence of this business relationship between his company and Daimler AG.


Tesla had been struggling to meet its financial obligations until late 2008 when it announced it had received business financing to the tune of $40 million from investors. The Smart car order should help its balance sheet pick up even more.

Tesla Motors is going to be supplying Mercedes-Benz with 1,000 EV battery packs and chargers. The power packs are to be installed in Smart electric cars as part of a cooperation between the electric car maker and Daimler AG, the parent company of Smart and the Mercedes-Benz Group.
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