Tesla’s Roadster has been praised as a fantastic sports car no matter the drivetrain, but the Lotus-sourced EV has always faced one major criticism – lack of space. However, Tesla will look to correct this issue on the company’s next sports car, which will likely take aim at Porsche’s 911.
Although Tesla’s Model S sedan has been stealing most of the headlines these days, WebRidesTV recently sat down with Tesla CEO Elon Musk to discuss the next-generation of the Roadster.
Musk revealed the next-generation Roadster will ride on a version of the Model S’ platform, but the two-door will likely be making the switch from a convertible to coupe. Musk is a big Porsche fan and loves the fact his 911 Turbo is both fun to drive and relatively spacious. As such, the next ‘Roadster’ will grow to be a 2+2 coupe with enough cargo room — thanks to smaller batteries — for more than just a change of shoes. In fact, Musk says Tesla’s next sports car will have 10 percent more rear seat room than the 911 and 50 percent more cargo room.
In addition to more space, the next Tesla sports car will also adopt all-wheel drive – a la Porsche’s 911 range.
Tesla hasn’t officially ruled out a second-generation Roadster, but it sounds as if a fixed-roof 911 competitor is first priority. No word on when Tesla’s next sports car will bow, but early indications suggest sometime in 2013.
06/02, 11:56 AM
posted by:
A4
Remind me how its going to be the next “Roadster” when its going to a coupe? This will be certainly be a better option than the current car by comparison, hopefully cheaper too.
06/02, 12:05 PM
posted by:
928dreamer
I think Tesla needs to be careful not to over extend itself. They need to focus on making the roadster and the Model S sedan profitable to make sure there is money to build the next car. What good is three EV designs if there is no money left to produce them. As of now Tesla is still losing money.
06/02, 12:19 PM
posted by:
Madcapp
Anything that will harm porsche and take sales away is a good thing.
06/02, 12:35 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
This guy thinks a 911 is relatively spacious? What is he, like 5′ 2″?
06/02, 12:35 PM
posted by:
Blakkarr
“Aim high or go home.”
“It’s amazing how much damage one ounce of excited electrons will cause.”
TESLA is being bold. It is tat kind of gusto that will help make the company a success.
06/02, 12:57 PM
posted by:
yarddog82abn
YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!……
ALL NIGHT LONG!!!!…….
06/02, 12:58 PM
posted by:
The Stig
Easy to blah blah blah, not so easy to deliver.
06/02, 2:37 PM
posted by:
SomeGreek
This guy has start to make full of himself…
And NO Tesla’s Roadster is NOT a fantastic sports car “no matter the drivetrain”…
06/02, 2:42 PM
posted by:
SomeGreek
I mean fool, obviously…
06/02, 3:22 PM
posted by:
AirCooled
Just a guess,but seeing as they have a relationship with Lotus already, they may be basing the next machine on the Evora, which is a 2+2. If they can reduce the amount of space needed for the “engine”, then they may be able to make the rear seating a bit more usable.
Regardless, an electric car with the incredible ballerina-like balance of a 911 would be a welcome addition to the automotive world I would think.
06/02, 5:28 PM
posted by:
Borat
What’s amazing that GM & Chrysler are in bankruptcy, and Tesla is marching on. And proabably making decent cars; they are selling at least.