Tesla has decided to increase the power output of their electric roadster. The move was announced at the 2009 Detroit motor show where Tesla claimed the modifications can result in a 0-62mph time of just 3.7 seconds, a loss of 0.2 seconds over the standard car. The press release suggests that it achieves this through �a hand-wound stator and increased winding density for lower resistance and higher peak torque�. Through looking at various Wikipedia articles, we�ve established that the stator is a fixed magnet type component. By increasing the density this creates a larger magnetic force which in-tern increases the power and torque created, speeding up the car.
To help the car cope with the performance improvements, there�s some Yokohama Ultra High Performance tyres and revised suspension with adjustable dampers and anti-roll bars. Tesla has completed 150 cars already and has a waiting list of 1,100 customers waiting for cars. They claim that if customers are willing to put up the extra money ($28,000 or �21,798 or �17,178) then they can upgrade to the new package. Take a look at the pictures and the press release and if you can offer us a better explanation as to how the extra power is gained, use the comment�s box below.
PRESS RELEASE
SAN CARLOS, Calif.�Tesla Motors Inc. began taking orders today for the Roadster Sport, a high-performance sports car based on the creation�s leading all-electric, zero-emission vehicle.
The Roadster Sport does 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, compared with 3.9 seconds for the standard Roadster. It comes with a hand-wound stator and increased winding density for lower resistance and higher peak torque. In addition to Yokohama�s Ultra High Performance tires, the Roadster Sport has improved suspension with adjustable dampers and anti-roll bars that will be tuned to the driver�s preference.
The Roadster Sport starts at $128,500 in the United States and �112,000 (excluding VAT) in Europe. Deliveries begin in late June.
�This car can beat nearly anything in its price class � yet it is twice as efficient as compact hybrid sedans,� said Michael van der Sande, Tesla�s senior vice president of global sales, service and marketing. �If you refuse to compromise on performance or the environment, the Roadster Sport is your only option.�
The Roadster Sport is the first derivative of Tesla�s proprietary, patented powertrain. San Carlos, Calif.-based Tesla plans to begin producing the all-electric, zero-emission Model S five-passenger sedan in 2011.
Tesla has delivered more than 150 Roadsters to customers, and about 1,100 people are on the waiting list. Customers who haven�t taken delivery may upgrade to the Roadster Sport.
�The Roadster Sport embodies Tesla�s spirit of continuous improvement,� said CEO, Chairman and Product Architect Elon Musk. �The Roadster has been a great success, but no one at this company remains satisfied with the status quo.�
