2008 TESLA
Tesla Motors is a recent arrival to the automobile industry, and is ambitiously seeking to redefine contemporary automobiles. By building thoughtfully designed and thoroughly engineered all-electric automobiles in the United States that match or exceed the performance of conventional cars, Tesla Motors’ goal is to demonstrate that electric cars can complement or replace internal combustion automobiles while reducing pollution and dependence on foreign oil. Additionally, the Roadster’s appealing styling and remarkable performance demonstrates that electric cars need not be frumpy and slow boxes. The cars are produced in Menlo Park, California, and have met with critical acclaim, winning Time Magazine’s 2008 Best Transportation Invention, Popular Mechanics 2006 Breakthrough Award, du Pont Registry’s 2009 Best Green Exotic, and Forbes Magazine’s “Best new car that lived up to the hype”.
The architecture beneath the skin is shared with the Lotus Elise, whose light weight is a critical ingredient to its remarkable handling prowess. The bodywork of the Tesla, however, is entirely carbon fiber (making it one of the least expensive cars with this feature) and power is supplied by a a 3-phase, 4-pole AC electric motor, producing a maximum net power of 248 hp. Maximum torque is 200 ft-lb, obtained at 0 rpm and almost constant up to 6,000 rpm, a common feature of electric motors and one of the biggest differences with internal combustion engines. Transmission of power is by a direct drive BorgWarner unit. Power is stored in lithium-ion batteries creating a potential range of 244 miles on a single charge while 0-60 acceleration is achieved in just 3.9 seconds. The Roadster's efficiency, as of September 2008, was reported at 120mpg using a standard conversion equation. A full recharge of the battery system requires 3½ hours using the high power connector.
This particular example was special ordered by its original owner and purchased new on the 29th of April 2009. The car is optioned with Twilight blue metallic paint ($1000), solar guard windshield ($400), and electronics package ($3000), which includes premium audio, iPod adapter, navigation system, and Sirrus satellite radio. The car also has floor mats and a carbon fiber hard top, which was a $5000 option! It has had one San Francisco Bay Area owner from new and has a 4 year 50,000 mile transferrable warranty still in effect. It is up to date on its services and had a 12k service and new tires fitted at 6900 miles (performed at the main Tesla branch). All warranty repairs, recalls, and updates have been performed as well.
The car is in very nice shape throughout, with very good paint, showing a few chips and small scratches from road use. The panels fit properly and the car has never had any paintwork. The wheels are in excellent condition, with no kerb rash. The glass and lights are excellent as well.
The interior is in very good shape as well, with excellent leather, and like new carpets, dashboard, and instruments. The center console is a very impressive carbon fiber affair and is excellent. There is an informative touch screen that provides information about range and battery performance and reminds occupants that this is not an ordinary automobile. The trim is in good shape other than a small crack in the plastic driver’s sill trim. The front and rear compartments are very tidy throughout, and the trunk is usefully shaped and surprisingly spacious.
The driving impressive is truly remarkable and different. The car is eerily silent, and acceleration is quite impressive, especially from low speeds, and extremely linear. The brakes are effective, and with Lotus derived chassis, handling direct and communicative. Additionally, the Telsa is a magnet for positive attention everywhere it goes.
This example is very complete with standard and high speed chargers systems, window sticker, sales invoice, service invoices, soft top with frame and bag, tool pouch, and manuals. The car also has clean air access stickers, which permits California single California drivers to drive the car in the HOV (Carpool) lanes.
In addition to their main Bay Area showroom in Menlo Park, California, Tesla has an ever growing network of stores and service poitns, which will be grown further with the arrival of the Model S a more affordable sedan model set to start just under $50,000 when it arrives in 2014. This particular car is an excellent one-owner California car with good options and documentation. Available for immediate delivery at a significantly reduced price over new, this car still has the balance of its 4 year/50,000 mile warranty, and is ready to be enjoyed.
1-510-653-7555
Located in California
photo and text credit: fantasyjunction.com
