If you've been wondering whether all the talk about Tesla Motor's battery-powered sedan is just that–talk–rest assured that the prototype is up and running and has even been test-driven by a few lucky members of the automotive media. Tesla plans to begin manufacturing the Model S in 2011 as a 2012 model, priced around $40,000. Designed by Franz von Holzhausen, who penned the New Beetle under J Mays direction and led Mazda's design rennaisance, the Sedan S could win over buyers on the basis of style alone, but if that's not enough to open your wallet, it promises 0-60 acceleration in about 5.6 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph. That puts the electric sedan among the top echelon of performance sedans. Three battery pack options will be offered. The standard pack is good for 160 miles, while the second-tier pack gets you 230 miles. The top-tier, which will be rented to owners who take occasional long journeys, is good for a remarkable 300 miles. OnCars.com has a video interview with Franz von Holzhausen that reveals interesting interior shots. TheCarConnection performed a brief test drive; you can read the team's reactions here.