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Elon Musk shows off the Tesla Roadster he's prepping for space
When Elon Musk revealed his plans for SpaceX's Falcon Heavy rocket, he also promised the delivery of his own cherry-red Tesla Roadster to space, all while David Bowie's Space Oddity plays. Not the most subtle of promotions, for sure. Now Musk is teasing us with an even more overblown set of seven photos that show said Roadster prepping to head into orbit near Mars.
BMW debuts its i8 Roadster for top-down green driving
The i series vehicles has been BMW's electrified brand on the road since 2014. The i3 is the pure-electric urban bubble vehicle while the supercar-styled i8 is the hybrid of the pair. But beyond sharing similar design cues and a TRON-inspired paint job, the two vehicles couldn't be further from each other. At the 2017 LA Auto Show, the automaker placed even more space between the cars with the new 2019 convertible and coupe i8s.
Tesla Roadster will get even quicker through an option package
When Tesla unveiled a brand new Roadster, it noted that the vaunted 1.9-second 0-60MPH time was present in the base model -- implying that there might be headroom for even higher performance. But is there? Apparently, yes. Elon Musk has clarified that there will be a "special options package" that brings the Roadster's speed to "the next level." It's vague, to be sure (does this include Founders Edition models?), but it does indicate that what Tesla quoted wasn't necessarily the best it could muster.
Tesla reveals a new Roadster, due in 2020
At Tesla's Semi event, the automaker dropped its new Roadster. It'll have a 620-mile range via a 200kWh battery pack."You'll be able to travel from LA to San Francisco and back without recharging," CEO Elon Musk said. The new Tesla Roadster will do zero to 60 in 1.9 seconds, and it'll blast through a quarter mile in 8.9 seconds, before reaching a top speed of over 250 MPH. Oh, and it's a four-seater.
Tesla Roadster prototype up for auction starting at $1 million
Tesla's Roadster is a seminal electric car, but it's not exactly a vintage model -- it first went on sale in 2008. So how does user "Jester944" justify the $1 million minimum bid for a Roadster prototype in his eBay auction? "A million dollar Tesla may be crazy today but ... imagine what the first Ferrari prototype models would go for. Take that 30 years into the future when most cars are electric and they'll be able to trace their history back to Tesla," he says.
Tesla's Roadster update will allow it to travel 400 miles on a charge (updated)
And here you thought only bad things happen on Christmas. Whereas most companies would avoid announcing good news on a day when no one is paying attention, Tesla CEO Elon Musk does things a bit differently. Musk just teased some news on Twitter about the company's Roadster line, saying a forthcoming upgrade would endow the car with a nearly 400-mile range -- enough to drive from LA to San Francisco without having to stop for a recharge. As you can imagine, one can only convey so much in a 140-character tweet -- Musk says he'll be back tomorrow with more details.
World of Speed's BMW Z4 roadster profiled in new vid
Ready for your weekly dose of car porn? Thank Slightly Mad Studios, which released a new World of Speed trailer focused on the BMW Z4 sDRIVE30i. The tiny roadster puts out 255 horsepower which allows a 250 KM/H top speed and a 0-to-100 KM/H time of six seconds. See for yourself after the cut!
Tesla's $35,000 car will be called the Model 3
Tesla hasn't quite delivered its new Model X SUV yet, but at least we have a name for its first electric vehicle pointed at the mainstream. In an interview with AutoExpress, CEO Elon Musk (pictured above with an old Model S prototype) revealed it will be called the Model 3 (with three bars to represent it), after Ford put the kibosh on calling it the Model E. Musk has repeatedly targeted 2017 as the release window for a smaller $35,000 vehicle. He's said it will be the third generation after the original Roadster and Model S, and in the interview claims it will have a range of over 200 miles per charge, probably using batteries built in Tesla's planned Gigafactory. Musk also told the mag about a range boost upgrade coming for the original Roadster that will give it a modern battery capable of going up to 400 miles on a charge, "which will allow you to drive from LA to San Francisco non-stop." [Thanks, Weapon] [Image credit: AP Photo/Paul Sakuma]
Tesla announces new service details, unconditional warranty for Model S battery
Tesla CEO Elon Musk talked a bit about his goals for expanded service options in his interview with us earlier this month, and he's today detailed some of those options that the company is ready to roll out. That includes one perk that's been mentioned previously: the ability to get a Model S loaner to tide you over when you have to turn your car in for service. What's more, that loaner will be a top-of-the-line Model S regardless of the car you turn in (there's a fleet of 85 to start with, each with valet service to your location), and customers in "most markets" can also opt to get a Tesla Roadster as a loaner if they'd prefer to try out something sportier. Musk further explains that customers can even choose to keep that loaner car if they like it better, and simply pay the difference. Beyond that, Tesla is now making annual checkups entirely optional, meaning that your warranty will still be valid for the full term even if you never take your car in. And rounding things out is what Tesla describes as an "unconditional warranty" on Model S batteries, which will let owners get a factory reconditioned unit as a replacement even in the case of user error. You can find the full details on the new options in Musk's blog post announcing the news linked below.
