Feds Deem Tesla Roadworthy (Updated.) - January 29th, 2008
According to TGDaily, Tesla Motors has the regulatory go ahead to sell the Tesla roadster — P1 if you’re code-name in the know. The first one will go to the company chairman, then the 600 folks who pre-ordered will get theirs over the next few months. The company’s production goal is 40 cars a week by late this year.
Transmission woes have plagued the green sports car and it looks like the performance specs aren’t going to be quite as good as once thought, but I suspect that will only be an issue if you’re a speed demon. The projected zero to 60 was 4 seconds and gosh darn, it’s only gonna be 5.7. (They are promising to switch out the transmissions when the new ones are finally ready if you just can’t live with that 1.7 second difference.) Top speed numbers are also still iffy, but 125 mph was promised with a range of between 170 and 270 miles. Full charging time, 3.5 hours.
If you get in line now to order a Tesla you’ll be shopping for the 2009 model. For $5,000 the company will put your name on a waiting list, but the final price hasn’t been nailed down. The 2008 models have gone for somewhere between $98,000 and $107,000.
If you want to see something that will really break your heart, click over to Engadget and look at what the federal government did to a Tesla to make sure you’ll be safe in one. Just made me want to cry.
Update: Seems like the Tesla got a break on air bag standards since electric vehicle development is for the greater good. Click here to read on Engadget.
Posted on January 29th, 2008 by Shorty
Filed under: alternative fuels |
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