Apparently, Tesla was planning ahead when the company designed the architecture for the upcoming Model S: the sedan’s flexible platform is set to underpin a host of new electric vehicles as well as a new iteration of the company’s Roadster model that will debut in 2014.
“This platform will spawn a range of cars in the next four to five years,” Tesla CEO Elon Musk said. “It’ll be a more mass-market platform for cars like a 3-series as well as the new Roadster. These cars will supplement the Model S range.”
Aside from the 3-Series competitor and the already announced Model X crossover, Tesla is also likely to build a cabriolet off the Model S platform. The latter two models should come to the market in 2013, while no time frame has been mentioned for the compact sedan.
As for the new Roadster, it will be built on a shortened version of the platform and will cease to share share mechanicals with the Lotus Elise. Although Tesla took a loss on every original Roadster produced, it was important in establishing the company and had an impact on the automotive industry, according to Musk.
“Bob Lutz has said the Roadster prompted General Motors to do the Chevrolet Volt,” he said. “We’re trying to change the industry.”
References
1.’Tesla plans all-new…’ view
