Symon je napisal/-a:...Upam, da bo imel čim več kupcev, da bodo tile Teslovci še kaj novega izgruntali.

ELECTRIC LOTUS ELISE GETS A SIBLING
Saloon car and second version on the way

Tesla Motors, California-based maker of the electric Elise -- aka Tesla Roadster -- is to make a four-seat saloon, rivalling the BMW 5-Series -- and there'll be an update of the Roadster by the end of the decade.

Company vice-president Mike Harrigan told Autocar that the electric motor goes upfront along with the batteries, and that it'll be rear-wheel drive. Unlike the Tesla, it'll be sold globally, including the UK.

However, it seems unlikely that Lotus will supply the underpinnings of the new car, as it did for the bonded aluminium-based Tesla Roadster. Instead, the machine seems likely to be made of lightweight steel, with some 10,000 to 20,000 units turned out annually.

The company reckoned that new battery technology means it will be able to sell two versions of the car in the UK. The Ł30,000 entry-level car will offer similar output to the 185kW Roadster with a 200 mile range, while the Ł40,000 luxury variant gets more powerful batteries and a 300 mile range between charging stops.

There'll also be a top-end Ł55,000 version of the Roadster at some point, probably by 2010.

.....Unfortunately, when it came to stopping and changing directions, the EV1 was more like a classic American muscle car thanks to its high pressure, low rolling resistance tires.

The Tesla Roadster that we have all heard so much about does not suffer this malady. On the contrary, if the old Dr. Ferdinand Porsche and Colin Chapman were around today they might create something very much like this car. ...However, that lack of engine note in no way lessens the thrill of this car. Not only does it leap off the line, but it never seems to let up. Even at extremely elevated speeds this thing just keeps pulling with seemingly the same rate of acceleration as it did at 10 mph.....
Eventually we turned off PCH for a blast up one of the canyons. Here the talents of the Lotus chassis engineers came to the forefront as Darryl demonstrated the immense mechanical grip of the Roadster. On a road comprised of less than pristine pavement, the suspension did what it's supposed to do by keeping the rubber on the road. The immensely stiff chassis never felt like it was flexing under the loads. The Yokohama Neova tires chosen for this car have high grip with a progressive breakaway that is transmitted to the driver by sound as they begin to slide sideways. In spite of their high grip, they have very low rolling resistance that makes them ideally suited to an electric vehicle application.
....
For someone who loves cars, the Tesla Roadster is a thrill ride par excellence...

Tesla Unveils Roadster 2.5 at Newest Stores in Europe and North America
New Roadster Demonstrates Tesla's Commitment to Innovation
Thursday, July 1, 2010

Palo Alto, CA -- Tesla Motors today announced Roadster 2.5, the latest version of its revolutionary electric sports car. It will debut simultaneously with the opening of Tesla's two new stores in Copenhagen, Denmark, and Newport Beach, California.

The Roadster 2.5 reflects Tesla's commitment to innovation and the company's close feedback loop with its customers. The new Roadster includes improvements in both design and technology, including a new front fascia, rear diffuser, improved seat comfort & internal finishes, sound dampening and a large touch screen navigation system.

"Although development of the Model S is our main focus, this shows that we still care a great deal about improving the Tesla Roadster," said Tesla CEO Elon Musk. "These improvements are a direct result of customer feedback and come only a year after release of Roadster 2.0, showing an exceptionally rapid pace of innovation. Where feasible, we will also offer existing customers the ability to purchase the upgrades now available in version 2.5."

New features in Roadster 2.5 include:

* A new look, which includes a new front fascia with diffusing vents, and rear diffuser reflecting the future of Tesla design
* Directional forged wheels available in both silver and black
* New seats with improved comfort, larger more supportive bolsters and a new lumbar support system
* Power control hardware that enables spirited driving in exceptionally hot climates
* An optional 7" touchscreen display with back-up camera
* Improved interior sound reduction including new front fender liner material make the cabin even quieter


Tesla will unveil the new Roadster at its two newest stores worldwide in Copenhagen and Newport Beach, CA. Journalists can see the car during media open houses at both stores throughout the day. Customers, prospective customers and other guests will celebrate the opening of the newest stores this evening.

The enhancements in the Roadster 2.5 are the direct result of accumulated customer feedback. Tesla's unique, company-owned retail network allows Tesla's engineers to receive customer feedback directly and iterate rapidly. More than 1,200 current owners in at least 23 countries have logged over five million electric miles.

Roadster 2.5 is currently available for order and soon will be available at Tesla stores worldwide.
About Tesla

Tesla's goal is to produce increasingly affordable electric cars to mainstream buyers – relentlessly driving down the cost of EVs. Palo Alto, CA-based Tesla has delivered more than 1200 Roadsters to customers in North America, Europe and Asia. Tesla designs and manufactures EVs and EV powertrain components. It is currently the only automaker in the U.S. that builds and sells highway-capable EVs in serial production. The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than most sports cars yet produces no emissions. Tesla Service Rangers make house calls to service Roadsters.