Tesla Roadster Concept Pegs An Electrifying 250MPH Middle Finger To The Supercar Status Quo
Although it's still called the Tesla Roadster, this next generation concept remains more of a "targa" than an actual "roadster" per se, but that's just arguing semantics. Regardless, the concept takes the best of Tesla's current design language and mixes in enough of an exotic flair to challenge the likes of Porsche and Aston Martin.
Inside, you'll find Tesla's usual minimalist interior complete with an F1-style steering "wheel" which is unlikely to make it to production. A massive floating display panel dominates the center console and there doesn't appear to be a main gauge cluster in front of the driver (a la the Model 3), which might be a bit annoying to some. We should also mention that the new Roadster is big enough to fit four people, instead of just two like the original. Those rear passengers will likely either have to be incredibly small or adults or children to fit comfortably.
But what we all want to know is just how this vehicle will actually perform. Well, this is a Tesla, after all, and they are known for their rip-roarious acceleration numbers. The all-wheel drive Roadster Concept doesn't disappoint, with Tesla promising 0-60 times of 1.9 seconds (you might need to see your chiropractor after repeated runs) and a 0-100 time of 4.9 seconds. The Tesla Roadster concept is said to cross the 1/4 mile in just 8.8 seconds and will have a top speed in excess of 250 miles per hour.
When it comes to the all-important driving range figure, Tesla says the Roadster will be able to travel an amazing 620 miles per charge (thanks to its 200-kWh battery pack), which should be more than enough to appease people that have "range anxiety". The current Roadster has a range of 400+ miles with the 3.0 Package.
All of this performance doesn't come cheap, however. The second-generation Tesla Roadster will have a base price of $200,000, while the Founder Series will be priced at $250,000. If you want to reserve your place in line now, you'll have to fork over a $50,000 down deposit (gulp!). Tesla is hoping to put the EV into production by 2020.
