Tesla Model S on the road

Tesla has uploaded a video to Vimeo showing the upcoming Model S saloon being put through its paces on Californian roads.

Of course, being electric, it’s very quiet with the loudest noise coming from the tyres. The Tesla is also really striking, thanks to styling that’s good enough to rival other sleek saloons such as the Maserati Quattroporte or Jaguar XF.



Before series production begins in 2012, the Model S will complete ‘Alpha’ and ‘Beta’ test phases. Shown in the film is one of the ‘Alpha’ cars.

Model S Alpha Hits the Road from Tesla Motors on Vimeo.

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Tesla Model S due in 2012

Tesla Model S due in 2012

The 3,000 people across North America and Europe who have already reserved Tesla’s Model S saloon are going to have to wait a little longer for their new car.

Tesla has now confirmed that deliveries are set to begin in 2012, with annual production anticipated to be around 20,000 units.



That’s not a huge volume, but the Model S will be competing head-on with established premium saloons in concept and cost.



After applying the $7,500 Federal Tax Credit, Tesla is aiming for a base price in the US of $49,900 (about £31,370 or €37,550 at today’s rates). That’s directly comparable to the $53,375 Jaguar XF, $50,975 BMW 535i and $50,275 Mercedes-Benz E350, for example.



However, $49,900 only gets you a basic battery pack which offers a range of 160 miles (257 km). For those anticipating range anxiety, other packs that promise either 230 miles (370 km) or 300 miles (482 km) between charges will also be available. Both will be cost options, though, and Tesla has yet to say how much extra they’ll be. Given the price of batteries, it could be significant.

Regardless of which pack is chosen, the Model S accelerates from zero to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 5.6 seconds, an unsurprising achievement given the ‘instant torque’ characteristics of an electric motor. Top speed is a fairly modest 120 mph (193 km/h), although that will probably be plenty for most drivers who want to keep their licences.



Recharging, which takes 45 minutes using a QuickCharge facility, will be possible via conventional 120 volt, 240 volt and some 480 volt sockets.



Apart from the advantages (or disadvantages, depending on your viewpoint) of purely electric propulsion, one thing that the Tesla should beat its rivals on is packaging.



Because the battery pack is placed below the floor and the electric motor sits between the rear wheels, there’s enough space inside for five adults plus two children in rear-facing jump seats. And with no petrol or diesel engine, the Model S has luggage compartments under both the bonnet and rear hatchback.

Electric car grants saved

The UK Plug-in Car Grant, which will cover up to 25% of the price of an electric car, has been saved. Originally announced back in March by the then Labour government, there had been fears the scheme would be scrapped by the Conservative / Liberal Democrat coalition to help reduce the public spending deficit.



A decision wasn’t expected until the completion of the government’s autumn spending review, but today the Department for Transport confirmed that the money would be ring fenced.



However, the rules of engagement have changed. Whereas the original proposal had £230 million set aside over five years, there’s now only £43 million allocated for the period January 2011 to March 2012. Any available budget beyond then won’t be confirmed until January 2012.



Among the reasons given for the reprieve, Business Minister Mark Prisk said, “The consumer incentive will help Britain become one of the leading centres for the design, development and manufacture of ultra-low carbon vehicles.  It sits alongside public and private sector investment in innovation and infrastructure, leading to the creation of new highly skilled low carbon jobs.”



With the maximum per car grant still capped at £5,000, there’ll be enough in the kitty for 8,600 electric car purchases. However, contrary to Mr Prisk’s comments, it’s unlikely that many of those will be manufactured in the UK.



Although Nissan has chosen Sunderland for European production of its electric Leaf, for example, production isn’t due to start until 2013. Until then, it’ll be importing cars from Japan.



Meanwhile, General Motors has yet to confirm where the Vauxhall / Opel Ampera versions of its Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid will be built. Ellesmere Port, in the UK, remains a contender though, and perhaps the government’s move is partly to influence the decision? Whatever, it’s doubtful the Ampera will be around in time to take advantage of the initial grants.



So that leaves buyers of cars such as the Turkish-built Renault Fluence Z.E., the Japanese Mitsubishi i-MiEV and the American Tesla Roadster to take advantage of the UK government’s money.

