As the Tesla Model S electric Sedan was unveiled in all its power and elegance last week, an even higher performing version of the car is expected to follow reported to top the speed of the 2011 Porsche 911.

Tesla Chief Executive, Elon Musk, gave his customers a tour of the Tesla factory in California on Saturday, where he announced a faster model of Model S that goes from zero to 60 miles per hour/97 kph in 4.5 seconds. This takes off more than a second from current acceleration and is two-tenths faster than the 2011 Porsche 911.

While there are still plenty of versions of the Porsche that can out power the Tesla, the higher performing caliber is signaling that electric-vehicle technology is gaining more muscle in the sports car market.

Musk, also co-founder of PayPal, told his customers that he needed their help, saying many people thought of electric cars as unrealistic unicorns.

The base model of the S, the company's first sedan, is expected to go on sale next year at a starting price of $57,000 with a gas cost of zero.

Tesla vehicles liberate their owners from the petroleum-burning paradigm and associated inconveniences. The idea of time-consuming and costly detours to the gas station, routine oil changes, and frequent maintenance quickly becomes rather last century, the company said.

The S model will have three batteries' that will be designed to have a range of 160 miles/257 km, 230 miles/370 km or 300 miles/483 km on a full charge.

Like a world-class endurance athlete, Model S was designed to be the epitome of efficient, said Tesla's Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen on the company's blog.

Top 5 Design Features:

  • It's not just that motor that considers the environment. Model S has a dashboard made from banana leaf that comes equipped with a 17 touchscreen with Wi-Fi or mobile connectivity and sound dynamic of a recording studio.
  • The rear facing child seat option allows seating for five adults and two children on premium leather seats.
  • With no front engine the Model S has 66 cubic feet of storage, allowing it to transport a mountain bike, surfboard, and flat screen TV.
  • The cars comes equipped with USB sockets to charge electronic devices.
  • The body structure of the car is a state-of-the-art aluminum intensive design, which has weight saving benefits by providing a strong, sturdy and safe structure.

Tesla plans to phase out its Roadster model by January 2012 in order to focus on the Model S, with the Model X version expected to be unveiled in December this year.

Tesla Model S Could Electric Sedan Run Faster than a Porsche
A Tesla Model S, the company's first full-size electric sedan, is displayed at the Tesla factory in Fremont, California October 1, 2011. Tesla is hanging much of its future on the Model S, its first sedan, which it hopes to start delivering to customers next year. Reuters
Tesla Model S Could Electric Sedan Run Faster than a Porsche
Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk speaks next to the company's newest Model S during the Model S Beta Event held at the Tesla factory in Fremont, California October 1, 2011. The Model S is the company's first full-size electric sedan set for release in 2012. Reuters
Tesla Model S Could Electric Sedan Run Faster than a Porsche
The body of a Tesla Model S is transported by an automated crane at the Tesla factory in Fremont, California October 1, 2011. Tesla is hanging much of its future on the Model S, its first sedan, which it hopes to start delivering to customers next year. Its executives believe its production will help the company move into the black after years of losses. Reuters
Tesla Model S Could Electric Sedan Run Faster than a Porsche
The body of a Tesla Model S is lifted by an automated crane at the Tesla factory in Fremont, California October 1, 2011. Tesla is hanging much of its future on the Model S, its first sedan, which it hopes to start delivering to customers next year. Its executives believe its production will help the company move into the black after years of losses. Reuters
Tesla Model S Could Electric Sedan Run Faster than a Porsche
Visitors view the chassis of a Tesla Model S sedan displayed at the Tesla factory in Fremont, California October 1, 2011. Electric carmaker Tesla Motors threw open its factory doors to customers who have preordered its forthcoming Model S sedan on Saturday evening. Reuters
Tesla Model S Could Electric Sedan Run Faster than a Porsche
Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk drives a Model S, the company's first full-size electric sedan, at the Tesla factory in Fremont, California October 1, 2011. Tesla is hanging much of its future on the Model S, its first sedan, which it hopes to start delivering to customers next year. Reuters
Tesla Model S Could Electric Sedan Run Faster than a Porsche
Tesla Vice President of Sales and Ownership Experience George Blankenship speaks during the Model S Beta Event held at the Tesla factory in Fremont, California October 1, 2011. Reuters
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