Tesla launches all-wheel drive Model S 70D, & 3 new colours

CleanTechnica

Tesla just announced a new variation of the Model S, the Model S 70D. As the title states, this is an all-wheel drive Model S. For the past several months, all-wheel drive has been an option on the Model S 85.

The new Model S 70D has 240 miles of range at 65 mph (105 km/h), and a 0–60 mph time of 5.2 seconds.

Before getting back to the Model S 70D, since you can see pics of a blue Model S above, I’ll note that there are now 3 new color options for any Model S orders. One is “Ocean Blue,” as seen above, and the other two are Obsidian Black and Warm Silver. I’m happy to see some new options on the table, and really like Ocean Blue and Warm Silver. Furthermore, I know many Model S buyers and potential buyers have seen the limited color options as the biggest weak point in the Model S. (That’s saying something about the car, eh?) These are just three new options, but will hopefully make a lot of people happier.

Getting back to the Model S 70D, the car has a starting price of $75,000. However, Tesla is keen to point out that electric cars have much lower operating costs than gasmobiles (along with their huge convenience benefits, performance and user experience benefits, and health benefits). Tesla sums it up like this: “when one factors in the cost advantages over an internal combustion engine vehicle, including fuel savings and incentives, the actual cost of owning Model S 70D comes to about $55k over five years (the average length of new car ownership).”

The Model S 70D certainly looks attractive. I’m sure it will land many new buyers, and will make some current reservation holders scramble to change their orders. While I’ve been writing this article, I’ve been unable to get the Model S “Design” page (also linked above) to open, which I’m sure is because of the flash flood of internet surfers trying to get a closer look. However, in case you need a refresher, here’s some info on its all-wheel drive technology:

Dual Motor Model S is a categorical improvement on conventional all-wheel drive systems. With two motors, one in the front and one in the rear, Model S digitally and independently controls torque to the front and rear wheels. The result is unparalleled traction control in all conditions.

Conventional all-wheel drive cars employ complex mechanical linkages to distribute power from a single engine to all four wheels. This sacrifices efficiency in favor of all weather traction. In contrast, each Model S motor is lighter, smaller and more efficient than its rear wheel drive counterpart, providing both improved range and faster acceleration.

As you would expect, 70D owners will have free access to the Tesla Supercharger network (…er, networks) and will receive over-the-air updates like other Tesla cars (improving performance and the user experience many times throughout the life of the car). In addition, “Autopilot hardware, navigation, blind spot detection and many other features.”

The announcement was just made, but you can see how the Tesla (TSLA) stock price has responded so far:

As would be expected, no?

So, Tesla now offers the 70D, 85, 85D, and P85D. Here’s a quick snapshot comparing the four:

Source: CleanTechnica. Reproduced with permission.