2011 Tesla Electric Sports Cars Roadster 2.5

2011 Tesla Electric Sports Cars Roadster 2.5

Tesla launched the new Roadster this week and is delivering to customers now. More than 1,200 current Tesla owners in at least 23 countries have logged over five million electric miles in their Roadsters. CHICHESTER, UK — Tesla Motors (TSLA) will unveil its next-generation sports car to the public this weekend at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The latest version of revolutionary electric sports car, Tesla Roadster 2.5.

‘Goodwood is one of the most beloved motoring events in the world and a highlight of the English summer – so it’s only appropriate that this iconic celebration will be the public launch of the latest Roadster,’ said Cristiano Carlutti, Tesla’s Vice President of European Operations.

The Festival of Speed is the world's largest motoring garden party - a unique weekend that brings together a heady mix of cars, stars and motor sport 'royalty' to create the largest car culture festival worldwide. Held in the immaculate grounds of Goodwood House, this annual hill-climb extravaganza celebrates all things automotive.

Its two newest Tesla Stores–in Newport Beach, California, and Copenhagen, Denmark–will open with evening receptions. Both will have the Roadster 2.5 on display. The 2011 Tesla Roadster 2.5 features improvements in design and technology, including a new front fascia, rear diffuser, improved seat comfort, sound dampening and an optional large touch screen navigation system with back-up camera.

Inside, the most significant alteration is undoubtedly more comfortable seats, which have larger bolsters and now include a lumbar support system. Interior noise has been reduced in several ways, including new sound-suppressing front fender liners.

Finally, Tesla has further modified the Roadster’s power-control system, adding unspecified hardware to permit “spirited driving” (which we presume means maximum electric power) in exceptionally hot climates.
Prospective customers can see the Tesla Roadster 2.5 at Goodwood or at the London showroom at 49-51 Cheval Place in Knightsbridge, near Harrod’s. Tesla is now delivering this latest version of the car in all Tesla markets in Europe, Asia and North America.

Governator says Tesla teaming up with Toyota in Cali

California Governor Arnold Schwartzenegger has apparently let slip ahead of a scheduled 5pm Pacific announcement that Tesla Motors will be teaming up with Toyota to build electric cars.

While some might speculate that the agreement could result in the re-opening of Fremont's idle New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. plant (NUMMI), SFGate says that this is somewhat unlikely. Any production agreement will likely involve the forthcoming Model S sedan, and NUMMI's facilities are significantly larger than what the model will require, as it was originally scaled to accommodate the joint venture between Toyota and General Motors which required much greater capacity. The smart money is on a new factory location, probably in Downey, CA (in Los Angeles County).

It is not yet clear what Toyota will bring to the table or what, if any money or stock is changing hands with this rumored agreement. Also, no word yet on how Mercedes-Benz feels about all this – the German automaker already has a 10 percent stake in the company after opening its coffers to the struggling EV manufacturer back in May of 2009.

[Source: SFGate]

2010 Tesla Electric Roadster TAG Heuer Sports Car Concept

With the 2010 Tesla Roadster TAG Heuer, on display at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, pioneering luxury Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer and electric carmaker Tesla Motors have teamed up in a worldwide partnership as the iconic Swiss brand celebrates its 150th anniversary.

2010 Tesla Electric Roadster TAG Heuer

This one-of-a-kind collector's car includes a unique interior by Tesla Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen, incorporating TAG Heuer avant-garde design elements and a specially designed center console due to host TAG Heuer's cutting edge concept watch.

2010 Tesla Electric Roadster TAG Heuer

This car also features a TAG Heuer Meridiist mobile phone as well as a one-fifth second Heuer Limited Edition Stopwatch. This Swiss-made timepiece with mechanical movement pays tribute to the 1860 founding of the company and evoques the mythic revival of the brand's vintage stopwatches.

2010 Tesla Electric Roadster TAG Heuer

The car's exterior color scheme is Foucault Field Gray, embodying the innovative spirit of both companies. The design was inspired by the new TAG Heuer concept watch, a technical milestone in mechanical movements, which brings technologically advanced art to life through motion.

2010 Tesla Electric Roadster TAG Heuer

Since its founding in an artisan's workshop in the Swiss Jura, TAG Heuer has become one of the world's best-known luxury brands - maker of avant-garde watches, eyewear and premium mobile phones for refined consumers around the globe.

