A world-first Tesla 'shooting brake' will go on display at the London motor show in May later this year. The car, which is technically an estate, not a shooting brake by virtue of its rear doors, was built on a Model S platform by carbonfibre coachbuilder QWest.
Despite the changes, the shooting brake's 0-62 time remains the same as the showroom model. Extra bodywork has of course been added, but it's all carbonfibre, so the new tailgate, rear roof section and D-pillar actually reduce weight on the electric car by 12kg, while also adding some extra strength.
The modifications also add extra space inside, naturally – there's 210 litres more space inside the new estate than on the standard production saloon model.
QWest has made a reputation for putting a modern twist on the idea of bespoke coachbuilding, and works extensively with carbonfibre in its ambitious projects – something that has remained true on this latest Tesla creation. The outfit has not only modified the Model S, but redesigned and re-engineered the car entirely.
The car will be seen publicly for the first time at the London motor show in the summer. The show, which has grown bigger, has relocated from Battersea to the Excel exhibition centre in east London.
'This year’s London motor show is set to welcome more world firsts than ever before in our new home, and we’re delighted to have the world’s first Tesla-based shooting brake coming to the capital,' said Alec Mumford, show chairman. 'This is a serious feat of engineering using the very latest technology, making it perfect for our enthusiastic audience. This isn’t a car to be missed at the show.'
Gallery: Tesla Model S Shooting Brake