April 09, 2015

Tesla Announces New Model S 70D and More Color Options, Eliminates 60

Yesterday, Tesla Motors announced some big news, including its 70kWh dual motor vehicle, the 70D, which will replace the 60kWh option as the new "base" model in their ever-improving Model S portfolio. This is not the first time Tesla cancelled their base model, in 2013, soon after the Model S launched, Tesla discontinued the 40kWh version of the car as well due to lower sales within their overall product portfolio. We wouldn't be surprised if the 60kWh version was a lower percentage of their product sales mix at this phase. And, it's also possible that the progress being made with the Model X pushed Tesla to change their Model S product mix to better serve their in-house production optimization needs, perhaps the heavier Model X SUV needed it's base to be the 70D for better range/performance? We'll soon find out. We suspect (our guess) that the rear wheel drive Model S (85kWh) version may also be phased out soon.

In addition, Tesla has also introduced three new beautiful color options: Warm Silver (champagne), Obsidian Black (very, very dark), and Ocean Blue. This could also likely hint at possible Model X colors and may be the result of Tesla ramping up it's in-house paint shop -- it's rumored that Tesla ordered from Germany’s Durr AG no less than 100 new paint robots to be installed in Tesla’s Fremont factory.

At $75,000 before any tax credits, the new 70D has 240 miles of EPA-rated range and now comes standard with access to Tesla's Supercharging network (this used to cost $2,000 for those ordering the 60 kWh Model S and now comes standard with every Model S ordered). To get a better understanding of the performance capabilities of the new Model S product mix, check out the chart below.

There are plenty of changes on Tesla's website. To keep you updated on what's changed, below is a handy summary* of some key changes taking effect with the introduction of the 70D yesterday...

Summary

70kWh (70D standard) is replacing the Base 60kWh – Goodbye large frunk space
$74,900 Base ($76,070 w/ Doc+Delivery Fees)
New Colors Officially (Ocean Blue, Obsidian Black, and Warm Silver)
Supercharging Standard and FREE
140 mph Top speed
0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds
329 HP
240 Mile Range (15% further than 60kWh)
Design Studio redone
No Loan Offering in Design Studio (Only Cash + Lease) – Financing Request Link available on Main Page.
Autopilot (Convenience Features) are $2,500 or $3,000 to enable after delivery
8 year, infinite mile battery and drive unit warranty
Subzero Weather Package is now $1,000 (up from $750)
Rear Facing Seats now $3,000 (up from $2,500)
21″ Silver Turbine Rims no longer available
Panoramic Roof is now $1,500 (down from $2,500)
Textile seats now called “Multi-Pattern”
Smart Air Suspension is now $2,500 (up from $2,250)
Reorganized Pricing Structure showing true cost savings with Incentives and Gasoline
85D is now officially listed at 4.4 seconds 0-60
85kWh is offered with Non-Dual Motor option
Premium Features include LED Fog and Cornering Lights