Tesla Roadster
Since March 2008, Tesla Motors has sold more than 600 all electric vehicles. Most were sold in California where the company resides. A home grown business, Tesla autos are manufactured in San Carlos, California with the motor and controller built in Taiwan at a Tesla plant.
So why would somebody fork over $109,000 (base price) for a very fast go-cart? Well, it is fast. Zero to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. Brembo racing brakes, 4 wheel wishbone independent suspension and plenty of head-turning style, ala Lotus. To get such performance , Tesla's are made of hand crafted carbon fiber. The batteries make up about 1/3 of the total weight of about 2,700 pounds.
The ride is stiff as you might expect from a sports car, and the road feel will let you notice even the smallest of potholes. Obviously, this car was designed for a very select market. The interior is unimpressive in design with many of the switches located in the center console towards the front of the vehicle, making access a stretch for the driver.
Tesla is planning a vehicle for the rest of us that should come to market by early 2011. The Model S is a sleek (inside and out) 4 door sedan with seating for 7 people and base price of $49,500. There's a second trunk under the hood and a 60/40 folding rear seat. While this sleek car has the creature features and lower price that most of us desire, performance isn't totally foresaken. It will get you from a stop to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. Tesla is taking reservations now. We can hardly wait.
above: Tesla Model S
Basic Specs: Tesla Roadster
Motor: 248 hp (185 kW) 3-phase electric with 14,000 rev limit
Torque: 380 Nm @ 0-5,500 rpm
Regenerative breaking: Yes
Transmission: Single speed gearbox
Chasis: Aluminum
Body; Carbon fiber
Overall Legnth (in.): 155.4
Overall width (in.): 73.7
Curb weight: 2690 lbs.
