2013 Car of the Year: Tesla Model S

Tesla Model S was named "2013 Car of the Year" by the prestigious American magazine Motor Trend; Tesla Model S defeated cars from some big producers like BMW and Ford. This is the first time that Motor Trend magazine gives this award to an electric vehicle. Tesla Model S with a starting price of 57,400 dollars, defeated competitors like BMW 3 Series, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord and Lexus GS.

Tesla cars are in great demand. Tesla is working to increase production at its plant in Fremont, although in September 2012 announced that deliveries will not reach the goal of 5,000 units. Tesla announced that next year will build at least 20,000 Model S cars and it will add an electric sports utility vehicle Model X in 2014.

Motor Trend’s editor-in-chief Edward Loh said: “We had an extremely competitive field for Motor Trend’s Car of the Year. However, the Tesla Model S floored our panel of judges. The goal of the award is to name the car that best meets our six criteria, and the Tesla Model S accomplished that best … To be the first car in the 64-year history of the award to be powered by something other than gasoline must mean it is very special. It is, and thus we’re excited to name the Tesla Model S our 2013 Car of the Year.”

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Equipped with Tesla's advanced electric powertrain, Tesla Model S provides instant torque and smooth acceleration from 0-97 km/h in 4.4 seconds.

Tesla Model S Video

[video:http://youtu.be/VUEULCDkWYk]

The interior features a 17" in-dash touchscreen with internet capabilities, allowing for streaming radio, web browsing and navigation.

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PR:Tesla Model S is the first premium sedan designed from the ground up to take full advantage of electric vehicle architecture. A revolutionary powertrain sits under the floorboard of Tesla Model S, creating an ultra-low center of gravity. Paired with an aluminum body engineered for superior handling, Tesla has created a vehicle that will raise the bar for vehicle handling and efficiency while meeting the highest standards for safety.

With the most energy-dense battery pack in the industry and best-in-class aerodynamics, Model S has the longest range of any production electric car in the world. Model S comes with three battery options to fit the unique needs of different drivers. The 85 kWh Model S has received a US fuel economy rating of 89 MPGe and an EPA rated range of 265 miles.

Without an internal combustion engine or transmission tunnel, the interior of Tesla Model S has more cargo space than any other sedan in its class and includes a second trunk under the hood. Tesla Model S seats five adults and two children in optional rear-facing child seats. The Performance Model S accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 4.4 seconds.

The aluminum body is engineered for superior handling, safety and efficiency. With the most energy dense battery pack in the industry, and best-in-class aerodynamics, Tesla Model S has the longest range of any electric car in the world, up to 480 km on a single charge.

Tesla Motors delivered Model S, the world's first premium electric sedan, to its first customers at an invitation-only event at the Tesla Factory in Fremont, California on June 22, 2012. Deliveries of Tesla Model S in Europe and Asia will begin in early and mid-2013, respectively.

The base price of the Tesla Model S in the US is $49,900 after available federal tax credits of $7,500. Model S customers may also qualify for state tax credits, rebates, sales tax exemptions, free parking, commuter-lane passes and other perks.

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2013 Car of the Year: Tesla Model S

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