Tesla Announces High-Performance Roadster Sport EV

Ready to play with a Scalectric set for grown ups? Tesla Motors, who introduced the world to the concept of an electric vehicle as more than just an enviro-friendly appliance, has today opened the order books on the Tesla Roadster Sport - an even higher performance version of the all-electric Roadster.

Set to hit the roads in June this year, the USD$125,000 Tesla Roadster Sport adds improved suspension with adjustable dampers and anti-roll bars which can be adjusted as the driver requires. With an electric motor which is 15 percent more powerful, the Roadster Sport will run the 0–60mph sprint in 3.7 seconds, down from 3.9 in the standard version.

The electric motor is capable of up to 14,000 rpm and the vehicle itself produces zero emissions from its on-board battery pack. Performance is a priority but not at the expense of the environment.

“This car can beat nearly anything in its price class - yet it is twice as efficient as compact hybrid sedans," Senior vice president of global sales, service and marketing, Michael van der Sande said . "If you refuse to compromise on performance or the environment, the Roadster Sport is your only option."

So far Tesla Motors has delivered 150 examples of the Roadster but the waiting list contains over 1100 green performance enthusiasts waiting to get their hands on the battery-powered Roadster. It is expected some of these will move over to the Roadster Sport.

Tesla is also working to add a second model line to production schedules in the form of the Model S, an all-electric four-door sedan with seating for five.