2010 Tesla Electric Roadster TAG Heuer

TAG Heuer, a star brand from the luxury group and worldwide leader Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy (LVMH), also has deep roots in the automotive sector. Company founder Edouard Heuer received in 1911 the patent for The Time of Trip, the first car dashboard chronograph, followed in 1933 by the Autavia - the first dashboard timekeeper for both automobiles and aviation. The benchmark in cutting-edge chronographs and timekeeping technology since 1860, TAG Heuer is the watch brand that can claim the longest and strongest association with motor sports and dream cars. Both watches and chronographs are inspired and driven by motor sports, from Formula One to GT cars.

 2010 Tesla Electric Roadster TAG Heuer

"TAG Heuer has a rich history and expertise with the world's most prestigious racing teams - but this is the first ever partnership we've forged with an electric sports car company," said Jean-Christophe Babin, President and CEO of TAG Heuer. "We believe that high-performance drivers are increasingly searching for products that are efficient, socially responsible and stylish. TAG Heuer and Tesla are two of the few companies arleady achieving these ideals today."

2010 Tesla Electric Roadster TAG Heuer

Tesla Motors began developing an electric sports car in 2004 and remains the only automaker selling highway-capable electric cars. The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than nearly any other supercar yet is twice as energy efficient as a Toyota Prius - the only car that delivers supercar performance guilt-free, with zero tailpipe emissions and a carbon footprint dramatically lower than any comparable sports car.

2010 Tesla Electric Roadster TAG Heuer

Based in California's Silicon Valley, Tesla has delivered more than 1,000 cars to consumers in 21 countries. Advertising Age magazine recently named Tesla one of America's "hottest brands." The Tesla Roadster is quickly becoming the must-have car among Hollywood celebrities, European royalty and socially responsible trendsetters worldwide.

2011 New Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet includes AIRCAP® with AIRSCARF®

The highly appealing and emotionally charged Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet is the latest addition to the successful E-Class line-up. The open-top two-door model, which went on sale on 11 January 2010, features a classic fabric soft top, making for a stylistically pure cabriolet feeling. Viewed from the side, the new model is an intriguing proposition - with its clear proportions and a flawless cabriolet silhouette.

2011 New Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet

In keeping with the motto "four seasons, four personalities", all-year-round suitability was right at the top of the developers' list of priorities. With the new E-Class Cabriolet, the cabriolet season lasts the whole year because, while many cabriolets tend to disappear from the roads of Western Europe in the autumn, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet (length/breadth/height: 4698/1786/1402 mm) provides driving pleasure and comfort whether the roof is open or closed.

2011 New Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet

The soft top can be opened and closed fully automatically within 20 seconds - even when driving at speeds of up to 40 km/h. The cabriolet roof is stowed in a special compartment behind the rear panel. A retractable cover separates the soft top compartment from the boot area; it must be closed in order to close the soft top. If the roof is to remain closed, the cover can be slid rearwards, in which case the boot capacity is increased by 90 litres to 390 litres. A through-loading feature is included as standard for the new Cabriolet, as is EASY-ENTRY - a manually operated entry and exit aid for the rear passengers.

2011 New Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet

The powerplants for the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet are equally innovative: the new direct-injection diesel and petrol models combine efficiency with effortlessly superior power delivery. The exemplary, low fuel consumption has not only been achieved because of the new engines, but also with a number of practical measures. These include on-demand activation of the steering and fuel pumps, the use of tyres with low rolling resistance and an alternator control system which takes account of the current driving situation and the vehicle's electrical power requirements, plus the crucial factor of outstanding aerodynamics. The Cabriolet's cd figure of 0.28 is the best in its class, marking a continuation of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class success story in the field of aerodynamics.

2011 New Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet

In 1989, Mercedes-Benz introduced a world premiere in the shape of a draught-stop for the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, followed in 2004 by the AIRSCARF® neck-level heating system to further enhance comfort in open-top models. Now comes another world-first: the AIRCAP® automatic draught-stop, which can be activated at the push of a button, greatly reduces turbulence in the interior of the new Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet, creating a sea of warm air. It is also much easier to implement and use than conventional draught-stops: there is no tricky installation, the two individual rear seats remain free and the Cabriolet's flowing side lines remain uninterrupted. AIRCAP® is therefore a classic Mercedes innovation: functional, comfort-enhancing, elegant and safe.

2011 New Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet

AIRCAP® consists of two components: a wind deflector that can be extended by around six centimetres with a net in the windscreen frame and a draught-stop between the rear seats.

