Tesla Roadster

 
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Tesla's Roadster [Tesla Roadster Full Specs]

Tesla's Roadster is an undeniably cool looking car, but it might be better to browse rather than buy.

Here's an excerpt of a funny review of the Roadster that was posted anonymously to the Tesla Motor Club message board. If you're ever lucky enough to own a Roadster, this is what you're in for:

It's a very low car.

That makes you more alert when you realize you are a silent mouse in a world of lumbering elephants. You will drive very carefully until you settle in. Give it a few weeks.

The headlights don't reach very far. About half the reach of a taller SUV but it's ironic because on dark twisty roads you want to drive twice as fast.

Yoga lessons are nearly required for ingress / egress with the top on. You will look as graceful as a wounded pelican getting in and out for awhile. You have to relearn all over again to be a passenger.

It's quiet.

If the radio worked you would hear it much better. The good news that without a radio, you can bathe in the world's coolest sound of a jet turbine. Enjoy it!

On a quiet road every single rock that flys up to hit the car resonates loudly and sometimes when going though a dirt pile it sounds like the car is being pelted by a rock shooting machine gun. Very disconserting.

It's unusual.

People will invade your space. Don't think you can get away with going out without makeup or unkempt in any way. Other drivers will be looking at the car and by extension they will want to talk with you. Some will judge.

You might have to plan a bit of extra time on trips to the mall or store. It's at 50 percent chance someone will approach you with questions. Once you say it's electric then prepare to stay another 15 minutes. Don't have anything incriminating in the trunk and carry some Tesla brochures to hand out.

When giving rides you can actually "feel" moment by moment the realizations that your passengers have that this is a special car. It's when they expect the shifts. And that realization builds with the lack of each expected micro-slowing. Once you are used to it, it plays out in slow motion. A joy to "watch" as a Tesla grin is born.

In fairness to Telsa, the AP gave the Roadster a rave review saying "the ride is astoundingly smooth and quiet. The car navigated TriBeCa's tight corners and narrow streets with aplomb." Car and Driver also gave it a decent review.

   

Tesla Roadster

Name Roadster
Manufacturer Tesla
Year Announced July 19, 2006
Year Released February 2008
Mass Production Yes
Release Price US$101,500
Seating 2
Acceleration 0-100 3.9 sec
Top Speed 201km/hr / 125 mph Limited
Range 320km / 200 miles
Transmission Single speed BorgWarner fixed gear
Power 185kW / 248 HP
Torque 270Nm
Motor Type 3-phase, 4-pole electric motor
Battery Type 6,831 lithium ion cells giving 375 volts and weighs 992 lb (450 kg)
Battery Capacity 53 kWh
Battery Life 7 years/100,000 mi (160,000 km)
Standard Charge Time  
Quick Charge Time 3½ hours using the High Power Connector which supplies 70 amp, 240 volt electricity
Hybrid 100% Electric
Weight 1,235 kg / 2,723 lb
Climate Control  
Notes Tesla cumulative production of the Roadster reached 1,000 cars in January 2010
   
 
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Jim D. Baker
Posted 133 days ago
To Tesla,
I have a method for electric cars to travel unlimited distances with out any gasoline or recharging needed. Need help getting a patent or will sell my idea. Email me at dymndjim1@yahoo.com
 
 
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