2011 Tesla Roadster Convertible

Review 2011 Tesla Roadster Convertible

At first there was the Tesla Roadster. Well, not really the beginning, there were other electric cars before. However, only car batteries should, in fact, become as common as some believe, this sport can be expensive in history as someone who was far ahead of his time.

Tesla Roadster Convertible 2011

The Tesla Roadster has been on the road since 2008 but only now there is another all-electric car for sale - Nissan Leaf. While the sheet is a long-awaited answer for everyday driving oriented small green Tesla Roadster 2011 still holds the crown of the range, surpassing the road over 100 miles. It is also a certified sports car with a very quick, quiet acceleration, combined with crisp handling. The latter is because the Tesla is based on the Lotus Elise, a paradigm for the lightweight, stripped the car.

There are problems, however, that DNA. Like Elise, the Tesla Roadster is the most narrow cabin of any car sold in this country. It 'hard to get in and out (in particular, a removable cap in place), and once you are side by side with the person next to you. At least the Tesla has been added to the carpet, insulation, and other high quality materials to make the interior more comfortable (and quiet). Still, can not escape the harsh atmosphere of the cabin, although expensive package "executive" leather. Frankly, we expect a lot more sophisticated and luxury properties for $ 100,000.

The trip is also quite good (to a lesser extent, with the possibility of adjustable suspension), and no power steering, which is both a pleasure in the curve is forced to be a pain in the parking lots. So the practical point of view, 2011 Tesla Roadster runs out of juice, even among the exotic sports cars, especially in view of its relatively limited and the 3.5-hour charge time. Even gasoline-free transmission can not be so cheap to feed, depending on how you pay for electricity.

Yet, like most sports cars, the Tesla is probably the convenience quotient of great concern to them with sufficient means to choose a toy yet another weekend. You do early adopters when the time could be electronic, but if you are powerful, fast and fun cars that will never need to visit a gas station, then the 2011 Tesla Roadster is more than a trendsetter.

Tesla Roadster Convertible 2011

Body styles, trim levels and options

2011 Tesla Roadster is a two-seater convertible comes in two trim levels. Roadster 2.5 is standard with aluminum wheels (16 inch front, 17-inch rear), a soft removable, cruise control, climate control, leather interior, heated seats, power windows and locks, free mobile terminal electronic, touch-screen connectivity mail, Bluetooth and four speaker audio system with CD player and iPod / USB audio interface. 2.5 Sport offers more power, forged alloy wheels and adjustable suspension. Besides the power boost, should be read as a model of an optional basis.

Options include special connectors loading a hardtop body-colored carbon fiber, or winter tires, carbon fiber exterior styling is developed, leather upholstery, improvement and expansion of leather interior. The group adds a touch interface biggest Infotainment, a navigation system, rearview camera and an audio system with seven speakers with subwoofer, satellite radio and HD radio.

Engines and performance

In 2011, Tesla Roadster has a 375 volt AC induction air-cooled electric motor that produces 288 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Sport gets a bump to 295 lb-ft of torque. Both come with a unique gearbox. Base Roadster goes from zero to 60 km / h on a 3.9 Tesla-estimated second. Sport is 0.2 seconds faster.

Tesla says the Roadster's lithium-ion battery has a maximum range of 245 miles. Using the optional high-power 240-volt charger, it will take 3.5 hours to charge from empty.

Security

Tesla Roadster is equipped with antilock brakes and traction control. Side airbags are not available. A rearview camera is optional.

 
Tesla Roadster Convertible interior 2011

Interior Design and Special Features
As the Lotus Elise on which it is based, the tiny 2011 Tesla Roadster has a rather spartan interior. There are heated seats and leather upholstery standard, but otherwise do not expect the kind of luxury normally associated with a car that costs $ 100 000 - even with extended leather face "executive" package. Sports cars rarely provide an abundance of space, but even in the narrow section of the cabin of the Tesla Roadster is restrictive and difficult to enter and exit. Taller drivers, in particular, want to go through the training of circus contortionist before getting in - especially with the roof up.

In 2011, Tesla has fortunately included redesigned seats and extra sound insulation that improves cabin comfort. A new large touch screen interface that is available with the group Infotainment much improved functionality, while bringing with it a navigation and a rearview camera.

Driving Impressions

As far as Tesla within the roots of suffering for Lotus Elise, it benefits greatly when it comes to handling. The suspension may have been softened Tesla in disguise, but it is still one of the best handling cars on the market. Paragraph 10 of adjustable suspension mode has the potential to do even better. One would think that electric cars have electric power steering, the Tesla Roadster, but lousy steering, which makes for an excellent response and feel, but a lousy time in parking lots.

The real story is muted, however, the frightening thrust electric motor. Shot noise is audible as a faint cry from the electronics behind the right shoulder, but the acceleration of the Roadster is breathtaking, especially in standing starts, all that torque on tap.

Price $ 109 000