Long-awaited electric sports car rolls out (AP/CNNMoney.com)

[eppur_se_muova]

LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- It's safe to say Jeremy Snyder gets a charge out of the two-seat Tesla Roadster whenever he pulls one off the lot, and not because it's equipped with an all-electric engine.

As he pulled one of the sleek new automobiles down a side street Thursday and put the pedal to the metal, its lithium-ion battery-powered engine didn't give off sparks. It just emitted a powerful hum, like a much quieter version of a jet taking off.
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After several years of development, the Roadster -- with sleek lines like a Ferrari or Porsche and a sticker price of $109,000 -- moves from the drawing boards to the market next week when Tesla's first store opens. It's near the University of California, Los Angeles, in the city's tony Westwood neighborhood, where Beverly Hills, Brentwood and Hollywood practically intersect.
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Tesla began taking orders last year for the 600 Roadsters it planned to produce in 2008 and had sold all of them by October, Allen said. The first ones began rolling off the production line six weeks ago, and Allen said all of the 2008 models should be delivered to their owners by March. The first ones should begin going out the door this month.
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"There's a model in the works right now, a five-passenger sedan that will be styled comparable to the roadster but a lot roomier to accommodate families, and that is slated for 2010," Snyder said.
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more: http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/05/03/electric.car.ap/index.html

[gateley]

1. Whoo Hoo!

I was concerned when (and I forgot his name) left Tesla and the updates I was getting dribbled off into nothing. I didn't know if they were experiencing a lot of problems (like Boeing is with its new jet) or what. I'm so pleased this will be hitting the roads.

I think their marketing strategy is great. Get that hot looking ride out on the streets, let people see that an electric car doesn't mean sacrificing looks or speed, and then when Tesla makes the next generation (a sedan, I believe), more people will be jumping on the bandwagon.

I'm so happy to hear this -- thanks for posting!!

[eppur_se_muova]

3. I read years ago that if people started test-driving electric cars, ...

they would start buying them for the acceleration, if for nothing else. So there's never been any real sacrifice there.

And while I'm not a "performance" car fan, I'm glad to see this if it will kick-start the electric car market. As I posted long ago, the development of airplanes in the early 20th century took place largely in the hands of private companies and rich air-racing enthusiasts. Even rocketry got its start from private inventors and clubs, before the military took over.

[gateley]

6. All the people in "Who Killed The Electric Car" LOVED them!

So I agree - if we could just try 'em, we'd like 'em!

I am so impressed by this company. If I had the money I'd buy one and let my friend who lives in L.A. drive it.(since I don't think they'll have a satellite operation in Clayton, NC anytime soon). I'd love to be able to support them in this venture.

[NV Whino]

4. I agree with you on the marketing strategy

Start at the top end sports car. Then bring in the affordable sedans. I hope this company soars.

[wtmusic]

2. Great news

and may they profit handsomely from their gamble.

A tiny startup with a fraction of the resources of American auto giants leaves them playing catchup...gotta love it.

[madokie]

5. Electrics are motors, gas, diesel or steam are engines

no big deal but I see it all the time