Tesla Motors introduces Roadster Sport
Next-generation sports car has 15% more peak power and delivers 0-60 mph in 3.7
seconds
January 11, 2009
SAN CARLOS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)—Tesla
Motors Inc. began taking orders today for the Roadster Sport, a high-performance
sports car based on the world’s leading all-electric, zero-emission vehicle.
The Roadster Sport does 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, compared with 3.9 seconds
for the standard Roadster. It comes with a hand-wound stator and increased winding
density for lower resistance and higher peak torque. In addition to Yokohama’s Ultra
High Performance tires, the Roadster Sport has improved suspension with adjustable
dampers and anti-roll bars that will be tuned to the driver’s preference.
The Roadster Sport starts at $128,500 in the United States and €112,000 (excluding
VAT) in Europe. Deliveries begin in late June.
“This car can beat nearly
anything in its price class – yet it is twice as efficient as compact hybrid sedans,”
said Michael van der Sande, Tesla’s senior vice president of global sales, service
and marketing. “If you refuse to compromise on performance or the environment, the
Roadster Sport is your only option.”
The Roadster Sport is the first derivative
of Tesla’s proprietary, patented powertrain. San Carlos, Calif.-based Tesla plans
to begin producing the all-electric, zero-emssion Model S five-passenger sedan in
2011.
Tesla has delivered more than 150 Roadsters to customers, and about
1,100 people are on the waiting list. Customers who haven’t taken delivery may upgrade
to the Roadster Sport.
“The Roadster Sport embodies Tesla’s spirit of continuous
improvement,” said CEO, Chairman and Product Architect Elon Musk. “The Roadster
has been a great success, but no one at this company remains satisfied with the
status quo.”
About Tesla Motors
Tesla Motors develops and manufactures
all-electric, zero-emission vehicles with exceptional design, performance and efficiency.
The Roadster, which conforms to all U.S. and E.U. safety and durability standards,
is the only highway-capable production electric car for sale in the United States
and Europe. With a 0 to 60 mph acceleration of 3.9 seconds and a 14,000 rpm redline,
the Roadster delivers super car performance with far more energy efficiency than
compact hybrids. Tesla also plans to begin manufacturing a four-door, five-passenger,
all-electric, zero-emission luxury sedan in 2011.