Tesla has created a special version of the Roadster called ‘Final Edition’ in order to celebrate the end of the production of this model. In its four-years long career, 2,600 units of the Roadster (the very first production car from the American automaker) have been sold, and now the anticipation is growing for its successor, which should appear in the second quarter of 2012. The new model will be no longer based on a Lotus chassis, it will be the outcome of a brand new project totally engineered by the Californian manufacturer.

Only 15 Roadster Final Edition will be made: 5 for the US market, 5 for Europe and 5 for Asia, all of which will be exactly the same, coming with an Atomic Red paint job with two longitudinal black stripes and charcoal colored wheels. Apart from that, the Roadster Final Edition does not feature any other particular trait, but it will surely find a place in some healthy collection as the standard car it derives from is simply and undeniably a milestone of the electric vehicle industry: this is the model that put Tesla on the map, so to speak, and is bound to go down to the automotive history book as a car that opened a new era.

View the full Tesla Roadster Final Edition photo gallery

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The Tesla Roadster Sport first pics have been released of the new version, 15 percent more powerful than the original, which it resembles. The new version is more expensive than the previous, costing around 112,000 euros compared to 99,000 euros for the Roadster.

The bodywork has been slightly modified with the rear spoiler made of carbon fibre and coloured to specifications, while the main updates occur with the interior. It now features new sports seats, with a redesigned central console with info screen. New adjustable suspension is available, while the transmission has been transferred to pared-back buttons.

The Tesla Roadster Sport reaches 100 km/hr in 3.7 seconds, while the electric motor will run to 14,000 rpm.

Continue reading: Tesla Roadster Sport first pics

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Autoblog reports that Tesla could consider a 2+2 model of its Roadster in plans to expand its limited offering. The company currently makes the Roadster and the Model S sedan, which is already seeing success in environmentally conscious American car owners.

The Tesla Roadster is currently hampered in its crowd pleasing ability, with no back seats and limited storage space as well. In an interview, the head of Tesla Elon Musk, said his garage hosts a Roadster and a 911, which he uses to take his kids to school.

Warming to the theme, Musk has revealed that the next Tesla sports car will have more room for rear passengers, and 50 percent more space in the boot than the 911. It will also feature all-wheel drive. If the Model S proves successful enough for Tesla to continue its development, we could even see the Tesla GT by 2012.

Source | Autoblog

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One of the reasons that the public still hasn’t really embraced the market for electric cars is what the Americans call “range anxiety”. The fear of being left on foot when your car’s power runs out might seem silly, but car manufacturers are investing in technology to overcome this. General Motors for example, has developed the EREV: a kind of generator that will equipe the Opel Ampera and Chevrolet Volt, which results in extended range.

Recent results from a trip of the Tesla Roadster in France prove that a zero emissions vehicle can run a course that would satisfy most customers. In occasion of the Rallye Monte Carlo of Alternative Energy and fuel, the Roadster managed 388 km without stopping for a recharge. The annual event has a course that mixes highway with provincial roads.

Among the competitors were also a RUF EV and Mitsubishi i-MiEV, none of which managed the same range as the Tesla. According to onboard news, the Roadster could have run another 61 km, totalling 449 km. And the manufacturer declares a range of 355 km!

Continue reading: Tesla Roadster runs 388 km without a recharge

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As World Car Fans says, all they need now is to make it. The Tesla Model S has already been ordered in 520 units, according to an official report, though production is not expected until 2011.

Tesla has received a loan of 350 million USD in order to build production facilities in California. The Model S goes beyond expectations and has even overtaken initial orders for the Tesla Roadster, with 200 more than the latter’s first appearance, especially given the price difference: the Roadster cost 110,000 dollars, while the Model S costs only 50,000, proving there is a market for electric cars.

Source | World Car Fans

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Here are some new shots of the Tesla Roadster Sport, special version of the American electric spider. As already anticipated, the Sport will be 15 percent more powerful than the standard model (which may receive an upgrade all the same), and is sold for a price of 112,000 euros.

Excluding the special colouring and new carbon fibre details, the most important news is in the driver’s compartment. New sports seats have been added, along with a new dash with updated battery display in the centre, central console with new single-gear feature (rather than the previous gear shift) with keyboard set-up.

