Taking elegant touches from the Tesla Roadster’s body, the Tesla Model “S” sedan just came one step closer to reality due to a US government green energy loan. Expect 20,000 of these to be made and sell out in preorders in 2012. As far as pricing, it’s in the same range as the 5-series from BMW – $55K+. Performance is rated as 0-60mph in 5.5 seconds and the driving range is expected to be 300 miles, and will hit up to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds.

Tesla Motors started out by crafting a perfect blend of future energy needs and much needed adrenalin rush. Go after the lux sportscar set first to prove that an electric car has the energy and stamina to be worth six figures. 0-60mph in 3.9 seconds for the Standard Model and 3.7 seconds for the 2010 Sport Model. 300 mile battery range. Have Pininfarina (Ferrari, Lotus, Maserati) design the body. Sell out the first batch.

What’s coming right after the sedan? A smaller car, in the $20,000 price range.