Tesla Roadster Sport 2010: First Look

Jay Williams - 20/August/2009

California, United States – Tesla Motors has released official photos of its high performance, environmentally friendly, full-electric Roadster Sport.

Featuring a simpler motor Tesla claim that the Roadster is six times as efficient as the best sports cars while producing one-tenth of the pollution. Peak torque is constant from 0rpm all the way to 14,000 rpm. Which is quite a different story than regular petrol engines, which produce little torque at a low rpm and has a smaller torque range.

The Tesla Roadster Sport is a 2-seater, open-top, rear drive sports car that features a single speed fixed gear with electrically actuated parking lock mechanism and mechanical lubrication pump.

Powered by a 375 volt AC induction air-cooled electric motor with variable frequency drive, the Tesla is able to produce a maximum output of 185kW (248hp) and 375Nm of torque, before hitting the redline at 14,000rpm. The Tesla Roadster can sprint from 0-100km/h in under 4 seconds (claimed), before hitting an electronically limited top speed of 206km/h  (128mph).

The chassis consists of a resin-bonded and riveted extruded aluminum monoquoque. Four-wheel independent suspension features upper and lower unequal length wishbones and co-axial coil spring telescopic dampers and sits on Forged Light alloys - 6J x 16 front and 7.5J x 17 rear, that are wrapped in Yokohama Neova AD07 LTS. 

To bring the Roadster to a halt is the hydraulically operated tandem master cylinder with vacuum servo and anti-lock braking system.

It is estimated that the Tesla Roadster has a range of about 354km (220miles) after its 3.5 hour charge, using the Tesla Motors High Power Connector. The custom microprocessor-controlled lithium-ion battery with 6,831 individual cells weighs in at 450kg (992 lbs) and has a life expectancy of five years or 160,000km (100,000miles).

Base prices are expected to be around US$128,500 for North America and €112,000 (excluding VAT) for the European market – which does not include factory fitted extras such as premium leather seats, premium audio package, bluetooth, matching body-coloured carbon fiber hardtop with full headliner, custom mats and metallic and premium paint.

Standard Safety and Security Features:
Four-sensor, four-channel anti-lock braking system (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
Emergency tyre Inflator/sealant
Vehicle theft-deterrent and motor immobiliser system
PIN code prevents unauthorized vehicle operation
Valet Mode restricts vehicle speed, acceleration, and distance

Standard Interior features:
Heated sport seats with inflatable lumbar support
Three-spoke leather-wrapped MOMO sport steering wheel
Leather seats and trim in black, dark gray, light gray, or beige
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
Retractable cup holder

Related Links:
- Hyundai i10 i-Blue (2010)
- Hyundai Blue Will Hybrid (2011)
- Toyota Hybrid: Supra Successor 2011 (2011)
- Toyota Prius Hybrid (2009)
- Toyota Camry Aussie Hybrid (2010)
- Toyota Hybrids + Custom Yaris (2008)
- Volvo and Vattenfall: New Plug-in Hybrid (2012)
- Volvo ReCharge Concept (2007)