2012 Tesla Model S Spied Testing In Palo Alto

2013 Tesla Model S
Start your day with TPM.
Sign up for the Morning Memo newsletter
GreenCarReports_TPM.jpg

By Nelson Ireson

We just managed to snap these spy shots of a Tesla Model S prototype testing not far from our home offices (and Tesla’s) in Palo Alto, California.

What’s the big deal, considering the Alpha build was revealed earlier this year?

This model shows some more changes, and may represent the most production-ready Model S seen to date.

The primary changes from the Alpha build are at the rear end, where the tail lights look much more like the clear-and-red setups we see on real production cars than the monotone, concept-style lights on the Alpha build.

The door handles, likewise, are not the shaved/flush units on the Alpha, but recessed.

Finally, of the major changes, the side mirrors are enlarged in comparison to Tesla’s official photos of the Model S.

Production of the 2012 Model S is expected to start in the middle of next year. It appears to be on track.

For more details on the next electric car from Tesla, be sure to visit our Model S page here.

This story, originally written by Nelson Ireson, originally posted on GreenCarReports.com, an editorial partner of Talking Points Memo.

Latest Idealab
Comments
Masthead Masthead
Founder & Editor-in-Chief:
Executive Editor:
Managing Editor:
Associate Editor:
Editor at Large:
General Counsel:
Publisher:
Head of Product:
Director of Technology:
Associate Publisher:
Front End Developer:
Senior Designer: