2009 Tesla Roadster

Published: Wednesday, Sep 3rd, 2008
2009 Tesla Roadster The Roadster was developed by Tesla Motors with design help from Lotus Cars in certain areas. Lotus supplied the basic chassis development technology from its Lotus Elise, with which the Tesla engineers designed a new chassis. Barney Hatt at Lotus' design studio developed the styling with input from Tesla. Tesla's designers chose to construct the body panels using resin transfer molded carbon fiber composite to minimize weight; this choice makes the Roadster one of the least expensive cars with an entirely carbon fiber skin.

Style
  • 2-seat, open-top, rear-drive sports car

    • Drivetrain
  • Single speed fixed gear with electrically actuated parking lock mechanism and mechanical lubrication pump

    • Motor
  • 375 volt AC induction air-cooled electric motor with variable frequency drive. Output 248 peak horsepower (185kW) and 276 ft/lbs (375 nm) of torque. Redline 14,000 rpm.

    • Chassis
  • Resin-bonded and riveted extruded aluminum monoquoque. Four-wheel independent suspension featuring upper and lower unequal length wishbones and co-axial coil spring telescopic dampers.

    • Brakes
  • Hydraulically operated. Tandem master cylinder with vacuum servo and anti-lock braking system.

    • Acceleration
  • 0 to 60 mph in under 4 seconds

    • Top Speed
  • 125 mph (electronically limited)

    • Range
  • About 220 miles (based on EPA combined city/highway cycle)

    • Battery Life
  • Five years or 100,000 miles

    • Battery
  • Custom microprocessor-controlled lithium-ion battery with 6,831 individual cells. Weight 992 lbs.

    • Full Charge
  • About 3.5 hours using the Tesla Motors High Power Connector.

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