2011 New Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet

As well as enhancing occupant comfort and wellbeing, the reduction in draught when AIRCAP® is activated (it can be activated at speeds of up to 160 km/h and remains in use right up to the car's top speed) reduces the interior noise level - so passengers in all seats find it far easier to communicate.

2011 New Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet

The Cabriolet Comfort package includes AIRCAP® with AIRSCARF®. This patented system functions like an invisible scarf, which warms the occupants' head and neck areas. AIRSCARF® is integrated into the backrests of the front seats and provides warm air through outlets in the head restraints.

2011 New Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet

The Mercedes engineers have modified this unique innovation specifically for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet: in this model, an adjustment wheel pivots the outlet nozzle upwards and downwards by a total of 36 degrees over and above the head restraint height adjustment, meaning that the driver and front passenger can enjoy the unique neck-level heating regardless of how short or tall they are.

Tesla Model S Concept

Tesla Model S Concept 2009

Tesla Motors is now taking orders for the Tesla Model S, an all electric family sedan that carries seven people and travels 300 miles per charge.

The Tesla Model S, which carries its charger onboard, can be recharged from any 120V, 240V or 480V outlet, with the latter taking only 45 minutes. By recharging their car while they stop for a meal, drivers can go from LA to New York in approximately the same time as a gasoline car. Moreover, the floor-mounted battery pack is designed to be changed out in less time than it takes to fill a gas tank, allowing for the possibility of battery-pack swap stations.

The floor-mounted powertrain also results in unparalleled cargo room and versatility, as the volume under the front hood becomes a second trunk. Combining that with a four-bar linkage hatchback rear trunk and flat folding rear seats, the Tesla Model S can accommodate a 50-inch television, mountain bike and surfboard simultaneously. The packaging efficiency gives the Tesla Model S more trunk space than any other sedan on the market and more than most SUVs.

Tesla expects to start Tesla Model S production in late 2011. The company believes it is close to receiving $350 million in federal loans to build the Tesla Model S assembly plant in California from the Dept of Energy's Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Program.

Building on Proven Technology
Tesla is the only production automaker already selling highway-capable EVs in North America or Europe. With 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds, the Tesla Roadster outperforms almost all sports cars in its class yet is six times as energy efficient as gas guzzlers and delivers 244 miles per charge. Tesla has delivered nearly 300 Roadsters, and nearly 1,000 more customers are on the wait list.

Tesla do not require routine oil changes, and they have far fewer moving (and breakable) parts than internal combustion engine vehicles. They qualify for federal and state tax credits, rebates, sales tax exemptions, free parking, commuter-lane passes and other perks. Tesla Model S costs roughly $5 to drive 230 miles - a bargain even if gasoline were $1 per gallon.

The anticipated base price of the Tesla Model S is $49,900 after a federal tax credit of $7,500. The company has not released options pricing. Three battery pack choices will offer a range of 160, 230 or 300 miles per charge.

With a 300-mile range and 45-minute Quick Charge, the $49,900 Tesla Model S can carry five adults and two children in quiet comfort - and you can charge it from any outlet, without ever stopping for gas. World's first mass-produced electric vehicle offers performance, efficiency and unrivaled utility with twice the energy-efficiency of hybrids, making Tesla Model S the only car you'll ever need.

Convenience and utility bullet points:
* Up to 300-mile range
* 45-minute Quick Charge
* 5-minute battery swap
* Charges from 110V, 220V or 440V
* Seating for 5 adults + 2 child seats
* Unique hatch for oversized items
* 60/40 flat-folding rear seat
* 2nd trunk under hood
* EPA Roominess Index 121.6
* More room than station wagons
* 17-inch infotainment touchscreen
* 3G wireless connectivity

Tesla Model S powertrain includes a liquid-cooled 9-inch motor, floor-mounted battery pack and a single-speed gearbox, delivering effortless acceleration, responsive handling and quiet simplicity - no fancy clutchwork or gear-shifting required. Tesla Model S costs as little as $4 to fully charge - a bargain even if gasoline dropped to $1 per gallon. You can have affordable fun while being socially responsible.

