Tesla Motors says its Roadster is not a converted Lotus Elise
By Donald Melanson 
posted March 4th 2008 2:25PM
posted March 4th 2008 2:25PM
Tesla Motors sure has been doing a lot of explaining about its all-electric Tesla Roadster since it first announced it way back when, and it's now aiming to clear up what it says is another common misconception about the car: that it's a converted Lotus Elise. According to Tesla's Darryl Siry, the total number of shared parts between the cars is actually "under 7%," and that "if you were to try to convert an Elise to a Tesla and started throwing away parts that aren't carried over what you would basically be left with a windshield, dashboard (complete with airbags!), front wishbones and a removable soft top." He does admit, however, that the remaining pieces (particularly the dashboard and steering wheel) are so noticeable that they give drivers the impression of an Elise, as we've seen in some of the road tests of the vehicle. If you're still not convinced, you can find Siry's full, lengthy explanation at the read link below.
i love the debate/arguments that go on on engadget! ;)
my opinion (as worthless as it may be): i think it is a nice looking car....but kinda unpractical, as are all sports cars.
If parts are from Lotus that seems to be a positive, but where 100K goes is a mystery, Every major auto maker can make a 100K Tesla--- the name was associated with inventions that changed the world, this is just a great story of Marketing for schools.
What a turd that thing is gonna be, can't wait till the inevitable story about the CEO dumping his stock just before this company goes belly up...
I give them 3 years after they start rolling off the production line.