Tesla revs up more powerful Roadster Sport: starts at $128,500

Don't even bother with that BRABUS overhaul, as you can now get a Roadster with 15 percent more peak power and a 0 to 60 time of 3.7 seconds right from the factory. Out of seemingly nowhere, Tesla Motors has just announced the lovingly refined Roadster Sport, which arrives with a hand-wound stator and increased winding density for lower resistance and higher peak torque. You'll also notice Yokohama Ultra High Performance tires, improved suspension with adjustable dampers and anti-roll bars that will be tuned to the driver's preference. The automaker is taking orders now in the US ($128,500 and up) and Europe (starts at €112,000), with deliveries slated to begin in late June -- oh, and if you're currently on the waiting list for a standard Roadster, you most certainly can scratch the upgrade itch.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 11th 2009 6:11PM]

I believe it works out to something astronomically low like one cent a mile, this is assuming that you are charging the car at off-peak times, IE at night.

http://www.teslamotors.com/efficiency/charging_and_batteries.php

[spin cycle Posted Jan 11th 2009 7:44PM]

It's a 38kWh battery. With the inefficiency of charging, you can expect to put in almost 50kWh.

[Wireless Posted Jan 11th 2009 1:37PM]

All you need is cash I hear!!

[SilverBlade Posted Jan 11th 2009 2:08PM]

Are they interested in tapping the larger 'middle class' citizens? Or only interested in tapping the top 1% of the population?

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 11th 2009 2:42PM]

How much do you think a company could make a reasonably priced EV sports car for the middle class? Maybe 70k? That's still too much for most middle class people. And much profit would there to make it an incentive for someone to try?

How big is the market for a EV sports car that's reasonably priced vs a gas sports car. I'd say very small. Combine the two, little market with little profit, and I don't see it happening.

I ain't here to get on your case. I'd love to see the CR-Z hit the market. I'd be all over a hot hatch EV made by Honda. I'd be the only way I'd give up my baby.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 11th 2009 2:28PM]

I am thinking this is a marketing ploy to keep current people on the wait list to upgrade and keep them from bolting. This helps the company keep those on the wait list to fork over a little more money and to make them be a little more patient as they try to get their cars out. I also wonder if this upgrade package will be offered to those who already have the car for a a price.

[wcanyon Posted Jan 11th 2009 2:28PM]

This is one fine looking car.

They are tapping the upper 1% so they can prove that there is a market and make some money. They're on target for a 4 passenger city driver in the next 4 years, about $30k.

Also, that Tata Nano is in limbo in a big way.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 11th 2009 2:54PM]

jemery clarckson responded to the telsa stuff
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/driving/jeremy_clarkson/article5483422.ece

[PEZ Posted Jan 11th 2009 5:10PM]

Stop announcing cars and sell them for Christs Sake! (that's Jesus' Japanese cocktail for those not in the know).

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 11th 2009 6:13PM]

They have been delivering cars for some months now, I know someone (not personally, aunt of a friend) who has one.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 11th 2009 4:14PM]

has anyone notice that it looks pretty that great british sports car the lotus elise? I apologise for been mildly patriotic, it's pretty much to only thing we build. Hey, I am brit, get me out of here!

[Mr Pips Posted Jan 11th 2009 6:05PM]

It probably looks like a Lotus because they helped design the Tesla.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 11th 2009 6:35PM]

See, the real problem for the people over at Tesla is there business model. The way it works is you give them half of the cost of the car today (in this case 64k) then n 6 months when your car arrives you pay the other half and drive off with the car. Many people don't like this especially in a time when the you don't what the markets gonna be like 6 months from now and if you want to be bound to spending that 64k

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 11th 2009 6:42PM]

thats because lotus makes the outer shell (for lack of a better term).

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 13th 2009 10:49PM]

I just bought one. Thanks Engadget!