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From what I can tell the 40 kwh battery (the car my budget can afford) will not be able to utilize the supercharging stations. If this is correct, I am very disappointed. A trip to LA in the base model S will require three charges or 15.6 hours of charging if my math is correct. Is there any plans for upgrading the 40 kwh battery to allow access to the superchanrging stations before I commit to the purchase?

Feedback:

1) Pricing is good - but regarding the Performance Version. 21" Performance tires don't perform well on the rainy conditions and in snow. Probably some customers may like the 4.4 sec. acceleration - but may prefer an all seasons tires instead...so probably the customer should be given a credit for all seasons tires, which can be used to get the panoromic roof

2) I am planing to buy 2 teslas - charging port should be on both sides or should be a configurable options. I don't want my garage to have cables running all over the place

3) Customer's don't like uncertainty. The price should include 8 years of standard maintenance ..or .. customers should be able to buy 4 years, 6 years or 8 years of standard maintenance at the time of purchase or within 12 months of purchase

4) For me the buy or no buy decision will boil down to this....I will test drive the Model S car in night, and go over HWY 92 in night ...I should be able to see the turns on HWY 92 going into Half Moon Bay without putting the high beams..

5) For me the buy or no buy decision will also boil down to this. I will test drive the Model S car... Take it to the Safeway parking, and see warns me, when I am parking and prevent the car from going into the pavement. My Porsche Panamera does not warn...and I have made many scratches under the front hood, as I always park over the pavment

6) We want both both front and back sensors... Sensors that really work

7) We like Tesla...because they are just like us...engineers...So lets be honest. No body drives at 55 mph. On Freeways I drive at 74 mph on an average. TELL me how many mile will Model S go if I am driving at 74 miles per hour. Basically take HWY 5 to LA and tell us that number.

8) On Streets, we drive at 35 miles per hour. So tell us honestly. Take a Model S..and Drive it in Streets of Fremont, CA for 5 hours at 35 mph with signal lights etc...and tell us how many miles it can go.

9) The overall press release you did was very good....but when you said 300 miles at 55 mph ...Tesla has lost its credibility there and then. Please do 7 and 8 as described above. Don't give us the B.S it depends on conditions. You define the conditions and tell us.

10) You saying 300 miles at 55 is raising concerns that if you drive faster,,, the life of the car will be reduced. I drive my Porsche Panamera at 90 - 95 mph...and after 2 years it still drives like i just got it from the showroom...can you say that for Model S??

11) Keep up the good work...Telsa should emphasize that they are not just another car company

MERRY CHRISTMAS TESLA !!!!

I'm so excited!

Sorry to hear the RED did not make first production. I too am very excited, lets get those machines rolling off the line!

Thank you Elon and everyone at TESLA for the best car …. of any kind! P469 with the performance upgrade !!!!

I am quite excited about this announcement, but I am not certain what was the point of the Signature series. Was putting down 40k just to have Signature written on the back of the car? Seems to me there should be many features in the Sig to be somewhat compatible the performance model.

Clearly, more information is required from Tesla about the Signature series. Hope this was just not a gimmick.

TRIPAT Comment reaction:

This is very good feedback. It is clear on the first sight TRIPAT knows what he is talking about. I think Tesla is great both of them, and i am also looking forward to model X. I definitely want to buy one of model S. I have my own business, so i know how it goes, when you want to sell something, even if it is good. All the specs you presenting to people looks nice, but reality can be different in many ways. For example I would be very interested how would the points 7 and 8 of TRIPAT feedback goes. My opinion is very similar to TRIPAT°s. I am planning to buy one at first to get first hand experience and do my own tests. Depending on the result i am planning to buy about 50 fifty of them as contribution to car rental business. Just one question at an end (except TRIPAT°s enquiries) how long the batteries will long lasting, how can i anticipate the battery persistence. In other words when will the battery pack need to be replaced(hours of work/miles). I know it depends on many factors, but lets say a bit aggressive style of driving.

Please clarify: It cost $3,750 to have a navigation system? A navigation system should be standard on any car costing $50,000 these days. You show off your 17 inch display with pictures of the navigation system for goodness sakes. Who will want this car without a navigation system? You have effectively raised the price of the car by $3,750. Does this bother any other reservation holders out there? I feel betrayed.

Very exiting news!

However, people with a Signature reservation might want to do the following math exercise:

[Model S Signature]
minus
[Standard Model S 85 kWh/300 miles + add all options which are standard for Signature]

The result should be USD ~3.000, i.e. it seems like you can build a Signature based on a Standard and save USD 3.000!?

Which extras are left for the Signature reservation holder?

