Tesla Test Drive: 2011 Roadster Sport 2.5 in Boston
Thanks to the generosity of Tesla Motors, I’m excited to say we had a chance to shakedown the new Roadster Sport 2.5 this week.
Boston traffic hindered us from performing a “proper” test, but we still got a decent impression of the car’s behavior and usage, which is a unique experience indeed.
The absence of a gear lever was a bit unnerving and the fixed-gear like operation of the throttle took some getting used to, but the car proved very exciting in the short time we had it.
As this is the “2.5″ version of the Roadster, some of the problems Jeremy Clarkson noted in his test several years ago have been dealt with. The car’s now much more reliable, a bit quicker on the charge, and has what I’d call a much prettier gauge module.
Of course it’s not perfect; things like tiny gaps between carpeting remind you that this is a “boutique” car, and the driving experience is so Mario Kart-esque you’re liable to start hucking turtle shells to make other motorists get out ‘the way.
But you’ll be willing to do whatever it takes to get a clear lane in this car. While the top speed is a punky 120something, the Tesla can blast from 0-60 in 3.7 seconds.
And since all you have to do is mash the pedal, even my grandmother could send a Ferrari F430 home crying… at least right up to the speed limit.
The cabin is snug to be sure, members of the Wal-Mart nation might want to allow some extra time for getting into the seat. But if you’re a “one-with-the-machine” kind of driver, you should find yourself right at home.
We had the opportunity to record some of our escapades in the car, and despite limited technological means it turned out alright. Click here to see our driving impressions or watch the video below.
Lotus Goes Big, Tries to Trick us into Thinking it’s a Real Car Company
Lotus occupies a great niche in the automotive world; they build unique, purposeful, sports cars with a decidedly retro-British personality yet modern styling.
This has been the case as long as they’ve been around, with of course the exception of the 1973 Elite:
- Wowie…
Now a’days they’re known for the Elise, a small and spartan roadster that makes cracking lap times despite being powered by a Toyota four-banger.
But that’s all about to change, if they follow through with the big promises they made at the 2010 Paris Auto Show.
Lotus rolled out no less than six brand new models they plan to build in the next five years… although they all look decidedly similar.
Here they are, judge for yourself:
2014 Lotus Elan… Honda CR-Z meets Lamborghini?
2015 Lotus Elise… what have the done??
2014 Lotus Elite… much less ugly than it’s forefather.
2014 Lotus Esprit… wait a minute, didn’t we already see this one?
2015 Lotus Eterne: Aston Rapide rival I suppose
20whenever Lotus “City Car Concept”… does the world need another Smart car?
So what do you think; hot or not? Will Lotus even build any of these? Why don’t they just bring back the “7″ open-wheel car and be done with it?
That’s it for my questions, but I’m ready to hear yours.
AutoExpress (UK) was lucky enough to be at the unveiling, and I’ve outsourced the technical presentation to them. Check out the video here.
