Tesla unveils refreshed Roadster 2.5

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Tesla, Electric

Tesla Roadster 2.5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

In conjunction with the opening of its two newest stores in Copenhagen, Denmark, and Newport Beach, California, Tesla has unveiled the fourth major production iteration of its only current product, the Roadster. Dubbed the Roadster 2.5, in proper Southern California fashion, the revised electric sports car gets a nose job and fanny lift.

Up front, the latest Roadster gets a reshaped grille similar to the one found on the Model S that reflects Tesla's design language going forward. At the back, a new rear bumper now incorporates a diffuser element, although it's not known if it actually generates any downforce. Inside, the seats have again been reworked to improve comfort, and the finish of surfaces has been improved to better reflect the car's price tag. A seven-inch touchscreen display with a backup camera is available as an option, and it should viewed as a welcome addition for Roadster drivers to protect that new rear end.

There don't appear to be any powertrain changes to the 2.5 and no information about pricing has been revealed. Some of the upgrades will apparently be available to current owners that want to retrofit their cars, however. Want to learn more? Pour over our high-res gallery below and then head past the jump for the official press release.

Gallery: 2011 Tesla Roadster 2.5

[Source: Tesla]

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Tesla unveils refreshed Roadster 2.5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Jul 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tesla to kill the Roadster in 2011, new version coming in 2013?

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Tesla, Electric

Tesla Roadster - Click above for high-res image gallery

You read that right. Tesla Motors will stop building the Roadster in 2011.

Wired's Autopia was digging through the papers filed by Tesla to the Securities and Exchange Commission for its IPO and came across with this nugget:

"We do not plan to sell our current generation Tesla Roadster after 2011 due to planned tooling changes at a supplier for the Tesla Roadster."

As everyone's aware, the current iteration of the Tesla Roadster is built in Hethel, England by Lotus using Elise/Exige underpinnings. Judging by the quote above, that means the Elise/Exige is due to be replaced by a new model (good news for enthusiasts), but that leaves Tesla up a creek without the proverbial paddle.

The other telling line is this:

"As a result, we anticipate that we may generate limited, if any, revenue from selling electric vehicles after 2011 until the launch of the planned model S..."

The Model S is due to come out in 2012, which means Tesla might not have any revenue coming in until the all-electric sedan goes on sale. If there's a snag with anything in the launch of the sedan - design, production, engineering, you name it - then Tesla's in serious trouble. That might make investors wary when the upstart automaker finally begins offering shares.

So, bottom line: If you want the current Roadster, order now, or wait until the all-new Roadster goes on sale in 2013.

Gallery: First Drive: Tesla Roadster

[Source: Autopia]

Tesla to kill the Roadster in 2011, new version coming in 2013? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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