Tesla Motors’ Model S Pulls Up to Its New Home in the Autodesk Gallery at One Market in San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO--The Model S, Tesla Motors’ premium electric sedan, became the centerpiece of a new automotive exhibit at the Autodesk Design Gallery in San Francisco, on Sunday morning – and in no ordinary fashion. The car, a motorless design model approximating the Model S’s final appearance, was lifted by crane into the arched, second-story windows of the Autodesk building at One Market Street as a curious crowd looked on and snapped photos.

The Model S – which took the place of a Ford Mustang Shelby – will be one of 20 exhibits regularly on display showcasing the work of companies using the Autodesk 3D design software to shape their products. The car will be viewable at the gallery for several months every Wednesday between 12 and 5 pm, with guided tours starting at 12:30 pm.

The first sedan of its class to be built from the ground up around an electric powertrain, the four-door Model S is designed to deliver the smooth, zero-emission acceleration made famous by its predecessor, the Tesla Roadster, without sacrificing its roomy interior and cargo space. To be built at the new Tesla Factory in Fremont, Calif., the vehicle will go on sale in 2012.

About Tesla Motors

Tesla’s goal is to produce increasingly affordable electric cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. Palo Alto, California-based Tesla has delivered more than 1,200 Roadsters to customers in North America, Europe and Asia. Tesla designs, develops, manufactures and sells EVs and EV powertrain components. The Tesla Roadster, the predecessor to the Model S sedan, accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions.

About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc., is a leader in 3D design, engineering and entertainment software. Customers across the manufacturing, architecture, building, construction, and media and entertainment industries – including the last 15 Academy Award winners for Best Visual Effects – use Autodesk software to design, visualize, and simulate their ideas. Since its introduction of AutoCAD software in 1982, Autodesk continues to develop the broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art software for global markets. For additional information about Autodesk, visit www.autodesk.com.

More photos available upon request.

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