autoevolution
 

Body style: Convertible (spider/spyder, cabrio/cabriolet, drop/open/soft top)
Segment: Roadster & Convertible
Production years: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012

TESLA Roadster 2009-2012 53 Photos
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After a year from storming the market with the little Roadster, Tesla introduced an updated version: another roadster that could run for longer distances and was officially quicker.

Since Tesla was a small company, the chain of command was shorter. So, when Elon Musk asked the R&D department to change something, everything was done faster. There was no need for another ten accounting and five management links to start the development, and in less than a year from the first Roadster, Tesla introduced an updated version.

The designers heard what the market said about the Roadster, which was the complaints and what they had to fix. A new front end was drawn, with different styling for the headlights. Other subtle modifications were performed for the door-mirrors, which were too noisy for the first Roadster, and there was no engine to cover that aerodynamic whistle.

Elon Musk understood that a customer wouldn't pay big money for a car that won't give enough interior comfort, so it re-arranged the cabin. The designers hid the exposed metallic parts from the previous model, and there was more attention to details for the assembly team. The heated sport-seats were fitted as standard and featured inflatable lumbar support, and the leather upholstery was fitted as standard.

The most significant improvement to the car was for the engineering part. Better management for energy consumption and recovery increased the car's range up to 220 miles. As for performances, the little Roadster could rocket to 60 mph (97 kph) in 3.7 seconds. That was very quick for any standards.

press release
TESLA Roadster 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
  2 electric
  • AC induction (248 HP)
  • SPORT AC induction (288 HP)
brochures (download)
TESLA MOTORS Roadster Brochure

TESLA Roadster
AC induction (248 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - AC induction (248 HP)
Power:182.4 KW @ 4500-8500 RPM
248 HP @ 4500-8500 RPM
245 BHP @ 4500-8500 RPM
Torque:273 lb-ft @ 0-4500 RPM
370 Nm @ 0-4500 RPM
Fuel System:53 kWh 375 V lithium-ion battery
Fuel:Electric
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:124 mph (200 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):3.9 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox:Single Speed
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Ventilated Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:175/55 R16 || 225/45 R17
DIMENSIONS
Length:155.4 in (3947 mm)
Width:72.9 in (1852 mm)
Height:44.3 in (1125 mm)
Front/rear Track:57.7/59 in (1,466/1,499 mm)
Wheelbase:92.6 in (2352 mm)
Ground Clearance:5.1 in (130 mm)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.36
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2734 lbs (1240 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3285 lbs (1490 kg)
Notes
Range: ~200 miles (~320 km)
Fully charge time: ~3.5 hours

TESLA Roadster
SPORT AC induction (288 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - SPORT AC induction (288 HP)
Power:211.8 KW @ 4500-8500 RPM
288 HP @ 4500-8500 RPM
284 BHP @ 4500-8500 RPM
Torque:295 lb-ft @ 0-4500 RPM
400 Nm @ 0-4500 RPM
Fuel System:53 kWh 375 V lithium-ion battery
Fuel:Electric
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:124 mph (200 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):3.7 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox:Single Speed
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Ventilated Discs
Rear:Ventilated Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:175/55 R16 || 225/45 R17
DIMENSIONS
Length:155.4 in (3947 mm)
Width:72.9 in (1852 mm)
Height:44.3 in (1125 mm)
Front/rear Track:57.7/59 in (1,466/1,499 mm)
Wheelbase:92.6 in (2352 mm)
Ground Clearance:5.1 in (130 mm)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.36
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2734 lbs (1240 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:3285 lbs (1490 kg)
Notes
Range: ~200 miles (~320 km)
Fully charge time: ~3.5 hours
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