The Basics:
Tesla has delivered on its promise: The 2011 Tesla Roadster 2.5 is truly the first green alternative to more than 100 years of fast cars powered by gasoline. The Roadsters classic two-seat shape, complete with soft top, provides what can only be called kick-ass performance without a tailpipe, emissions, or a fuel tank.The 2011 Roadster has been updated to "Version 2.5," in Teslas Silicon Valley argot. This third model year for the low-production Roadster includes a restyled front end, more comfortable seats, better noise insulation, and an optional backup camera. Otherwise, its the same all-electric Roadster whose performance has earned raves from reviewers all over the globe.
Based on a heavily revised platform borrowed from Lotus Elise, the Tesla Roadster was first unveiled in 2006. Volume deliveries began early in 2009 at a price of $109,000 for the standard Roadster, and $128,500 for the even quicker Roadster Sport.
The Tesla Roadster will always be a low-volume vehicle. Tesla is moving closer to introduction of its Model S all-electric mid-size sports sedan, now planned to occur before the end of 2012. But Roadster production winds down in December 2011, once an assembly contract with Englands Lotus ends with a total of 2,400 cars built.
As a proof of concept to show what a modern electric can offer, the Tesla Roadster will go down in automotive history whether or not Tesla Motors survives as an independent company. The Roadster did more to update the image of the electric car than any other single vehicle. And it did it using the best of all possible arguments: Its truly, impressively, addictively fun to drive.
The 2011 Roadster is a 2-door, 2-passenger convertible sports car, available in two trims, the Convertible and the Sport.
Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard MOTOR, 288-horsepower, electric engine. A 1-speed automatic transmission is standard.
Teslas on a roll, it seems. Two days after its successful public stock offering, the company has released details of the latest updates to its Roadster electric sports car–known as “Roadster 2.5″ after software-release numbering.
The 2.5 version sports some new styling at front and rear, including a new front fascia (the grille-and-bumper area) that incorporates diffusing vents. There’s also a different rear air diffuser that reflects, says the company, “the future of Tesla design.”
The changes come, Tesla says, as the result of its “close feedback loop” with its customers. “These improvements are a direct result of customer feedback,” says CEO Elon Musk. In other words, they’re fixing things that buyers have probably complained about.
Other updates include new “directional” forged wheels, offered in black or silver;
Inside, the most significant alteration is undoubtedly more comfortable seats, which have larger bolsters and now include a lumbar support system. Interior noise has been reduced in several ways, including new sound-suppressing front fender liners.
There’s now an optional backup camera in a 7-inch touchscreen display as well.
Finally, Tesla has further modified the Roadster’s power-control system, adding unspecified hardware to permit “spirited driving” (which we presume means maximum electric power) in exceptionally hot climates.
The company is now taking orders for the 2011 Tesla Roadster 2.5, and it will appear shortly in Teslas network of stores in the U.S. and overseas. “Where feasible,” according to Musk, “we will also offer existing customers the ability to purchase the upgrades.”
Its two newest Tesla Stores–in Newport Beach, California, and Copenhagen, Denmark–will open with evening receptions. Both will have the Roadster 2.5 on display.
Tesla has now sold more than 1,200 Roadsters to buyers in 23 countries. It claims the cars have logged a total of more than 5 million miles. Questions remain, however, over even after whether the company can remain independent its IPO.