- Signature Red
- Badges, inscriptions
- Optional white leather
- Prioritized delivery

This better not be true, and, knowing Tesla, I am sure that it is not. So better get this info updated in a hurry before you scare anyone away from the Sig.

I will be checking this more carefully and will post updates if relevant. Comments are more than welcome!

Can you please clarify the standard equipment on the "Signature" series model? Perhaps I'm missing something, but there doesn't seem to be any appreciable difference from the standard 85kwh model other than the $18K price difference and earlier delivery. Are any of the "options" standard (premium music system, panoramic roof, etc.)? Furthermore, there are less color choices and I'm not too excited about the limited "Signature color options." Are there any distinguishing characteristics? Unless I'm evaluating the information incorrectly, I expected MUCH more from my $40K reservation fee and the large price difference.

I also agree with the post above regarding the option for all season tires on the performance model.

I am so excited! I was fortunate enough to have been able to sit in and have an interior demonstration of the Beta at the new Fashion Island Showroom and the car is simply amazing...and beautiful! (I was also able to attend the "Test Ride" event a few months back as well...and I can assure you it's an exciting ride!)

I will say I'm a bit confused (and maybe disappointed is a better word) if I'm understanding the pricing right. It appears the Signature Series Reservation Holders will actually pay a $4,300 PREMIUM over a similarly equipt (non-Signature) Model S.

For example, if I add up all the features listed on the Signature Series Pricing Page I come up with a total (after Federal Tax Credit?) of $83,600, however, the Signature Series list price is $87,900.
I've been under the impression Signature Series Reservation Holders (including myself) were going to be "rewarded" for their early and large pledge of support via the $40K deposit.

Am I missing something???

At the Beta reveal, in Princton NJ, I heard that NJ has offered no sales tax and other states were comtemplating doing the same or some form of rebate. That would certainly allow for me to load up on options. I'm hoping we hear news like this for NY.

I'm glad someone else mentioned this as well, but the pricing on the Signature S makes no sense. Assuming I wanted all of the options, I can buy a fully loaded Model S and save a $3-$4k. The only thing other than a Signature badge and maybe color is the 6 month time delivery difference.

Considering we plunked down $40k for over 2 years, its seems like we are paying a premium to do buy the Signature S (unless you are getting the $10k credit as a previous Roadster owner)

Please confirm that the Signature is CHEAPER than the fully loaded S in comparison!

I too, would like to see the supercharging option for my 40KW base model and don't mind paying for it. Charge time reduction is critical when I am on the road. TM, please re-visit this option.

Great news. Need wireless charging option.

C'mon guys. Signature reservation holders put down $40k to get early delivery, pure and simple. Complaining about any lack of additional favors sounds a little childish. We want the company to be successful, right? Of course, it would be nice if the Signature was more distinguishing, but that's not why you and I put up $40k instead of $5k. We wanted it early and that is exactly what we will get.

That said, I wouldn't complain if my Signature (#448) arrived with a set of Signature Series exclusive frunk-fitted luggage.

I agree with many of the posters. Navigation package shouldn't cost so much especially when your incremental cost is minimal.

I too am surprised on this initial pricing... as a Signature reservation holder (S56) in Canada, we don't yet know the pricing and option details for our market, but I had fairly clearly heard while at the Canadian debut of the beta model S in downtown Toronto a month or two back, that the interior trim for Signature would be quite distinctive and clearly set the Signature apart. The perforated seats were going to be air conditioned and heated, for example - but I see no mention of this in the released pricing/option text (even the Lincoln has air conditioned seats - so I'm sure that this is simply a typo in the Signature details).

I also made the trip to California for the factory tour and after Elon's presentation and announcement of an option for even better acceleration, I asked about whether this would be offered to Signature buyers and the only answer I rec'd at the time was that the Signature would include all options and thus was likely to include any performance upgrades... looks to me that somehow the Signature no longer includes not only the performance upgrade, but is missing others like the glass roof and speedy wall charger which must be purchased separately.

It looks to me like someone at the last minute decided to de-content the Signature without noticing that the standard model can now be fitted out for roughly the same cost - thus negating the previously expressed benefit of reserving a Signature. I'd be very surprised if there is not a revision to this initial pricing/option sheet - and even more surprised and disappointed if the air conditioned seats and other upmarket options are not included in the Signature edition.

As an aside, it was great to see mention of the snow issue - and how the Active suspension will help raise the Model S for snow conditions - I have not seen, however, any notes about the extremely low, front radiator and scoop at the front of the vehicle... this issue, especially for those that periodically hit large chunks of ice dropping from tractor-trailer wheel wells, doesn't seem to be going away. Even with Active suspension lifting the vehicle, that very low radiator and thin tube support bar remain a huge concern and most GT type designs, while keeping a fairly low front spoiler, ALWAYS move the radiator higher up to prevent frequent punctures. The Active suspension will have to lift the vehicle quite a ways up in order to get that radiator even remotely high enough to avoid these huge ice chunks.

