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    Ares Design Tesla Model S convertible revealed

    It's only a one-off, but Ares Design has created a large convertible for tanning enthusiasts with an environmental conscience.

    Scott Collie

    Scott Collie

    Contributor

    Scott Collie

    Scott Collie

    Contributor

    What’s the point of an electric car if you can’t enjoy the air you’re trying to make cleaner?

    One enterprising (and wealthy) Tesla Model S owner has decided to lop the top from their all-electric sedan with some help from Ares Design, the brainchild of ex-Lotus CEO Dany Bahar.

    Bahar was fired from Lotus in 2012 after his five-model recovery plan flopped, and shortly afterwards founded Ares Design. Based in Italy, the company takes high-end cars and makes them more unique.

    The Model S you see here has been given longer doors and a heavily reinforced chassis, with extra strengthening along its sides, behind the rear seats, and beneath the cockpit.

    Why the extra stiffening? Because the roof has been hacked off, and replaced with a neatly-integrated soft top.

    The cabin has been mildly massaged, with fresh leathers and colours to set the car apart from the standard Model S. The rear seats have also been reworked to fit with the roof assembly.

    Externally, the Ares Model S has been treated to a carbon fibre aerodynamics kit and unique wheels compared to the hardtop version, but Ares hasn’t messed too much with the formula.

    It’s not clear which variant has been used as the base for this Model S convertible, but even the slowest option hits 100km/h in just 3.8 seconds.

    That’s more than fast enough to ruin an expensive haircut.

    If you’re after a large, luxurious convertible with electric power… there are no options. There are a few petrol-powered options, though.

    Mercedes-Benz offers an E-Class convertible, and BMW will sell you an 8 Series drop top. You won’t stand out nearly as much, though.

    MORE: Tesla Model S news, reviews, comparisons and videos MORE: Everything Tesla

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    Scott Collie

    Scott Collie

    Contributor

    Scott Collie

    Contributor

    Scott Collie is an automotive journalist based in Melbourne, Australia. Scott studied journalism at RMIT University and, after a lifelong obsession with everything automotive, started covering the car industry shortly afterwards. He has a passion for travel, and is an avid Melbourne Demons supporter.

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