Tesla Roadster unveiling tonight
We last mentioned the Tesla Roadster a little over a month ago. Since then, there hasn't been much new information about this souped-up electric vehicle except for rumors and hopes. Today there's reason to go back and revisit this powerful EV because tonight is when we actually get to see what all the fuss is about because Tesla Motors is unveiling the Roadster to the world. AutoblogGreen is going to be at the unveiling in Los Angeles and we'll have video and pictures up at midnight, if all goes well. For now, though, let's rehash what we know about the Roadster. The company says the EV can go from 0-60 in about 4 seconds, has a range of 250 miles a charge and gets the equivalent of 135 mpg. The motor's features are: "Tesla-designed 3-phase, 4-pole AC induction motor, rated at 248hp, max torque at 0 rpm; redline at 13,500 rpm" and is the result of four years of research and fundraising. That's what we know now. In a few hours we'll know a whole lot more. So remember to check back at midnight EST for your first look at the Tesla Roadster on AutoblogGreen.
[Source: Tesla Motors]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
AES 10:37AM (7/19/2006)
The most significant promise of this car is its batteries- specifically the capacity and the recharge time. These are issues that no other recent EV - supercar or otherwise - has delivered a breakthrough on. Not the Venturi, not the Wrightspeed, and not even the Eliica.
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1985 Gripen 11:12AM (7/19/2006)
I'm most interested in charge time and if the "claimed" performance numbers are proven "real-world".
If everything checks out, I don't see why they can't build a sporty sedan with average 0 to 60 times but similar range, top speed, and charge time.
If this can be done sign me up!
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Owen 3:06PM (7/19/2006)
"I don't see why they can't build a sporty sedan with average 0 to 60 times but similar range, top speed..."
F = m * dv/dt
Fr = Cf * m * g
It's the m that gets ya every time. Don't forget your surface areas affecting your coef of drag, and a dozen other effects. Small sporty cars will always show the best real world results.
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Eugene 6:46PM (7/19/2006)
pictures and write hup have been printed by Wired:
http://www.wired.com/news/wiredmag/0,71414-0.html?tw=rss.index
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chad gallion 8:08PM (7/19/2006)
http://www.socalsvriders.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=20842
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Eric 11:27PM (7/20/2006)
"I don't see why they can't build a sporty sedan with average 0 to 60 times but similar range, top speed..."
They will. It will be ready in 2008 or so. But, it could not be done first. Why? The cost of developing the technology is very high. Somebody has to pay for it and the inexpensive family sedan market is not where you get serious money from. By building a supercar first -- a car that justifies it's price by performance alone -- they were able to fully fund the technology development. A sedan as described above is coming. The post regarding mass is correct, but as long as you don't expect the same performance as the roadster, the range should be maintained, and performance will exceed that of boring family sedans.
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