The Tesla Roadster is innovation and beauty wrapped into one. Its supercar design is smooth and detailed, while the electric power puts this roadster in a class all its own.
Exterior
The chassis is a resin construct, which was designed to exclusively support the electric-drive technology. Locking wheel lugs come standard along with four wheel independent suspension for optimal ride and safety. The exterior is comprised of carbon fiber body panels, and sports a double insulated black soft top. Halogen low and high-beam assemblies and LED tail lights are standard.
Optional Roadster Sport upgrades include custom tuned adjustable suspension, 16” forged aluminum wheels in black or silver with Yokohama Neova tires and 17” forged aluminum wheels in black or silver. Other exterior upgrades include clear coat carbon fiber hardtop, solar guard windshield and paint armor. There are fourteen exterior colors to choose from.
Interior
The interior wraps you in luxury while offering a sleek design. Standard interior features include Tesla floor mats, heated seats, full power, touch screen, cruise control, air conditioning, and sport designed steering wheel. Upgrades include premium leather or microfiber seats, a full executive leather package, combination leather and carbon fiber package and infotainment package with satellite radio, Bluetooth and more. There are five standard interior color options with the addition of another five in the executive package choices.
Performance
The Tesla Roadster is equipped with a 375 volt AC induction air-cooled electric motor. It boasts 288hp and 273 foot pounds of torque. The sport model puts out the same horsepower in a lower power band and ups the torque to 295 lb.-ft. They both have a top speed of 125 mph with a 0 to 60 speed in less than four seconds. The battery requires 3.5 hours of charge from empty to full and can take you 245 miles. The expected life of the battery is 100,000 miles or seven years.
Safety
Safety is a top priority with Tesla, and they offer many of the common safety features you expect to find in a high-quality car. These safety features include air bags, traction control, side impact door beams, and front and rear crumple zones. There is also a built in tire pressure monitoring system and emergency tire inflators. The Tesla is also outfitted with a vehicle theft deterrent system and a motor immobilizer system. Program your pin into the system and access is restricted to unauthorized vehicle operation. Their smart Valet Mode restricts vehicle speed, acceleration, PIN attempts, and locks the glove box plus records any time the trunk is opened.
The Tesla Roadster is a great sports car, and the electric motor makes it even better. This car shows you truly can get speed from an electric vehicle and still turn heads. With a starting MSRP of just over $100,000, this car is easily placed in the super car category.
Miles Walker is a freelance writer who usually writes featured articles for CarInsuranceComparison.org.
Credits: Photo courtesy of TeslaMotors.com.