2009 Detroit Auto Show: Tesla Motors Model S Not Coming to Detroit

"The plan is to unveil that in late February or March," said Rachel Konrad, Tesla Motors spokesperson, in an e-mail response to a query from Inside Line.

The electric four-door Model S is half the price of the $109,000 Tesla Roadster. The electric-car startup reached a modest milestone this week with the delivery of the 100th Roadster.

The five-passenger Model S is expected to have a base price of around $60,000 and get about 240 miles per charge, according to the automaker. It will be powered by a lithium-ion battery pack.

In the meantime, the San Jose Mercury News reported Wednesday that Tesla's plan to build a factory in San Jose could be delayed by any Big Three bailout by the federal government. The delay would be caused by federal funds being diverted to Detroit to save General Motors and Chrysler from bankruptcy.

Inside Line says: The wait goes on to get a good look at the Model S. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent