In the Summer of 2008, Tesla Motors chairman Elon Musk hand-picks Mazda's Franz von Holzhausen for his Design Director, charged with completing Tesla's 5-passenger sedan, and with penning a sport compact.

Von Holzhausen will also facelift the Tesla Roadster.


The all-aluminum Model S sedan is to launch in 2010, after Tesla completes construction of its new factory in California. The company hopes to sell up to 20,000 copies per year.

Tesla will reportedly develop its own, unique platform for the Model S, rather than continuing its relationship with Lotus. Company sources promise a car using lithium-ion batteries that can be recharged from any mains power source. It should be able to hit 60 mph from rest in under 6 seconds, using a seamless, single-gear drive.

Tesla is hoping to deliver the Model S for about a third of the Roadster's price.

The company may also launch a Mercedes-Benz CLS-style 4-door coupé, and an SUV, by 2015.