Tesla WhiteStar

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 This article contains information about a scheduled or anticipated future automobile.
It may contain preliminary or speculative information, and may not reflect the final version of the vehicle.

WhiteStar is the codename of a planned electric car from Tesla Motors. It is expected to be the second vehicle produced by the company, after its Tesla Roadster electric sportscar. Release is anticipated for the 2010 model year[1].

The WhiteStar is being designed as a high performance electric sedan, competing with such cars as the BMW 5-series. This is primarily in order to justify the high costs of high density lithium ion batteries. This business model follows that of the the high performance Tesla Roadster sportscar, which is priced close to $100,000 USD.

Initial pricing is estimated at $50,000 for the standard model or $65,000 for a premium model with greater performance and range. Profits from the WhiteStar are expected to fund development of a more affordable third vehicle codenamed "BlueStar".

The chassis, body, motor and energy storage system will likely be unique to Tesla Motors. [2]

Construction of the assembly factory in Albuquerque, New Mexico (a central location for shipping[3]) was supposed to begin in April 2007, but has been delayed.[4][5]

On the 21st of December 2007 Elon Musk stated on the Tesla Motors blog that the car will be likely revealed to the public in the first half of 2008[6]

Contents

[edit] Gas electric hybrid version of White Star

On February 1, 2008 it was reported that Tesla Motors was planning to offer a range-extended version of its White Star. This version would include a gas tank whose purpose is to extend the driving range of the vehicle. [7]

[edit] Orders

The government of New Mexico is contemplating ordering 100 WhiteStars at the direction of Governor Bill Richardson.[8]

[edit] Legal Matters

On April 14, 2008, Tesla Motors filed a lawsuit against Fisker Automotive, alleging they stole Tesla's hybrid technology and are using it develop their own hybrid car, the Fisker Karma, which was announced at the Detroit Auto Show in January, 2008. Tesla's suit claims that the design work done for the WhiteStar by Fisker Coachbuild was substandard, and that Fisker diverted its best ideas to the Karma [9].

[edit] References

  1. ^ Tesla Motors Secures $45 Million Series D Investment
  2. ^ Darryl Siry responds to rumor on Jalopnik forum
  3. ^ Tesla Motors blog post regarding Albuquerque decision
  4. ^ Tesla Motors press release - announcement of Albuquerque plant
  5. ^ The Albuquerque Tribune Editorial: Don't hold your breath on Tesla Motors plant
  6. ^ Tesla Motors blog regarding reveal of WhiteStar and production of Roadster
  7. ^ Tesla to make gas-electric car
  8. ^ Tesla Motors to build assembly plant in New Mexico to produce WhiteStar electric sports sedan
  9. ^ Migliore, Greg (2008-04-16). Tesla sues Fisker, alleges theft of trade secrets (HTML). AutoWeek: News & Views. Retrieved on 2008-04-16.
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