Leftlane - news, reviews, and info for the auto-industry
2009
last update: 02-09-2010

Tesla Roadster

ALTALTALTALT
<<>>
Base Price
$98,000
Drivetrain
Rear Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs)
2700
Horsepower
248 @ 8200
Torque (lb-ft)
200 @ 0
Wheelbase (in.)
92.6
Length (in.)
155.4
Width (in.)
69.0
Height (in.)
44.4
The Roadster is an all-electric car developed by Silicon Valley-based Tesla Motors. It was launched as a prototype in July of 2006, and, in March of 2008, Tesla announced it would produce the car.

(Click here to use Leftlane's Price Quote Form to get Tesla Roadster pricing information from a trusted local dealer. Zero obligation)

The two-seater has a top speed of 125 mph, along with 0-60 mph acceleration under 4 seconds. It shares a chassis with the Lotus Elise, but the similarities stop there. It has a carbon fiber body, and shares only seven percent of its components with the Elise.

The Tesla Roadster can be ordered with a $3,000 high-speed charger, which enables a 3.5-hour charge time via 220V/70A service in a residential setting. The standard charger takes around 8 hours for a complete fill. A mobile "trickle" charger kit is also available, for connecting to a basic 110V outlet.

The base price of $108,000 is a little off-putting but, given enough miles at an equivalent 135 mpg and an estimated cost of less than $0.02 per mile, should turn out to be a lot more affordable. What's more, there's a hefty tax credit of $7500 available to purchasers.

Powered by 6831 lithium-ion cells, the car's battery pack weighs roughly 900 lbs. Of course, this hefty sum is offset partly by the lack of a gearbox or a heavy gasoline motor. The Roadster makes an equivalent 248 horsepower, with a redline of 14,000 rpm. A full charge can take as little as 45 minutes, but only with a commercial-grade electrical connection. Tesla says the pack will retain 80 percent capacity after 100,000 miles.

Standard fare on the Roadster includes heated sport seats with inflatable lumbar support, a three-spoke steering wheel, a Homelink remote, and a Blaupunkt MP3-capable CD player with an auxiliary jack. Things consumers now take for granted, such as power windows and locks, cruise control, air conditioning and a (retractable) cup holder are also included.

That's not to say there are no options, as Tesla is happy to offer a premium leather interior in a choice of colors, premium microfiber seats, a carbon fiber hardtop with headliner as well as a choice of metallic and premium exterior paints. Even Tesla Motors floor mats can be specified. Inside, more comfort and convenience options include a Bluetooth interface system for cell phones, a touch-screen navigation system with voice guidance, as well as a seven-speaker premium sound system. 'Propeller' style aluminum wheels are a $3,000 option.

New car price quote

Zero obligation price quote from a trusted local dealer.
Other Models BY

Tesla

Other Manufacturers

Similar Cars

Show all
 
 
 
 
 
  • Login
  • About
  • Contact
Please note that you need to log in with your user name and password before you can leave comments.
  

login
cancel
Forgot your Password?
Don't have a user name yet? Click here to register now.

Simply fill in the form below and click the link provided in the confirmation email. You must supply a valid email address to complete the registration process.

  
submit
cancel
Leftlane is the leading source for automotive industry and vehicle news, new car research, future vehicle information, and reviews. Read by car shoppers, driving enthusiasts, autoworkers, executives, and investors, the website is updated throughout the day with the very latest auto news - as it happens.

Leftlane also provides consumers with accurate and media-rich information on every car currently on the market. In-market shoppers can review specs, read overviews, view high-resolution images, watch videos, and estimate pricing. No other automotive publication brings together the same degree of timeliness, thoroughness and accuracy as Leftlane.
 
submit
cancel