Tesla Roadster 2.5 upgrade model, introduced at the Goodwood Festival. Electric sports car Tesla Roadster 2.5 is priced from 101.500USD.
The Tesla Roadster arguably has had a pivotal role in stoking public interest in electric vehicles—and in getting enthusiasts excited about them. While the model returns for one more year fundamentally unchanged, it's now officially called the 2011 Tesla Roadster 2.5, signaling a number of smaller improvements and upgrades.
For instance, the Roadster 2.5 gets a new rear air diffuser design, and the front fascia also has new diffuser vents.
A recent poll suggested that 40% of Americans were interested in driving an electric car. If they knew what the Tesla Roadster was all about, that number would likely be 100%.
Heavier, of course, being a relative term, since the Elise weighs just less than 2,000 lbs, while the Tesla, electric drivetrain and all, is about 2,700 lbs. That’s 400 lbs less than a Honda Civic Si, considered a “compact” car by the EPA.
Like all great sports cars, the Tesla is best driven under ideal conditions; glass smooth roads, sunny weather and little traffic. The weather held up, and the car performed admirably in stop-and-go situations, but if you live in an area with poor roads, the Tesla might be a bit of a chore. Fire your chiropractor if you drive a Tesla over railway tracks, potholes or manhole covers, because the rigor mortis-like rigidity and high spring rates will re-align your spine multiple times per second with a sickening thud every time you meet an imperfection in the road.
In city driving, the Tesla is quiet, comfortable and easy to maneuver. The single speed transmission and the progressive nature of the regenerative braking (as opposed to the abrupt deceleration of the MINI E) means that the brakes only need to be used to bring the car to a dead stop mere feet from a stop sign. Slow speed movements and U turns require some muscle thanks to the manual steering, but one easily adapts to this quirk. Unlike an exotic car, the Tesla seems to inspire goodwill among pedestrians and other motorists.
As incredible as it is, the Tesla has its drawbacks beyond the stiff ride. Space inside is tight as well; if you take someone on a date in a Tesla, you will undoubtedly be getting fresh by accident when you apply the parking brake or move your upper body. If you’re a female, wearing a skirt or dress is strongly discouraged, thanks to the high doorsills and difficult entry and exit procedure – unless of course, you’re an aspiring Paris Hilton. With an estimated range of 250 miles the Tesla isn’t a long distance car, and your mileage may vary. The Tesla Roadster 2.5 S is a massively impressive vehicle, more spacecraft than sports car. Theories like global warming, peak oil and rising oil prices should no longer bring heart palpitations to car fans. The Tesla shows just how good zero-emissions “green” technology can be.
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