European debut for Tesla Roadster
White four-seater shown at Grand Basel motor show as production nears
No-one needs reminding that the Tesla Roadster stands to be a pretty big deal if all runs to plan. If this really is a 250mph, 620-mile range EV sports car, one that's usable, practical and durable, then the automotive world will likely be transformed. No doubt it will lead to even more PH debate about Tesla too; the current thread on the Roadster's launch is at nearly 800 comments...
The latest Roadster development is the reveal of this white car at the Grand Basel motor show, the first time the car has been seen in Europe. Autocar has suggested that it was merely a design shell, rather than a fully functioning car, though that's hardly likely to stop the crowds congregating.
In addition, Elon Musk chose the Swiss show to reveal - with inimitable ambition - that the Roadster we've seen thus far is merely a base version. That car which is said to complete the quarter mile in 8.8 seconds. The base version. According to him an upgrade is merely a "question of safety", and that "Rocket tech applied to a car opens up revolutionary possibilities." Would you really bet against him attempting something more?
Beyond that not much more has been revealed about the car, Musk simply adding that: "Driving a gasoline sports car is going to feel like a steam engine with a side of quiche" after experiencing the new Roadster. With Founders Edition cars apparently already sold out (at $250k a pop), deposits are still being invited for the regular Roadster - £40k currently secures a build slot. If all goes to plan, they're due on our roads in 2020. We'll keep you posted when there's more to say...
To coin the usual cheesy phrase, if this is the future of sports cars, then it could be a hell of a lot worse.
and it leads to the particular problem that Tesla intends to solve versus a rather different problem-solution envisioned by James Dyson
Musk and Co are about the tipping point and knocking on the door of mass acceptance -- not just in vehicles, but in the battery and charging infrastructure to support them
Dyson IIRC ruled out a run in the Western mainstream; instead he's rumoured to be developing a vehicle for emerging markets
isn't that what was reported?
there were comments about Dyson cleaning the cabin air of the vehicle (smog-choked China, etc.); some reports / comments suggested a high-end personal vehicle while others spoke of a newfangled vehicle for public transport
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