I agree with ddruz@aol.com

I can't imagine buying a 60-80K car that doesn't include navigation, especially given that the pictures show one! It looks like I have to pay an extra 5K+ to have heated seats and navigation.

I could go down on the range. But then they won't let me use their charging stations!

Now I am beginning to resign myself to a Chevy Volt. I suspect that everybody's numbers can be multiplied by 0.6 or so.

We are Model S Signature series reservation holder 279. When we put an additional $35k down in May of this year to upgrade our January reservation to Signature series, I was under the impression that this was a ~50% deposit and
that the Signature price, after the federal tax credit, was going to be ~$80,000. But it is now $87,900, even though press releases etc. yesterday said that Tesla was sticking to their original pricing scheme. Was I simply misinformed?

In looking at the options, I was disappointed to see that the glass roof is not considered standard on the Signature Series, and this would require an additional $1,500. I think this is a marketing mistake, as the Signature cars are going to be the strongest thing they have going to convince the rest of the world that Tesla is 'for real',
and the glass roof is a huge feature that makes the style even more unique. The Signature cars should be thought of as Tesla's 'loss leaders' as they will be the most important marketing tool you have in 2012.

That issue aside, I sought clarification on what I really bought by giving Tesla an additional $35 grand, with no interest on our end accruing for over 18 months. Here is what I understand from the web site pricing breakdown (and subsequent discussion with a Tesla customer service rep): As a Signature series holder, for $87,900 we get the 85kw battery, the leather interior upgrade, the Tech package,
the upgraded sound system, the Parcel shelf, and the Twin chargers. Plus we can choose the red color (which we will) with a paint upgrade that would cost non-signature owners $1,500, and are guaranteed an early spot in the line (279 for us!). However, if I had kept my original non-Signature reservation made in January of 2011, with number 2,900, I could order the Model S with the 85Kw battery ($69,900), the leather interior, active air suspension and performance wheels upgrade($5,000; listed at this price for an upgrade to the sport version), the Tech package ($,3750) the upgraded Sound system ($950), the Parcel shelf ($250), and the Twin Chargers ($1,500), the paint upgrade ($1,500) and get essentially the identical Signature car, except that I can't get red. The total of the above options is $82,850. I received a call from Tesla today, and they verified that they are in fact charging a $3,500 premium for the Signature series.(I'm missing something here, as the difference comes to $5,050 when I added it up). However, they assure me that there are other unique features in the interior of the Signature cars that are not yet evident, and that is what the $3,500 'premium' for a Signature car is for (and for the red color and an earlier spot in the line.) In my opinion, the 18 months of forgone interest on $35,000, and commitment to the company should be more than enough to buy the early spot in line and the red color. I guess I'd just like to know what the other $3,500 is for (not to mention the ~$7,900 hike in base price from the 'estimated' $80k price I was told when making the upgrade to Signature).

Although I have been a HUGE proponent of Tesla and have many interested friends who may be eager to jump on board once they see the Model S on the street, I have to say I'm feeling a bit ripped off at the moment. Getting the Signature series reservation holders up front was a huge marketing tool for Tesla and was instrumental in maintaining their stock price (which has not done well in the past few weeks, and may suffer more if there are lots of dissatisfied Signature series holders out there). To charge $3,500, plus 18+ months of interest on $35,000 (plus an increase in 'base price' of $8,700 over
what was initially discussed) for an early spot in line and perhaps a slightly fancier interior (yet to be specified)and red color is not good business practice. Early Customer satisfaction and loyalty to the brand is far more important at this stage of the game. Not including the glass roof as standard in the Signature series is also a bit of a 'slap in the face', as I expect most Signature Series reservation holders thought that would be standard (in fact, we were told at the new showroom in Bellevue, WA at their grand opening last month that the dealership personnel 'expected' that it would be part of the standard options for the Signature series, although they acknowledged that even they did not know for sure). At the least, they should include the glass roof as a no-cost, opt out option (like they did for the 21 inch wheels) for Signature series reservation holders.

So do other Signature Reservation holders have similar concerns?

My question is if the 40kwh battery is (roughly) half the weight of the 85kwh, why isn't it faster? Do they use a smaller capacity inverter? Is it a different heavier type of battery? What gives?

When I made my reservation I asked the question directly as to what would be the difference between the Signature and standard vehicle. I was told the Signature series would be loaded, best battery, and the earliest delivery time. I ordered the standard Model S with the thought if I really wanted it sooner I would upgrade later. My original concern was the longevity of the company, would they even last long enough to build the Model S. I'm happy to see we're all still here.

