2008 Tesla Roadster

The Tesla is an all-electric roadster with a chassis shared with the Lotus Elise. It was launched as a prototype in July of 2006, and in March of 2008, Tesla announced it will produce the car. Tesla promises a top speed of 125 mph, along with 0-60 mph acceleration under 4 seconds. The base price of $98,000 is a little off-putting but, given enough miles at an equivalent 135mpg and an estimated cost of less than $0.02 per mile, should turn out to be a lot more affordable.

All 2008 model years have been sold out, but Tesla will take a deposit for a 2009. Since the end of the first quarter of 2008, Tesla claims it too more than 900 orders.

Powered by 6831 lithium-ion cells that make up the car's battery pack that weighs roughly 700 lbs, the Tesla is heavier by about that same number than the Elise on which it's based. Luckily, the Roadster makes an equivalent 248 horsepower, with a redline of 13,000 rpm, which is more than any current Elise. A full charge can take as little as 3.5 hours, and Tesla says the packwill last 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.

The Roadster's popularity means Tesla Motors president and CEO, Ze'ev Drori plans on releasing a five-passenger sports sedan in 2010.