Tesla Roadster 2.5 Approved For Sale In Australia

TESLA ROADSTER AUSTRALIA

Nearly a year on from American dynamo Tesla announcing that it would expand its reach into the Australian market, the speedy Tesla Roadster 2.5 is now available locally.

For keen buyers however, getting a ride in the Roadster may be a bit of a trick: while there are plans for a Sydney showroom "soon," there are currently no established dealerships in the country.

But don't fret. Tesla will be displaying the new Roadster 2.5 in Sydney this Saturday at First Fleet Park in Circular Quay, from 9am to 6pm. And if you're not in Sydney, you've got the option of contacting Tesla directly and arranging a test drive. 

In reality, for a company that specialises in maintaining a small carbon footprint, the green-minded (and global) "give us a call, book a drive" approach may be a wise move - and it's likely one the company's customers will appreciate.

As for the car itself, the Lotus Elise-based Roadster has recently been upgraded to "2.5" status, gaining a new front bumper and a diffuser at the rear, along with new seats and improved sound-dampening. There's also a seven-inch touchscreen, offering navigation and a reversing camera.

Power is provided by an all-electric AC induction motor, developing around 215kW and 400Nm of torque. With that power, and its lightweight carbon fibre construction, the 0-100km/h sprint is done away with in just 3.7 seconds.

By comparison, the Lexus LFA supercar manages the same 3.7 seconds. 

The driving range of the Roadster's electric motor is listed at around 395km, depending on driving style. Using a 240v wall connector for a home electrical outlet, a full recharge of the Roadster's battery pack is complete in around 3.5 hours.

Pricing and Availability

Pricing for the Roadster 2.5 begins at $206,188, plus on-road costs. Shoppers can get a look tomorrow (see above) or by contacting Tesla via the company's "Buy" page: http://www.teslamotors.com/buy