Technical specs:
* 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds
* ¼ mile in 14 seconds
* 120 mph top speed
* Braking 60-0 mph 135 feet
* 42 kWh battery storage system standard
* 70 kWh and greater battery storage systems optional
* 9- inch liquid cooled electric motor
* Single-speed transaxle gearbox
* Curb Weight 3825 lbs
* Overall Length 196"
* Wheelbase 116.5"
* All-wheel-drive available (option available in future production models)
* Right hand drive available

The Tesla Model S Concept is a drivable vehicle that exemplifies Tesla's "no compromises" philosophy - an elegantly refined luxury sedan delivering optimal performance without sacrificing efficiency. Designed by Franz von Holzhausen, the car's aggressive stance gives way to a modern silhouette, with minimal front and rear overhangs for maximum space efficiency. The car's mature face defines the future of the Tesla brand and incorporates the touches from the Tesla Roadster. Environmentally friendly materials are incorporated throughout, including water-based paint for the exterior, chrome-free vegetable tanned Italian leather on interior, and 100 percent recycled PET carpeting from Futuris.

Other details:
* Panoramic roof with sliding moon roof
* Retracting door handles for improved aerodynamics
* Full-time 3G connectivity with Internet, HD and satellite radio
* Push button "gear" selector
* Brembo brakes
* Automatic rear lift gate
* 21-inch wheels, Front Tires 245/35ZR21, Rear Tires 285/30ZR21
* 17-inch haptic touchscreen and customizable vehicle information display
* Fully digital instrument cluster
* LED and neon headlight and taillights, with xenon Hella low beams
* Smart-key power and push button gear selector
* Brembo brake system with new one-piece monobloc calipers and integral stiffening bridge to optimize performance
* Front brake system:
o Brembo Gran Turismo
o Brembo 6-piston Monobloc Calipers
o Brembo 405x34mm 2-Piece Floating Slotted Discs with Billet Aluminum Hats
* Rear brake system:
o Brembo Gran Turismo
o Brembo 4-piston Monobloc Calipers
o Brembo 380x28mm 2-Piece Slotted Discs with Billet Aluminum Hat

Tesla Roadster

Tesla Roadster 2008

Specifications

* Style: 2-seat, open-top, rear-drive roadster
* Drivetrain: Electric motor with 2-speed electrically-actuated-manual-shift transmission with integral differential
* Motor: 3-phase, 4-pole electric motor, 248hp peak (185kW), redline 13,000 rpm, regenerative "engine braking"
* Chassis: Bonded extruded aluminum with 4-wheel wishbone suspension
* Brakes: 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS
* 0-60 mph acceleration: under 4 seconds
* Top Speed: 125 mph
* Range : ~220 miles (based on EPA combined city/highway cycle)
* Battery Life: Useful battery, 100,000 miles
* Energy Storage System: Custom microprocessor-controlled lithium-ion battery pack
* Full Charge: ~3.5h

Suspension
* Front: independent; upper and lower wishbone; co-axial coil spring/telescopic damper unit; anti-roll bar
* Rear: independent; upper and lower wishbone; co-axial coil spring/telescopic damper
Wheels
* Type: Forged Light alloy
* front: 5.5J x 16
* rear: 7.5J x 17
Tires
* Type: Yokohama Neova AD07 LTS
* front: 175/55 R16
* rear: 225/45 R17

Tesla Roadster Dimensions (in. / mm)
* Overall length: 155.4 / 3946
* Overall width - incl. mirrors: 73.7 / 1873
* Overall height (at curb weight): 44.4 / 1127
* Wheelbase: 92.6 / 2352
* Track - front: 57.6 / 1464
* Track - rear: 59.0 / 1499
* Curb weight: ~2690 pounds
* Leg Room (in./mm): 42.0 / 1067
* Front Head Room (in./mm): 36.7 / 932
* Front Shoulder Room (in./mm): 26.0 / 660

Tesla Roadster Standard Interior features
* Heated sport seats with inflatable lumbar support
* Three-spoke leather-wrapped sport steering wheel
* Smooth leather seats and trim in black, dark gray, light gray, or beige
* Blaupunkt stereo sound system with single-disc CD player, iPod interface, and MP3 playback
* Cruise Control
* Homelink universal transmitter to operate compatible garage, gate, and home lighting/home security systems
* Power windows and locks
* Air conditioning
* Single retractable cup holder