A little expensive, but hey that is just a starting company. It needs to be expensive and excellent. This is just the beginning. In 10 years Tesla will dominate the market.

EYAL, the answers are Yes, the actual base price is $57,400 and Yes, the fully loaded car with Performance package is well over $100,000.

With the Signature, you get the Red paint option, the white leather interior option, some badging, and early delivery. That's it.

So if you're not hung up on the "Signature Red", you'll save a lot of money by dropping down to the production queue.

I have a Signature Roadster and will be getting a Signature Model S.

I always thought the point of paying up front was to get the car first. I never expected to get extra features. Tesla delighted me by throwing in a number of extra features and also by providing amazing customer service and never nickel-and-diming me when some issues arose with the early car.

If you don't mind waiting 6 months longer, then you should get the regular version.

Question: The specs indicate the batteries can produce 160/230/300 miles ranges at 55 MPH on a full charge, implying that different speeds will produce different ranges.

How does that work at a constant 75 MPH? 30 MPH? Constant stop and go traffic?

If I go an average of 30 MPH on the 60kWh battery, will I get a 250 mile range?
blackdynamiteonline@gmail.com
BD

Tesla S in Winter?     What cold weather provisions are there built into the design of the model S?
What effect do these have on battery life / mileage range?   Winter items on such as interior heater, rear window defroster, etc?
In other words, if I am driving in winter with the interior heater and rear window defroster on, what % loss of mileage distance / range should I expect? My guess ~25% reduction in mileage?

I WAS going to buy a Tesla Model S, in fact, I had my deposit check written out and ready to send in. Then I heard about the full deduction for SUVs over 6000 lbs in GVWR ending in 2011 and I had to take notice...

Then, the pricing came out and with just a few of the options I wanted I was well over the $49,900 for the basic model... actually, it came out to $61,300 for a base with the options I wanted (no upscale leather or performance wheels). A fully loaded high end performance signature model is north of $100k - I'm sorry, but that is just plain ridiculous.

So, instead of going with a Model S I picked up a used Porsche Cayenne Turbo (Certified with warranty). I'm both happy and sad with my decision. I really WANTED to be part of the new electric car generation and I wanted a car that would be FUN to drive. Well, the Porsche gives me everything I wanted except the electric AND I can afford it.

I'm going to have in my pocket at LEAST $20k, probably closer to $30k plus an additional $13k from the Porsche Deduction (total $43k) to spend on gas and maintenance just to make up the difference in cost and
I won't have to worry about limitations on driving distances. Even at $4/gal, that's 10,000 gallons or somewhere between 130k-180k miles before I use up that difference and I'm only planning on keeping it for 60-100k miles so it looks like I'll just about break even. Maybe then the price will be a bit more realistic, or, maybe then I won't care about price as much, but, for now, I'm happy with my decision!

And the Porsche has all those features I wanted on the Model S, plus a few more (AWD, Sport/Standard/Comfort air suspension),similar for transmission shifting), AND, it's an SUV with a towing capacity of 7700 lbs !!!

I'm really very sad about this because I was VERY MUCH in the Tesla camp until very recently. But they said up front that the base car would be very well configured. I do NOT consider that $3750 a reasonable figure. Navigation should be INCLUDED in that $50k base price. I think the bean counters have gotten hold of the engineers here and have them around their testicles and along the way they plan to get every last little penny they can. Well, at least for now, this is one DEFINITE buyer that is bailing.

I am a little disconcerted about the option pricing as well. And would also like to see warranty and real world battery range.

I also have a question regarding the $7,500 tax credit. Does anyone know if there are income limits on being able to take the credit?

One more suggestion.

As we plan on buying the car...the biggest effort for the customer is putting the charger outlet in home..and finding the place in garage, where it looks good.

I think, Tesla should give a real life mock up of charger -probably made of thermocol or some other inexpensive stuff , so that we can take it and find the place of installing it in our garage.

Keep up the good work

It is probably to late to make suggestions BUT the rear facing child seats need to have a video screen so the can watch videos and play games like all other video systems for children are set up.Also you need to have another get together at the plant so the customers that didn't get to see the car last time can see the cars and the options especially the colors ( cant tell what they will look like on computer screen.Yes cooled sets should be a standard feature in any $50,000 + car.All wheel drive would also be a good option on the s model. The signature series should have more options included as a thank you for all the $40,000 deposits. I would also like to open the Tesla dealership in Oklahoma City give me a call. Thanks now get car #655 built please.

they need to incorporate the options into the online designer page they have still would like to see how the different options change the look such as the carbon fiber or banana tree bark look plus all the other stuff hope they update it soon been waiting for that since they first let the options be known