Tesla to open a European distribution center for EVs in the Netherlands this month
Tesla has wanted to spread its EV wings beyond North America for awhile, and we now know exactly where its European nest will be. Later this month, the automaker plans to open a distribution center in Tilburg, The Netherlands. The hub will serve as a point of assembly for the continent's cars while also handling imports, parts, repairs and training, including for the Model S and Roadster. Tilburg will be put to full use when it starts manufacturing left-hand drive Model S models in March. As long a wait as that might seem, it could lead to fewer headaches and quicker deliveries for Old World drivers who want a truly new ride.
Tesla CEO teases crossover and sports car EVs for 2016
Tesla founder Elon Musk would like to remind you that the Model X isn't the terminus of his company's electric car ambitions. Far from it: Musk tells Wired that Tesla's 2016 plans include both a crossover SUV akin to the BMW X3 as well as a pure sports car that goes beyond just a Roadster redux. The racier vehicle will have speed, but "not supercar pricing," the CEO says. He also elaborated on already-known plans for an 'entry' sedan in 2015, which should resemble a 20 to 25 percent smaller Model S and cost about $30,000 if all goes well. There's a wide gap between promises and reality in all those statements, but Musk has a reputation for largely delivering on target -- which gives us hope that there will finally be Tesla EVs within range of everyday budgets.
Mercedes-Benz said to be exploring SLS AMG E-Cell in roadster guise
Mercedes-Benz has already committed to bringing the SLS AMG E-Cell gullwing to dealers in 2013, but we'd advise holding back on taking out a second mortgage to pay for it until you're done reading. The Netherlands' De Telegraaf hears from an unnamed spokesperson that there's enough interest to make a roadster version of the EV supercar. What action the automaker takes depends on sales of the hardtop: if it's clear more people want an open-air experience, that's what will happen. The electric motor layout is easily transferred to a roadster, the representative says. If that E-Cell variant becomes a reality, Audi might want to hurry up and build a production-grade e-tron Spyder before Mercedes claims all of the (very niche) German electric roadster market for itself.
Artega fails to sell auto business, files for bankruptcy
As things seem to be incredibly promising at Tesla Motors' California headquarters, the situation for a competitor on the other side of the world is growing quite grim. Artega, which reached our hearts at the Geneva Motor Show just last year with its beautiful all-electric SE sports car, has filed for bankruptcy after failing to sell the company to "an Asian investor." Meanwhile, Artega will continue the search for business partners, and will keep running its German operation with 34 employees. The news is disappointing to say the least, especially with Tesla's Roadster dropping from production in 2011. Hit up the source link below for a (German-language) explanation, directly from Artega.
Tesla publishes Model S efficiency and range stats, expects 350 highway miles per charge
We've spent our fair share of time behind the dash of Tesla's gorgeous Model S, though there hasn't been an opportunity to push the all-electric vehicle to its limits on the fuel battery front. The sedan still isn't quite ready for a full-on range test, but the manufacturer has provided a teaser in the form of some updated stats, with a line graph demonstrating consistent improvements over the Roadster. Assuming constant highway travel at speeds of 50-70 miles-per-hour, the Model S is expected to continue rolling for 250-350 miles on a single charge, with the car possibly exceeding 400 miles at slower speeds (think 35 mph and below, but still on the highway). There's an 85 kWh battery on board (compared to 55 kWh on the Roadster), and despite taking a massive hit for size and weight, the Model S only consumes about 10 percent more power than its more-svelte sibling. Those figures apply to the mph listed above, and speed demons can expect to see a massive dive in range. Sounds like we can expect some fiery performance on the road -- just, hopefully not in the garage -- when the sedan begins making its way to customers next month, ahead of the original July ship proposal. Hop on past the break and hit up our source link for some nifty graphs, along with Tesla's findings in full.
