Yesterday PH picked up a Tesla Model S, a car we've been rather intrigued by of late. Not only does it promise a decent EV range, it adds real desirability and apparently some decent dynamics to create a very enticing overall package. We'll report back some findings very soon.
Distinctive, that's for sure!
Given the excitement around the Tesla saloon, it seems odd that its sports car isn't being discussed a little more at the moment. It has been four years since the first RHD
Roadsters
arrived to a very positive reception; Autocar praised its handling and performance with reservations about its range and charge time. But four stars for a first production car is a great effort.
Range and charging then. Without a dedicated charge point, the Roadster will need an overnight charge at home (six-seven hours) to yield a range of around 150 miles. Frustratingly Tesla's Supercharger network of rapid chargers that is set to expand into Britain soon only functions with the Model S. It will be fascinating also to see how battery performance fares now it's a few years old as they are meant to maintain performance for the first seven years or 100,000 miles. If the first buyers were brave, what about those contemplating a used one?
The Roadster was famous of course for using Elise underpinnings which gave it brilliant dynamics, albeit slightly dulled by the additional mass. In fact you can see what Harris made of the Roadster in a DR video here. It was very quick too, capable of 62mph in less than four seconds.
This
car from DK Engineering is a Roadster Sport, which added Yokohama tyres, adjustable anti-roll bars and Ohlins dampers plus a more torquey electric motor. It was a fair bit more expensive than the standard car too, selling at £102,895 where the non-Sport Roadster was £87,945. And if passers-by won't hear you coming in a Tesla at least your visual presence is assured in this car.
Ah yes, noise. It's arguably a huge part of the open driving experience and something the Tesla of course struggles with. It could be argued that it offers talents other sports cars can't provide including that instant torque and very low running costs but are they enough?
At £40K less than its launch price, the Tesla must make more sense. It's still a lot more than an Elise for something that isn't as enjoyable to drive but then the Roadster is unique as, er, roadsters go. If the Model S is a success and the Model X crossover further strengthens Tesla's reputation, the Roadster could be seen as even more significant. It's not perfect, the Tesla, but it is very interesting; for some buyers that could be enough.
TESLA ROADSTER SPORT
Engine: Custom microprocessor-controlled lithium-ion battery with 6,831 individual cells powering 375 volt AC induction air-cooled electric motor with variable frequency drive.
Transmission: Single speed fixed gear
Power (hp): 299@4,400-6,600rpm
Torque (lb ft): 295@5,100rpm
MPG: 211 miles of range Based on European Electric Vehicle Combined Cycle
CO2: 0g/km (at the tailpipe ... if it had one)
First registered: 2011
Recorded mileage: 13,000
Price new: £102,895
Yours for: £59,995
See the original advert here.
[Sources: Autocar, Tesla]
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