More Tesla Roadster Sport Images Released

Tesla Roadster Sport

By Zack Newmark
January 19, 2009 3:58 PM
Filed Under: American, Electric Vehicle, Tesla Motors

Tesla has sent out a few more pics of their new Tesla Roadster Sport. The all-electric vehicle costs $19,500 more than the original Roadster's base price of $109,000, not including taxes.

Upgrading to the Sport trim level brings the 0-60 mph time down 0.2 seconds to 3.7, while increasing horsepower from 248 to 288. A custom tuned, adjustable suspension replaces the stock suspension, with special black alloy wheels included. Tires are upgraded from Yokohama AD07, meant for summer driving, to Yokohama A048, a barely street-legal competition tire.

Delivery of the new Tesla Roadster Sport is expected for June.

Source: Tesla

Press Release (Click to expand)

Tesla Motors introduces Roadster Sport

Next-generation sports car has 15% more peak power and delivers 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds

SAN CARLOS, Calif. -- 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."