- Jun 18, 2000
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http://forums.autoweek.com/thread.jspa?threadID=36870&tstart=0
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Coming in 2007, 100% electric powered, Lotus Designed, 0-60 mph in 4 seconds
Tesla Motors, a Silicon Valley startup company, which was founded in June 2003 by engineers Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning to create an efficient but nevertheless, sport electric car unveiled the Tesla Roadster production model which will go on sale in 2007.
Specifications: Underneath it?s sexy Lotus Elise inspired, body, the Roadster hides a powerful electric motor (185 KW) which promises to take it up 60 mph (96 km/h) from 0 in about 4 seconds while top speed is expected to exceed 130 mph (209 km/h). Despite its impressive performance, the 100% electric Tesla Roadster boasts a consumption that is equivalent to 135 mpg in a petrol car, which according to the company comes to 1 cent per mile. Range depends on driving style and conditions. On the EPA highway driving cycle is expected to reach 250 miles (402 km) on a single charge.
Available from 2007: Although prices haven?t been announced yet, Tesla say?s that for customers in Northern and Southern California, the cars will be available in the summer of 2007. Chicago will follow with a delivery date in the fall of 2007. The cars will then also be available in New York and Miami probably beginning in late 2007.
Developed, Designed & Assembled by Lotus: Components and subsystems for the car come from a variety of sources all over the world. Lotus Cars is assembling the Tesla Roadster under contract to Tesla Motors. Tesla Motors has also hired Lotus Engineering for certain design and engineering tasks. The Tesla Roadster style was developed in Lotus Engineering's design studio - Lotus Engineering won a design contest where several design firms submitted proposals. Lotus Engineering supplied the initial chassis which was significantly modified by Tesla Motors engineers. The company currently employs 80 people, including teams in California, the UK and Taiwan
Google & Pay-Pal: Tesla has managed to secure initial funding from prominent investors, such as PayPal co-founder Elon Musk, and Google co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page.