I test drove a Tesla Roadster today. I was driving down PCH looking forward to some surf in CDM when I noticed a Tesla dealer had opened up in Newport Beach. So when I got shut out of surf I decided to stop by the dealership on the way back home and check out the Roadster. First impression is that it is a battery powered Lotus Elise.

Pros, the car has cutting edge green technology, you will never visit the pump again just fill up in your garage. In addition it has a 0-60 time of 3.9 sec, and feels very tight and stable on the road at speed. The acceleration makes you feel like you are in a super-car, that was truly a pleasure. The use of the motor for breaking is something that can be easy to get used to, and with single piston calipers I would think a necessity. Over all fit and finish was excellent.

Cons, found out the motor is air cooled and not suitable for the track, apparently it will heat up after a few laps of spirited driving and the computer will limit power until it has cooled down. It has single piston calipers, again not suited for the track or long spirited drives. At a price as tested of $145K the car did not seem very plush and had limited conveniences, does not even come close to the F I currently own.

http://green.autoblog.com/2007/12/29...ble-track-car/

Overall opinion is that the car should be priced near the Miata and it would sell very well but for a base of $105K I will wait to see what comes out the next few years. I am interested in this type of sports car and I think we will see many options during the coming years.

 

Interesting car and nice review!

 

Nice brief review, from a real car guy/F-owner. Thanks.

 

The high price reflects the new technology. It will significantly go down.

Remember the first-gen iPhone for $800 with a contract?

There are certain government incentives for electric cars. Colorado once had a price-credit for electric cars, not to mention Federal tax incentives. The Tesla Roadster was selling for about $68k in Colorado about a year ago...

Check out this thread: Get a $109,900 Tesla Roadster for only $67,800...a savings of 38%!!!

 

nice review. just have to wait for more development time.

 

if they had a better cooling system, and upgraded brakes, it would be cool take take to the track for some fun and all you really gotta do is plug it in

 

That is good to know because I really could not see paying 100K+ for it. I too am hoping as production increases and other companies produce similar cars that the price comes down. Say like plasma tv's, or remember the first led calculators in the early 70's.

 

That was my thought, it looks like it would be a fun track car. With its low center of gravity, fairly light weight at 2800 lbs., and acceleration one would think it should be able to lap in some pretty good times. But according to the article they are thinking of producing a liquid cooled motor version that would be suitable for the track.