Photo: Tesla
The EV manufacturer is currently developing a LWB variant of its acclaimed Model S luxury sedan. The same Tesla Motors insider that offered this piece of info to the eco-friendly folks over at Gas 2 also hinted that the long wheelbase variant could be unveiled by the end of 2014.
Even though the standard model boasts pretty good legroom for the rear passengers with its 116-inch wheelbase (2,959 mm), huge demand for the Tesla Model S in China might have spurred the automaker to develop a longer variant for the Asian market. In case you didn't know, bigger is always better for the Chinese motorist.
That's why premium carmakers such as Audi and BMW have specially developed extended wheelbase models for the ever growing Chinese car market. The rumored Tesla Model S LWB will presumably add a maximum of 5 inches (12.7 centimeters) over the standard model's wheelbase. But stretching a car also implies reinforcing its shell and chassis, which translates to a slight weight increase.
If the unnamed tipster is right and the LWB will see the light of day, it's safe to say that the finished product will be a few hundred pounds heavier than the standard model, which tips the scale at 4,647 lbs. If engineers consider installing a larger battery pack as well, then expect the Tesla Model S LWB to become a true heavyweight.
The same insider tipped the aforementioned publication that the long wheelbase Tesla Model S will break cover before the end of the year, and it will be sold in the United States and Europe as well. Let's wait and see if this rumor follows the proverbial "Gossip is just news running ahead of itself in a red satin dress."
If extra space in the back doesn't float your boat and you fancy a convertible variant of the Tesla Model S with two doors to boot, then you should check out what Newport Convertible Engineering has been up to lately.
That's why premium carmakers such as Audi and BMW have specially developed extended wheelbase models for the ever growing Chinese car market. The rumored Tesla Model S LWB will presumably add a maximum of 5 inches (12.7 centimeters) over the standard model's wheelbase. But stretching a car also implies reinforcing its shell and chassis, which translates to a slight weight increase.
If the unnamed tipster is right and the LWB will see the light of day, it's safe to say that the finished product will be a few hundred pounds heavier than the standard model, which tips the scale at 4,647 lbs. If engineers consider installing a larger battery pack as well, then expect the Tesla Model S LWB to become a true heavyweight.
The same insider tipped the aforementioned publication that the long wheelbase Tesla Model S will break cover before the end of the year, and it will be sold in the United States and Europe as well. Let's wait and see if this rumor follows the proverbial "Gossip is just news running ahead of itself in a red satin dress."
If extra space in the back doesn't float your boat and you fancy a convertible variant of the Tesla Model S with two doors to boot, then you should check out what Newport Convertible Engineering has been up to lately.
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