Apparently the new Tesla Roadster drive train is working wonders on the electric vehicle, EV.
The gist, according to MotorTrend, the new 2009 Roadster is absolutely progressive, smooth, and transparent in its acceleration. Yes, that’s electric cars for you. The new powertrain can be upgraded for free on older Roadsters, according to Tesla Motors. Barry Hayden feels the new powertrain, which only has one gear and developed by BorgWarner. Barry’s enthusiasm for the Roadster is communicative when he says: “The powertrain is now so intuitive that I seldom thought about it… I’ve driven a car with performance better than a Corvette Z51, and I hardly thought about the propulsion. The performance is an extension of your brain: the amount you’ve squeezed your foot is directly related to the proportion of its surge the motor delivers. No need to make sure you’re on boost or on the cam, or in the correct gear. Nothing to think about. All to enjoy.” The key note is here never having to worry about being in the right RPMs, gear or anything else. The concentration is only on the ride, the steering and the dosage of accelerator versus breaking.
Acceleration curve. Plenty of that on the Roadster. It’s very accurate, progressive, instantaneous, and all there, all the time. If you want to floor the Roadster, make sure you have nothing in front of you. It will get you there fast. Yes, electtric engines will do just that…
Lack of noise, lack of thrills? Not necessarily. The points most car aficionados will make when learning about EVs are: “What about the noise? What about the sounds? What about the vibrations?” Barry’s take in refreshing: “do you miss the rumble of a V-8, the wail of a V-12? Yes, I guess you might. But on the other hand, you have no need of such sonic cues to time your gear changes.”
Driving and handling. The steering first: it’s direct, light under way and utterly precise.
Here is a little recap of the Roadster:
| Base Price | $109,000 |
| Vehicle Layout | Mid-motor, RWD, 2-pass, 2-door roadster |
| Motor | 375V AC synchronous, 248-hp/276-lb-ft |
| Transmission | single-speed |
| Curb Weight | 2750 lb |
| Wheelbase | 92.6 in |
| Length x Width x Height | 155.4 x 67.8 x 44.4 in |
| 0-60 mph | 3.9 sec (mfr) |
| Fuel Economy | 105 mpg gas equivalent |
| Range, Combined | 227 miles |
| Recharge Time | 3.5 hrs @ 220 volts/70 amps |
| On Sale In U.S. | Currently/delivery in 2009 |
Ultimately nothing compares to an electric engine on a light car. Not only light cars inherently handle better than bigger ones but electric engines deliver full torque and horsepower as soon as it spins. That is true performance, and we should know.