Tesla to owners: Plug it in
EV maker Tesla has come under fire for allegations that its vehicles can be "bricked" when their batteries are completely discharged. Such instances require that the cells be replaced to the tune of $40,000, which doesn't sit well with folks who already forked over six figures to buy a Roadster in the first place. Tesla doesn't deny the charge (pardon the pun), but it does offer a common sense suggestion to avoid the problem: simply plug the car in. Tesla implies this danger is only likely for early adopters, and says it's also made strides to idiot-proof later vehicles with advanced warning systems -- Tesla 2.0 Roadsters can phone home to Tesla headquarters with a low juice alert, for example. Tesla documents safe battery charging practices in the owner's documentation, though, so here's an idea: if you're going to spend $109,000 on an electric sports car, maybe it's a good idea to RTFM (read the freaking manual).
Tesla Roadster EVs accused of 'bricking,' Tesla responds
Last night we were sent an interesting report about Tesla Roadsters falling into an unfortunate state -- a very terminal, very expensive state. According to theunderstatement a Tesla Roadster that is left to discharge completely, a process that could take many weeks, will need to have its entire battery pack replaced (pictured above) -- at a cost of approximately $40,000. There are said to be no countermeasures that can prevent this short of keeping your car topped up, and while that may sound simple enough, it becomes tricky if you need to put the thing in storage for a few months.While we haven't been able to confirm all the "several" supposed cases of this happening, we did hear back from Tesla issuing a statement (after the break) that more or less affirms this could happen. Tesla uses a number of so-called "countermeasures" to prevent this, up to and including a representative from the company calling the owner should a battery pack trail dangerously low. Worryingly, though, this situation is said to be possible in both the upcoming Model S sedan and Model X SUV. Here's to hoping for a little more clarity on this issue -- and maybe a solution -- before those two come to market.Update: Autoblog Green takes a closer look at the origins of this story.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Tesla sends Roadster off with 'Final Edition,' successor to arrive in 2014
Sure the writing was on the wall, but yes, fans of wildly impractical yet extremely fast EVs, your day of reckoning has come. The atomic red rocket-ship above -- photographed by our friends at AutoBlog -- is one of fifteen "Final Edition" roadsters, which brings the company's contract with Lotus for 2,600 sports cars to a close. Those seeking an Elon Musk blessed whip can get cozy with the upcoming Model S or alternatively stick it out until 2014 -- you know when the Roadster's successor is supposed to land. Tough call, but who are we kidding -- you really couldn't go wrong with either.
Has James Bond gone green? Bulletproof electric roadster in the works
Warding off assassins while saving the environment just became a cake walk with the Jo-Mojo, an upcoming creation by Lativian armored vehicle company DARTZ. This two seat convertible roadster brandishes an 80 horsepower electric engine capable of pushing zero to 60 mph in 9.5 seconds and a top speed of 125 mph -- yet most of its "mojo" is outside the hood. Custom seating, color-changing chameleon paint finish, bulletproof tires, and others are just a few of the many "drooling" features. The sunroof is given a task with flexible solar panels built-in, good for juicing up the batteries while idle or on the go. Aimed to hit the market at the end of Q2 2012, its estimated price tag starts at 30,000 euros (~ $40,000), within range of most low-end luxury automobiles. Check past the break for a video slideshow of this snazzy piece of metal by Gray Designs, DARTZ's partner in the venture.
Tesla Roadster to return in 2014, 3-Series fighter in the works
Didn't have enough time to count 10 million pennies before the original Tesla Roadster went out of production? Well you're in luck, because there'll be a successor. Space cadet and entrepreneur extraordinaire, Elon Musk, confirmed to Autocar that a new Roadster would return in 2014. Unlike its Lotus-based predecessor, the redux will apparently be based on Tesla's third-generation platform, which the automag muses will likely be built on a"shortened version of ... the Model S." Musk also noted that the platform will be more "mass-market," giving rise to more pedestrian cars "like BMW's 3 Series" -- his words, not ours. With the Model S sedan on its way, and the Model X after that, the company certainly has its work cut out for it. But, if either are as delightful as prior Teslas, that'll be reason to cheer.
Tesla Model S and Roadster play nice on video
Vroooooom.... well, more accurately, shhhhhhh. That's a Tesla Model S and its sibling the Roadster (looking rather dashing in red, we might add) above, carving corners together as a family. What actual news do we have about these "premium electric vehicles?" None, we just thought this clip (after the break) of the two sleek EVs working their way around a closed desert track was pretty darned cool. The Model S and Roadster have posed for family portraits before, but this is the first time we've seen them play nice on video. You know the deal, head on after the break for all the battery-powered, four-wheel madness your little geek heart can handle. [Thanks, nunomaia]