Tesla Roadster Standard Exterior Features
* Double-insulated black soft top
* Proprietary halogen low- and high-beam headlamp assemblies
* LED tail lights
* Forged uni-directional seven-spoke wheels in silver finish: 16" front, 17" rear
* Locking wheel lugs
* Tire Inflator/sealant
* Cold weather ESS heater for cold weather charging to -20 degrees Celsius
* Home-based charging system with integral safety features for 3.5 hour full re-charge

Tesla Roadster Standard Safety and Security Features
* Four-sensor, four-channel Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS)
* Traction control
* Tire pressure monitoring system
* Front and rear crumple zones
* Driver and passenger front airbags
* Rigid occupant safety cell
* Side impact door beams
* Seatbelt pretensioners
* Integrated headrests
* Vehicle theft-deterrent and engine immobilizer system
* PIN for security in operating the vehicle
* Valet mode to restrict speed, acceleration, and distance

Tesla Roadster Factory-installed options and accessories
* Premium leather seats available in nine colors with embroidered Tesla Motors logo
* Microfiber, non-leather seats in black
* Bluetooth cellular phone integration
* Satellite radio with 170 channels of digital sound
* Seven-speaker premium sound system tuned for Tesla Roadster cockpit
* Touch-screen navigation system with voice guidance
* Matching body-colored carbon fiber hardtop with full headliner
* Metallic and premium paint
* Tesla Motors custom floor mats
* Mobile charging system

Tesla Roadster

Tesla Roadster 2008

Tesla Roadster
Tesla Roadster Specifications
* Style: 2-seat, open-top, rear-drive roadster
* Drivetrain: Electric motor with 2-speed electrically-actuated-manual-shift transmission with integral differential
* Motor: 3-phase, 4-pole electric motor, 248hp peak (185kW), redline 13,000 rpm, regenerative "engine braking"
* Chassis: Bonded extruded aluminum with 4-wheel wishbone suspension
* Brakes: 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS
* 0-60 mph acceleration: under 4 seconds
* Top Speed: 125 mph
* Range : ~220 miles (based on EPA combined city/highway cycle)
* Battery Life: Useful battery, 100,000 miles
* Energy Storage System: Custom microprocessor-controlled lithium-ion battery pack
* Full Charge: ~3.5h

Suspension
* Front: independent; upper and lower wishbone; co-axial coil spring/telescopic damper unit; anti-roll bar
* Rear: independent; upper and lower wishbone; co-axial coil spring/telescopic damper

Wheels
* Type: Forged Light alloy
* front: 5.5J x 16
* rear: 7.5J x 17
Tires
* Type: Yokohama Neova AD07 LTS
* front: 175/55 R16
* rear: 225/45 R17

Tesla Roadster Dimensions (in. / mm)
* Overall length: 155.4 / 3946
* Overall width - incl. mirrors: 73.7 / 1873
* Overall height (at curb weight): 44.4 / 1127
* Wheelbase: 92.6 / 2352
* Track - front: 57.6 / 1464
* Track - rear: 59.0 / 1499
* Curb weight: ~2690 pounds
* Leg Room (in./mm): 42.0 / 1067
* Front Head Room (in./mm): 36.7 / 932
* Front Shoulder Room (in./mm): 26.0 / 660

Tesla Roadster Standard Interior features
* Heated sport seats with inflatable lumbar support
* Three-spoke leather-wrapped sport steering wheel
* Smooth leather seats and trim in black, dark gray, light gray, or beige
* Blaupunkt stereo sound system with single-disc CD player, iPod interface, and MP3 playback
* Cruise Control
* Homelink universal transmitter to operate compatible garage, gate, and home lighting/home security systems
* Power windows and locks
* Air conditioning
* Single retractable cup holder

Tesla Roadster Standard Exterior Features
* Double-insulated black soft top
* Proprietary halogen low- and high-beam headlamp assemblies
* LED tail lights
* Forged uni-directional seven-spoke wheels in silver finish: 16" front, 17" rear
* Locking wheel lugs
* Tire Inflator/sealant
* Cold weather ESS heater for cold weather charging to -20 degrees Celsius
* Home-based charging system with integral safety features for 3.5 hour full re-charge

Tesla Roadster Standard Safety and Security Features
* Four-sensor, four-channel Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS)
* Traction control
* Tire pressure monitoring system
* Front and rear crumple zones
* Driver and passenger front airbags
* Rigid occupant safety cell
* Side impact door beams
* Seatbelt pretensioners
* Integrated headrests
* Vehicle theft-deterrent and engine immobilizer system
* PIN for security in operating the vehicle
* Valet mode to restrict speed, acceleration, and distance

