Category: Exotic Sports 
Price Range: No data available
Explosive performance, sharp handling, sleek looks, silent running.
Lengthy charge time, expensive, crashy ride.
Redefines our expectation of what a sports car is and how it should be powered.
The Tesla Roadster is an unknown quantity but we do expect it to be reliable. Why?
Well, the engine is sealed for life and the only annual consumables will be brake pads and discs and, considering the performance on tap, tyres.
One unknown is the gearbox. Late in the Roadster's development, the original two-speed transmission was swapped for a more reliable single-speed after reliability issues. The new unit is said to be more robust and has undergone serious development miles, but only time will tell if it can cope with the high levels of torque and endless amount of traffic-light grand prix starts.
Batteries, meanwhile, are said to be good for 100,000 miles. Considering the 220-mile range and the recharging time of 16 hours on a 13 Amp plug outlet (4 hours with a 62 Amp outlet) the Roadster's batteries will probably be good for at least three years.
With a body clothed in exotic carbon fibre the Tesla goes head to head with the supercar brigade. Inside, the Tesla can't quite cut the mustard, however, espeically when you consider the hefty £91,000 the American firm is charging. Interior plastics don't convince and the sill plate is easily scratched.
