Tesla Roadster Part 1: Design Review

The Tesla Roadster will change every preconception you may have about electric cars - from lackluster performance to limited range. But the most glaring stigma facing electric vehicles to date has been their styling, and it's here the Tesla Roadster will not only make you think twice, but look twice as well.

Based on a lengthened Lotus Elise chassis, Tesla's Roadster looks familiar at first glance. But the more you look at the car, the more distinctive its simpler, cleaner lines become, distancing it from the Lotus. It's not as exiting or dynamic looking as the British car, but somehow its look is much more electric-vehicle appropriate.

The two cars share a common windshield and dashboard, as well as proportions. But beyond that the Tesla is different, with a slightly longer wheelbase and a unique carbon fiber body.

Viewed from the side, the simple lines of the Tesla-Lotus design collaboration are as clean as the power on tap, with only the large gaps between panels interrupting the surfacing. The forged alloy wheels are equally simple and their open design shows off the serious brakes lurking behind them.

From the front, the low and wide stance work with the nearly-full-width intake to make the car look much the way its handling makes it feel - as if it's stuck to the pavement. The heat extracting vents are much cleaner than those seen on other mid-engined cars - such as the Lotus Elise on which it's partially based - and they expose the carbon structure below... a nice treat for anyone inspecting the car.

The rear view, while good, is not as successful as the front, seeming a bit derivative with its circular tail lamps and somewhat plain surfacing. However, the functional diffuser adds a bit of attitude and the conspicuously absent exhaust pipe suggests to onlookers that there's something special about this car.

The composite construction of the Roadster is evident in details visible from every angle, but is most noticeable on the roll hoop, which shows off the high-tech material proudly. With every intake and exhaust vent serving a function, and with an efficiency to every line, the Tesla has a real honesty to it in terms of design.

The Tesla Roadster is nothing short of a game-changer in terms of electric vehicles and the somewhat negative image they have in the eyes of automotive enthusiasts. As a peek into our future, the Tesla's silent performance and sleek lines foreshadow an automotive world where the stigma of past electric vehicles no longer exists. And this - making alternative power sexy - is perhaps its greatest achievement.

Having lived with the car for a few days now, I can tell you that if this is the future of personal transportation, sign me up.

Watch the video
Read Part 2: Interior & User Experience
Read Part 3: Performance

Tesla Roadster

Performance
- Acceleration: Impressive acceleration made more so by the total lack of engine/drivetrain noise
- Handling: Not quite as well resolved as the Lotus Elise it's based on - too softly sprung at the rear - extra weight of battery pack and electric motor clearly evident
- Braking: Again, the extra weight over the Elise means that the brakes are only just enough - balance is still excellent, better in a straight line even given the added mass over the rear tires

Design
- Exterior: Electric car correct, although a bit dull compared to other mid-engined sportscars - simplicity is better in person than in photographs
- Interior: One area where it betters the Lotus - Spartan, but well done

Utility
- Comfort: Ingress/egress aside, surprisingly comfy once you're seated - good ride quality given its handling
- Space: Tiny footprint leaves only a small carbon fiber cubby at the rear - pack lightly

Safety
- Dynamics: Soft springing means that energy return is considerable once you've loaded the chassis up one way - no stability control to help out...
- Technology: Airbags and ABS, but again, no electronic stability system

Value
- Price: At $100k, its tough to justify - as a pioneering electric vehicle, it gets easier
- Mileage: Relative to fuel used, it's off the charts! Range (more relevant) is decent if you don't plan on cross-country ventures, or if you can resist the addictive acceleration

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: High due to exotic car styling, performance and exclusivity
- Fun to spank: As long as you've got it charged up... it's SHOCKINGLY FUN!

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Mid motor/battery / rear-wheel drive
Engine: 375 volt AC induction air-cooled electric motor with variable frequency drive
Power (SAE): 300 hp (estimated)
Torque: 300 lbs.-ft. (estimated)
Transmission: 1 speed fixed gear
Curb weight: 2723 lbs.
0-60 mph: 3.9 sec. 1/4 mile : n/a
Top Speed: 125 mph (electronically limited)
Mileage (mpg): n/a
Base price: $109,000 (est.)
Competitors: Hyabusa-engined smart fortwo, Yamaha YZF R1, Toyota Prius with JATO package