2012 Tesla Model S "Alpha"

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The long-awaited Tesla Model S is finally itching and itching closer to production as the California-based electric car maker has released the latest batch of photos for their electric sedan.
Looking more or less the same as the concept version, the newly-designed Model S "Alpha" features a restyled front bumper and new rear lights that resemble that of the Jaguar XF. Despite the minimal changes, the "new-look" Model S Alpha figures to be as close to what the production version of this model is going to look like.
If and when this model does see the light of the production block, Tesla has announced that the first 1,000 models of the Model S will be given a unique special edition badging - the North American Model S Signature Series - which will come with some added aesthetic treatments, a bevy of optional upgrades, and a powertrain that features the model’s top-of-the-line lithium-ion battery pack with a 300-mile range.
Details on the Tesla Model S "Alpha" after the jump.

Exterior and Interior Judging by the new set of photos of the more production-ready version of the Model S, the overall design of the car looks to be largely unchanged from the concept version. Having said that, there are still some noticeable changes made, including a remodeled lower facia with two air intakes on both sides of the slightly restyled front bumper, something that you wouldn’t find in the concept version. The profile of the Model S Alpha also appears to be more aggressive than the concept, with a more angular compared to the streamlined appearance of the concept version and rear lights that were given a new lens design. From there, though, it’s a case of being more of the same for the Model S. The California-based automaker is promoting it as family sedan that can accommodate up to seven passengers. It also boasts of premium interior styling akin to a luxury car and an infotainment unit that features a 17" touchscreen with in-car 3G connectivity. Performance To give customers a variety of engine choices, Tesla is giving the Model S Alpha different options with the base configuration featuring a 160-mile lithium-ion battery pack. This particular option will take the Model S from 0-60 mph in just under six seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph. If 160 miles is too short for you, Tesla is also offering more powerful options, including a 230-mile lithium-ion battery pack and a 300-mile version. These two more powerful options will also have an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph. Charging Time As an electric car, the Model S Alpha’s power can be derived from those lithium-ion batteries, and similar to just about everything that runs on batteries these days, they need to have ample time to recharge. According to Tesla, the Model S can be charged in any 110V, 220V, or 440V outlet with the latter taking only 45 minutes for a full charge. Pricing The price tag for the Model S Alpha starts at $57,000 - $49,000 when you take into account the $7,500 federal tax credit - for the 160-mile range version. The 230-mile range version will be sold for $67,000 while the top-of-the-line, 300-mile version of the Model S Alpha will sell for $77,000. Competition In looking for suitable competition for the soon-to-be-released production version, the Model S Alpha could find itself battling for the hearts, minds, and pockets of environmentally-friendly customers with a car that is dealing with its own issues as of late: the Fisker Karma. Unlike the Tesla Model S Alpha, the Fisker Karma isn’t a full-blown electric car, but is a plug-in hybrid that uses its own lithium-ion battery pack. This pack is capable of powering two 200+ hp electric motors for about 50 miles. When the time comes that the battery of the Karma hits the red, a GM-sourced 2.0-liter gas engine with 269 horsepower will be activated, giving the car enough time to generate electricity needed to bring power back to the Model S. Either way, the Karma’s performance numbers aren’t too far off from the Model S Alpha, including a 0-60 mph time of six seconds and a top speed of over 125 mph.