Super Sexy Exotic Eco-Roadster

The secret child of famed exotic car manufacturer Lotus has released it's first automotive creation -- a 100% electric, open-top, 911 Turbo-fast, sports car dubbed the "Tesla Roadster."

For images and information the link above to Tesla's website is the best resource to get a true feel for the car. I have to give Tesla a lot of credit, their website is the easiest and most effective automotive website I've ever seen and used. You get all the information you need, nothing you don't, and almost instantly want to pay the $92,000 sticker price (without options).

Now without having the luxury of a test drive, this review is limited, so please bear with me. The performance figured from the car are astounding, and the first of their kind to show up in the all-electric automotive market. Tesla claims a 0-60 sprint of 4 second, and from a couple other online auto reviews it seems to be quite accurate. The electric engine pumps out 248hp, weighs only 70 pounds and is 95% efficient during cruising. All of the electric energy is transferred to the ground via a 2-speed electronic gearbox.

The Tesla Roadster won Time Magazine's 2006 invention of the year for the transportation industry, and as well it should. Now you can finally have super-car performance with zero emissions, extremely low maintenance costs and almost 100% efficiency. Tesla claims a maximum range of 250 miles per charge with a 3.5 hour full re-charge cycle. Overall, every detail is impressive. The only thing that worries me is the lack of engine "noise." A major portion of driving pleasure is derived from the accompanying sound of the engine playing with your senses. This experience as explained by a writer for the LA Times states that it is a bit lack-luster without the engine pop and growl. I imagine it would be like sitting in the very front of a 747 jet airplane during take-off; all you experience are the g-forces pinning you to your seat, but you hear and generally feel nothing.

With only the raspy engine noise lacking, all of the usual luxury features you would expect from an exotic parented by Lotus are available including Bluetooth Phone Connectivity, DVD-Voice Navigation, a 7-Speaker Hi-Fi Stereo, Heated Leather Seats, and LED brake-lights. On a car that weights in at just around 2,500 pounds there isn't much space for anything else.

This is a great start in a new direction, I can't wait to see what comes down the line next in Tesla's garage and that of every other car manufacturer.

- Mitch G