Tesla Motors Announces 70D Model S, Says Goodbye to 60

Since the launch of its Roadster in 2008, Tesla Motors (NASDAQ: TSLA) has challenged the notion that fully electric cars are confined to city limits and handicapped to short driving distances. The Roadster was the first all-electric production automobile to travel more than 200 miles on a single charge. About 70,000 cars later, Tesla continues to step up its game in its efforts to show just how feasible electric cars can be for traveling long distances. Today, Tesla, makes its latest move, saying goodbye to its lowest-range 60 kilowatt-hour powered Model S sedan and achieving a new minimum fully electric driving standard with its formidable replacement: the new 70D.

Model S 70D in new Ocean Blue color. Image source: Tesla Motors.

The 70D raises the bar While Tesla's new entry-level Model S may cost about $5,000 more than the now retired 208-mile EPA-rated range 60 kWh, the 70D is a whole lot more car.

At $75,000 before any tax credits, the new entry-level Model S has 240 miles of EPA-rated range and now comes standard with dual-motor all-wheel drive. And access to Tesla's Supercharging network for long-distance travel, which used to cost $2,000 for those ordering the 60 kWh Model S, now comes standard with every Tesla order.

The 70D's performance leaves the 60 in the dust and even challenges the 85D, which gets 270 miles of EPA-rated range.

Of course the performance of the 70D still lags well behind Tesla's performance version of its 85 kWh dual-motor Model S, or the P85D. The P85D has total front and rear horsepower of 691, a top speed of 155, and a zero-to-60 time of 3.2 seconds.

Further, with the launch of the 70D Model S, the unlimited-mile 8-year warranty on the battery and drive unit that used to be reserved for only 85 kWh versions of Model S is now included with every Model S. The previous entry-level battery and motor warranty for Tesla's 60 Model S was eight years or 125,000 miles -- whichever came first.

Tesla also introduced three new colors, including ocean blue, obsidian black, and warm silver.

The company also introduced three new colors, including ocean blue, obsidian black, and warm silver.

Other features standard on the 70D worth noting include:

Autopilot hardware
Navigation
Automatic keyless entry with receding door handles self presenting (no longer requires tech package)
Lane departure warning
Automatic emergency braking
Parking sensors

With the 70D, Tesla has undoubtedly upped the ante for its entry-level Model S. The value proposition for Model S is better than ever.

The article Tesla Motors Announces 70D Model S, Says Goodbye to 60 originally appeared on Fool.com.

Daniel Sparks owns shares of Tesla Motors. The Motley Fool recommends Tesla Motors. The Motley Fool owns shares of Tesla Motors. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.