Continue reading: Tesla Roadster Sport pics

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The 100th Tesla Roadster has been delivered in the course of this last week, showing that perhaps there is still a market out there for the Californian company that specialises in electric cars. While it’s an expensive vehicle at 109,000 USD, a recharge of the battery costs between $2.50 and $5.50 and gives a range of 244 miles.

Difficult times for Tesla have seen a lag in production from the 30 cars a week initially expected to be produced, down to 15. The original target of 30 was set to be reached by spring 2009. As long as the Roadster has its problems, the second model from the company, the Model S sedan, is unlikely to ever see the light of day.

The Tesla company is holding out for some government funding to continue production, which could be difficult in current economic times. Strange though, that governments are prepared to make anti-pollution laws but are often less prepared to finance the very projects that may achieve those aims.

Continue reading: 100th Tesla Roadster delivered

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Porsche has apparently purchased a Tesla Roadster in order to study the secrets of the competition, comparing them to its own technology. The news comes from Edmunds Inside Line, and indicates that Porsche alternative fuels could be in development.

Porsche hybrid models, available on the Cayenne and Panamera for example, show that the company is moving towards more ecological vehicles, as seen also in the future four-cylinder Boxster. Is this a matter of survival in Kyoto times for Porsche?

The engineers should be able to have a good look at the American Roadster when one is actually in their possession - waiting lists for the Tesla Roadster mean that all 250 models on the European market will already be delivered in 2009 having previously been ordered as the Signature Edition at 99,000 euros. If not among the first exclusive clientele, Porsche may have to wait.

Source | Edmunds Inside Line

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Unfortunately the rumours have proved true, as the Californian company Tesla, noted for its ambitious electric Roadster, is in serious difficulty. After word was out that the company had laid off 100 workers and general manager Ze’ev Drori resigned, it has been confirmed that Tesla will be closing its research centre in Michigan, laying off a further 30 workers.

The Rochester Hills centre, opened in January 2007, was seen as a resource and incentive for the city of Detroit, currently in dire straits over the tenuous situation of the pillars of the American automobile industry.

The company has not released a closure date yet, but has said it will be limiting its business to a single series of the roadster and the production of electric engines to supply to other manufacturers.

Source | LeftLane

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How unpredictable the automobile world is. When talk of new alternative fuel vehicles emerge, you expect to see that latest city car concept, not a sports car relegated to times when engines were serious, petrol-revving stuff. And yet Porsche has come out and shown a virtuous example of zero pollution levels with an extension of its range and an electric powered spider, developed by its tuning agency Ruf.

Ruf has dedicated itself to turning the Cayman into an electric sports car, likely to create comparison with the Tesla. The Cayman will probably have less power - around 150 Kw instead of 185, but with a whole lot more torque (around 650Nm compared to 375). The battle lines are likely to be drawn around price as the Ruf will probably be placed at a higher price than the Tesla Roadster. Other technical details haven’t been revealed, but we can’t wait to see this vehicle out.

Source | Autoblog.com

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1996 World Formula One champion, Damon Hill, will be ambassador for the Tesla Roadster in the UK: the English driver will drive the silent roadster through the streets of London for the Capital Arrive ‘n’ Drive 2008 event, taking place on July 31.

The aim is to present the electric engine as a valid alternative to traditional engines, and to push the theme of drastically reducing emissions and environmental impact.

The Tesla Roadster under Hill’s command, will be part of a group of 20 vehicles that will complete a 33 mile course, along which the public can follow the route. Prime minister Gordon Brown is expecting large numbers: the event is in time for his policy on public financing for electric cars, and should reveal the popularity or not of this move.

Via | GreenCarCongress

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The specs related to the Tesla Roadster destined for the European markets have been released and skimming the document there are plenty of surprises. The document, coming from the Norwegian importer, states that the little spider with the green spirit will have a capacity of more than 300 CV or 225 kw, and a red zone of 13,000 revs.

The updated model will be slightly different from the original with some aspects having been reviewed before sale in the US and Europe. The new transmission, created by Ricardo, is equipped with a single gear compared to the previous model (by Magna) with its two. The cooling system is also new and more efficient.

Returning to the numbers, the most notable are the four seconds acceleration from 0-100, the maximum speed of 200km/hr and the recharge time of four hours, with rapid recharge possible at much more brief times. The 250 cars destined for the old continent (at a price of 99,000 euro), will be available as a signature edition with new colours and numbered plates.

Continue reading: Tesla Roadster, European details: more than 300 hp

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