Pics Aplenty: Tesla Roadster Sport
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Tesla Roadster Sport
Tesla hasn't released any more details on the Roadster Sport, but it has released a handful of renderings depicting what the Elise-based EV will look like when it goes on sale in June.
As a refresher, the Tesla Roadster Sport is an upgrade package that includes a new hand-wound stator that increases torque, resulting in a claimed 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds – 0.2 seconds faster than the standard model. Adjustable dampers and anti-roll bars are fitted underneath and a set of grippy Yokohama Advan A048s – the same tires mounted on the Elise/Exige – are wrapped around dark finish Tesla wheels. Tesla includes unique "sport" badging to the Roadster and pricing has been set at $128,500 in the U.S. Customers that have already placed an order for the standard Roadster can upgrade to Sport trim, but until we hear some revised skid pad numbers, get an independent confirmation on the 0-60 time and go for a drive, we'll keep our opinions about the validity of the Sport model to ourselves.
Hit the jump for the press release.
Gallery: Tesla Roadster Sport
PRESS RELEASE
SAN CARLOS, Calif.--Tesla Motors Inc. began taking orders today for the Roadster Sport, a high-performance sports car based on the world's leading all-electric, zero-emission vehicle.
The Roadster Sport does 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, compared with 3.9 seconds for the standard Roadster. It comes with a hand-wound stator and increased winding density for lower resistance and higher peak torque. In addition to Yokohama's Ultra High Performance tires, the Roadster Sport has improved suspension with adjustable dampers and anti-roll bars that will be tuned to the driver's preference.
The Roadster Sport starts at $128,500 in the United States and €112,000 (excluding VAT) in Europe. Deliveries begin in late June.
"This car can beat nearly anything in its price class – yet it is twice as efficient as compact hybrid sedans," said Michael van der Sande, Tesla's senior vice president of global sales, service and marketing. "If you refuse to compromise on performance or the environment, the Roadster Sport is your only option."
The Roadster Sport is the first derivative of Tesla's proprietary, patented powertrain. San Carlos, Calif.-based Tesla plans to begin producing the all-electric, zero-emission Model S five-passenger sedan in 2011.
Tesla has delivered more than 150 Roadsters to customers, and about 1,100 people are on the waiting list. Customers who haven't taken delivery may upgrade to the Roadster Sport.
"The Roadster Sport embodies Tesla's spirit of continuous improvement," said CEO, Chairman and Product Architect Elon Musk. "The Roadster has been a great success, but no one at this company remains satisfied with the status quo."
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Dustin 3:43PM (1/16/2009)
At least the seats are cool.
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autoflogger 3:44PM (1/16/2009)
A bit better but it's still a yawner and a crappy EV.
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Marc-O 4:23PM (1/16/2009)
What, pray tell, makes the Roadster a "yawner" and a "crappy EV" ? Please share your superior opinions with us...
Lad 9:49PM (1/16/2009)
The sway bars should be a big help to cornering; however, it will be a lot of work and expense to relocate the weight from the back to some other location in the body to improve the front to back ratio of 35/65. I note many of the new BEVs locate the battery pack along the center line of the car as low as possible to improve the roll center and even out the front to back ratio. Having said that, the car is a great car and seems to perform quite nicely as a roadster for the street. It's just not a track car at this revision level.
Jimbo 3:48PM (1/16/2009)
I would have been more impressed to see a Tesla version of the Exige instead of a more expensive version of the roadster that only shaves off 0.2 s on 0-60.
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JDMlover 3:53PM (1/16/2009)
Looks stealthy.....
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Dude 3:57PM (1/16/2009)
Why not complete the look and add the obligatory giant wing.
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Steve Neill 4:16PM (1/16/2009)
I like it.
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Freddie 4:28PM (1/16/2009)
WOW! A "hand -wound" STAITOR! Geez --we car nuts have something exciting to look forward in the future after all, don't we? Just listen to that motor (can't call it an engine) WHINE!
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Torrent 4:30PM (1/16/2009)
ok that's hot.
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Patrick 4:59PM (1/16/2009)
Looks good. But I've always hated the Elise's (and now the Tesla's) mirrors. They're so ugly and square, and look tacked on. You'd think they could come up with a more aerodynamic-looking design that doesn't look like it came off a 1983 Toyota.
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TigerMil 5:04PM (1/16/2009)
Wowza..it's a freakin' slot car. Rewind your own motors, kidz!!
How's about a power to weight ratio comparable to the average 70's 12v slot car? Pop the front end right up and go like stink!
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jinsei888 5:09PM (1/16/2009)
lol, bunkspeed/hypershot renders...
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Eric 5:36PM (1/16/2009)
Wow, so for only $50K more than an Exige, you can get a version of essentially the same car that is just as quick but requires a few hours, as opposed to a few minutes, to refill the tank on.
Progress.
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Javar 5:48PM (1/16/2009)
I saw a lady in town driving a Tesla yesterday. When she tryed to get over in another lane and couldn't, she punched it and the car shot forward like a rocket. I was unaware that it was that quick of a ride.
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Phil M 6:25PM (1/16/2009)
Yup, those renderings are terrible.
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why not the LS2LS7? 6:42PM (1/16/2009)
Did they dial some camber in now?
I'm shocked the whole Clarkson print review story didn't get put on here (just abg).
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/12/clarkson-explains-himself-in-written-tesla-review-loves-hydroge/
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Jay 8:32PM (1/16/2009)
Hopefully the Sport version's brakes aren't foiled by a simple fuse.
asdfasdf 9:33PM (1/16/2009)
Can't they figure out how to mate a manual transmission to these new fangled electric cars? I love my manny, please don't take it from me =(
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Miguel 12:58AM (1/17/2009)
For that price, it better do a bit more than get .2 seconds faster on the 0-60 time. And if the stator is hand-wound, what's the range before it goes back to driving like a regular roadster?
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