Tesla Sport Announced

[Randy Chase]

The Tesla Roadster Sport will be introduced to the public in June after orders for the electric sports car opened today. Starting at $128,500 in the US and €112,000 (excluding VAT) in Europe, the Tesla Roadster Sport features improved suspension with adjustable dampers and anti-roll bars. The driver can adjust the suspension to their own liking.

Performance times for the car are said to be 3.7 seconds for the 0 to 60 mph dash while the engine revs at up to 14,000rpm. The car delivers zero emissions from its all-electric powertrain, placing the environment high up on its list of priorities. Tesla has delivered over 150 examples of the Roadster, but with a waiting list of over 1,100 many could move over to the Roadster S.
"This car can beat nearly anything in its price class - yet it is twice as efficient as compact hybrid sedans," said senior vice president of global sales, service and marketing Michael van der Sande. "If you refuse to compromise on performance or the environment, the Roadster Sport is your only option."

Tesla Motor is current working to add a second all-electric, zero-emissions model to the range by the end of 2011. Currently known as Model S, it's a four-door five-seater luxury sedan.

[...m...]

Originally Posted by Randy Chase

The Tesla Roadster Sport features improved suspension with adjustable dampers and anti-roll bars. The driver can adjust the suspension to their own liking.

...nice!..

[lotusforsale]

I'm all for anything that contributes to Lotus' bottom line.

[ivan1]

knock 50k off the price and I'll take one....

[Corvus]

Tell me when they switch to a water cooled motor. Then I'll get one.

[FLuXeXigeS]

$128,500

[GSXtasy]

Originally Posted by Randy Chase

...The car delivers zero emissions from its all-electric powertrain, placing the environment high up on its list of priorities. ...

I guess the electricity comes from super crystals found on Venus?

I wonder if it contributes less to pollution than a very efficient and clean-burning gasoline powered hybrid such as the Prius.

Sure different market, just saying.

[shay2nak]

badass

[nockpoint]

Originally Posted by GSXtasy

I guess the electricity comes from super crystals found on Venus?

I wonder if it contributes less to pollution than a very efficient and clean-burning gasoline powered hybrid such as the Prius.

Sure different market, just saying.

Fair question really but difficult to answer. How messy an affair is lithium battery production compared to nickel battery production? Then how green is the energy your getting off the grid for the Tesla? What happens to all the batteries once they are no longer usable?

Gotta say that picture is gorgeous.

[Monsi]

28k for a suspension upgrade? that seems a bit excessive... makes the track pack look like a steal!

[Nachtmensch]

Originally Posted by nockpoint

Fair question really but difficult to answer. How messy an affair is lithium battery production compared to nickel battery production? Then how green is the energy your getting off the grid for the Tesla? What happens to all the batteries once they are no longer usable?

Gotta say that picture is gorgeous.

Hybrid Battery Toxicity | Hybrid Cars

"Toyota and Honda place decals with a toll-free number on their hybrid battery packs. Toyota offers a $200 bounty to ensure that every battery comes back to the company. In a press release, Toyota states, "Every part of the battery, from the precious metals to the plastic, plates, steel case and the wiring, is recycled." Honda collects the battery and transfers it to a preferred recycler to follow their prescribed process: disassembling and sorting the materials; shredding the plastic material; recovering and processing the metal; and neutralizing the alkaline material before sending it to a landfill. "

i must say, the Tesla is a good looking car!

[...m...]

Originally Posted by Monsi

28k for a suspension upgrade? that seems a bit excessive... makes the track pack look like a steal!

...oh come on, they're headquartered in the bay area - it's a thousand dollars just for someone to answer a telephone call...

[ivan1]

Originally Posted by Monsi

28k for a suspension upgrade? that seems a bit excessive... makes the track pack look like a steal!

yes but it might be worthwhile...did anyone read autoweek this week? Great wrtiteup on Fisker, and also on Tesla...they generally had positive things to say about the Tesla roadster, but they did say it was no elise when it came to handling - "more like an elise with 3 linebackers hanging on through each corner"....