2007 Tesla Roadster
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (July 19, 2006) – The first performance electric car manufactured by Tesla Motors, the high-performance, zero-emissions Tesla Roadster, was unveiled before a throng of well-wishers, car buffs, and potential customers Wednesday evening during Tesla’s Launch event.
The electric-powered Tesla Roadster boasts a top speed of more than 130 mph and a range of 250 miles on a single charge, a combination heretofore unseen in a mass-produced electric vehicle. Its extended range is due to its state-of-the-art lithium-ion Energy Storage System. The Tesla Roadster is capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in about four seconds.
Using a unique two-speed manual transmission, the Tesla Roadster’s power comes from a 3-phase, 4-pole AC induction motor coupled with the Power Electronics Module (PEM) which provides multiple functionality of inverting direct current to 3-phase alternating current, the charging system, and the regenerative braking system.
The Roadster’s Energy Storage System (ESS) provides power to the entire vehicle, including the motor. Its durable, tamper-resistant enclosure includes: 6,831 lithium-ion cells; a network of microprocessors for maintaining charge balance and temperature among the batteries; a cooling system; and an independent safety system designed to disconnect power outside the enclosure under a variety of detectable safety situations.
The Tesla Roadster comes complete with its Electric Vehicle Service Equipment (EVSE), a home-based charging system. An optional mobile charging kit, for re-charging while away from the EVSE, also features this automatic disconnect system. Charging the Tesla Roadster takes approximately 3.5 hours.
The Tesla Roadster is capable of driving up to 250 miles (EPA Highway) on a single charge, a range roughly triple that of previous mass-produced electric vehicles, like General Motors’ EV1.
The body design of the Tesla Roadster, which included a collaborative effort by the company’s employees, has been headed by Barney Hatt, Principal Designer at the Lotus Design Studio in England. The result is a sleek, stylish sports car that will appeal to enthusiasts and environmentalists the world over.
Research and Development for Tesla Motors is based at the Corporate Headquarters in San Carlos, Calif. Engines are manufactured at Tesla’s facility in Taiwan, and assembly takes place at Tesla’s plant in England.
Deliveries of the Tesla Roadster are expected to begin next summer.
Tesla Motors, Inc, edited by Supercars.net
In Detail
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| type | Series Production Car |
| built at | San Carlos, California, USA |
| engine | Air-Cooled Electric Motor |
| position | Mid Engine |
| power | 184.9 kw / 248 bhp @ 8500 rpm |
| bhp/weight | 198.56 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 286.08 nm / 277 ft lbs @ 0 rpm |
| redline | 13500 |
| body / frame | Plastic Body over Carbon Fiber Tub |
| driven wheels | RWD |
| wheel type | Forged Aluminum |
| front tires | 175/55WR-16 Yokohama Neova AD07 |
| rear tires | 245/45WR-16 Yokohama Neova AD07 |
| front brakes | Ventilated & Cross-Drilled Discs |
| f brake size | 25.4 x 279.4 mm / 1 x 11.0 in |
| rear brakes | Ventilated & Cross-Drilled Discs |
| r brake size | 25.4 x 304.8 mm / 1 x 12 in |
| front wheels | F 40.6 x 15.2 cm / 16 x 6 in |
| rear wheels | R 40.6 x 15.2 cm / 16 x 6 in |
| steering | Unassisted Rack & Pinion |
| f suspension | Control Arms w/Coil Springs, Anti-Roll Bar |
| r suspension | Control Arms w/Coil Springs, Anti-Roll Bar |
| curb weight | 1249 kg / 2750 lbs |
| weight distro | 35 % / 65 % |
| wheelbase | 2443 mm / 96.2 in |
| front track | 1463 mm / 57.6 in |
| rear track | 1499 mm / 59 in |
| length | 3946 mm / 155.4 in |
| width | 1872 mm / 73.7 in |
| height | 1128 mm / 44.4 in |
| transmission | 1-Speed Direct |
| gear ratios | 2.65:1 |
| final drive | 3.12:1 |
| top speed | ~196.30 kph / 122 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~4.5 seconds |
| 0 – 100 mph | ~12.74 seconds |
| 0 – 1/4 mile | ~13.2 seconds |
| drag | 0.36 Cd |
Auction Sales History
2008 Tesla Roadster – sold for $99,000 Owned Since New by George Clooney. The Eighth Production Tesla Built. The World’s First High-Performance Electric Sports Car. Signature Limited-Edition Model. Complete with Charging Adaptors and Accessories. Proceeds to Benefit the Satellite Sentinel Project Protecting the Citizens of Sudan.
Auction Source: 2012 Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding & Company