Tesla Roadster Factory-installed options and accessories
* Premium leather seats available in nine colors with embroidered Tesla Motors logo
* Microfiber, non-leather seats in black
* Bluetooth cellular phone integration
* Satellite radio with 170 channels of digital sound
* Seven-speaker premium sound system tuned for Tesla Roadster cockpit
* Touch-screen navigation system with voice guidance
* Matching body-colored carbon fiber hardtop with full headliner
* Metallic and premium paint
* Tesla Motors custom floor mats
* Mobile charging system

Tesla Roadster

Tesla Roadster 2008

Tesla Roadster Specifications

* Style: 2-seat, open-top, rear-drive roadster
* Drivetrain: Electric motor with 2-speed electrically-actuated-manual-shift transmission with integral differential
* Motor: 3-phase, 4-pole electric motor, 248hp peak (185kW), redline 13,000 rpm, regenerative "engine braking"
* Chassis: Bonded extruded aluminum with 4-wheel wishbone suspension
* Brakes: 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS
* 0-60 mph acceleration: under 4 seconds
* Top Speed: 125 mph
* Range : ~220 miles (based on EPA combined city/highway cycle)
* Battery Life: Useful battery, 100,000 miles
* Energy Storage System: Custom microprocessor-controlled lithium-ion battery pack
* Full Charge: ~3.5h

Suspension
* Front: independent; upper and lower wishbone; co-axial coil spring/telescopic damper unit; anti-roll bar
* Rear: independent; upper and lower wishbone; co-axial coil spring/telescopic damper

Wheels
* Type: Forged Light alloy
* front: 5.5J x 16
* rear: 7.5J x 17

Tires
* Type: Yokohama Neova AD07 LTS
* front: 175/55 R16
* rear: 225/45 R17

Tesla Roadster Dimensions (in. / mm)
* Overall length: 155.4 / 3946
* Overall width - incl. mirrors: 73.7 / 1873
* Overall height (at curb weight): 44.4 / 1127
* Wheelbase: 92.6 / 2352
* Track - front: 57.6 / 1464
* Track - rear: 59.0 / 1499
* Curb weight: ~2690 pounds
* Leg Room (in./mm): 42.0 / 1067
* Front Head Room (in./mm): 36.7 / 932
* Front Shoulder Room (in./mm): 26.0 / 660

Tesla Roadster Standard Interior features
* Heated sport seats with inflatable lumbar support
* Three-spoke leather-wrapped sport steering wheel
* Smooth leather seats and trim in black, dark gray, light gray, or beige
* Blaupunkt stereo sound system with single-disc CD player, iPod interface, and MP3 playback
* Cruise Control
* Homelink universal transmitter to operate compatible garage, gate, and home lighting/home security systems
* Power windows and locks
* Air conditioning
* Single retractable cup holder

Tesla Roadster Standard Exterior Features

* Double-insulated black soft top
* Proprietary halogen low- and high-beam headlamp assemblies
* LED tail lights
* Forged uni-directional seven-spoke wheels in silver finish: 16" front, 17" rear
* Locking wheel lugs
* Tire Inflator/sealant
* Cold weather ESS heater for cold weather charging to -20 degrees Celsius
* Home-based charging system with integral safety features for 3.5 hour full re-charge

Tesla Roadster Standard Safety and Security Features
* Four-sensor, four-channel Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS)
* Traction control
* Tire pressure monitoring system
* Front and rear crumple zones
* Driver and passenger front airbags
* Rigid occupant safety cell
* Side impact door beams
* Seatbelt pretensioners
* Integrated headrests
* Vehicle theft-deterrent and engine immobilizer system
* PIN for security in operating the vehicle
* Valet mode to restrict speed, acceleration, and distance

Tesla Roadster Factory-installed options and accessories
* Premium leather seats available in nine colors with embroidered Tesla Motors logo
* Microfiber, non-leather seats in black
* Bluetooth cellular phone integration
* Satellite radio with 170 channels of digital sound
* Seven-speaker premium sound system tuned for Tesla Roadster cockpit
* Touch-screen navigation system with voice guidance
* Matching body-colored carbon fiber hardtop with full headliner
* Metallic and premium paint
* Tesla Motors custom floor mats
* Mobile charging system