Model Strengths:

Zero emissions; carbon-free driving; sporty styling and handling; cutting-edge technology

Model Overview

The Tesla Roadster 2.5's drivetrain is different from almost any car that's come before. It consists of only three major parts: a motor, a controller and a battery pack. The base motor makes 185 kW, which is equivalent to 248 hp in a gasoline-powered engine. The Sport model makes 215 kW, or 288 hp. The Roadster 2.5 uses lithium-ion batteries similar to the ones that power a cell phone, only there's 7,000 of them. The pack can be fully charged at a 220-volt outlet in under four hours, and can run a maximum of 200 miles on one charge. The range of any electric car however, depends on how it's driven. Cruising around town at 40 mph will put maximum range near the upper end of that 200 miles. But slamming the throttle to test the Tesla's acceleration, or attempting to reach the Tesla's maximum speed of 125 mph will shorten the range considerably. The Roadster 2.5 was built with maximum electric-car performance in mind, though. The company realized that if a car was going to cost just over $100,000, it was going to have to have more going for it than stellar green credentials. The Tesla can do 0-60 mph in under 5 seconds, thanks to the electric drive that makes nearly all its torque available all the time. The base Roadster 2.5 is capable of a strong 275 lb-ft of torque, while the Roadster Sport can make 295 lb-ft. Adding to its sporty silhouette is the Roadster 2.5's open top. The standard black roof is fabric, but a body-color or carbon-fiber hard top can be had as well. The Tesla's also got LED taillights, plus 16-inch wheels in front and 17-inch wheels in the rear. The interior is worthy of the supercar price tag as well, and includes heated leather seats, but microfiber fabric is available as well. At the top end of the options list, the interior can be fitted with custom leather seats and accent panels, as well as carbon-fiber touches throughout the cabin. Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes, traction control, tire pressure monitoring and front airbags. A touch screen displays vehicle information in the dash and air conditioning is standard. Options for the Roadster include an upgraded stereo with touch-screen navigation and a back-up camera, plus Bluetooth, forged wheels and a custom-tuned suspension.

Model Changes

Changes for the 2011 Tesla Roadster, now dubbed the 2.5, include a new front fascia and revised grille, aerodynamic add-ons and a restyled rear diffuser. Extra sound insulation has been added to the cockpit to eliminate road noise and the company has improved the power-control hardware to improve hot-weather performance. New seats adorn the interior, with added lumbar support and larger bolsters. A new Electronics Bundle adds touch-screen navigation and a back-up camera.

Model Value

Technology as advanced as the Tesla's doesn't come cheaply. While the company has plans to unveil increasingly less expensive models in the future, the Roadster 2.5 has to carry the cost of innovation. The 6-figure price tag buys a cutting-edge lithium-ion battery pack, a top speed of 125 mph and a maximum 200 miles per charge. This type of electric-only performance is simply not available in any other vehicle on the road.