CarDomainTV: Driving the Tesla Roadster

James Rockwell:

Lotus designed the chassis and the suspension setup. The Roadster uses the windshield and (I think) the dashboard from the Elise.

Tesla wants to use off-the-shelf parts as much as possible, to minimize development time. It’s a small company. They don’t have the resources to develop a pushbutton start.

You didn’t have to homologate the pushbutton start on your Accord. Also, it’s 240 miles, not kilometers. 240 miles = 384 kilometers.

Why does the push button ignition need more development? I wired one into my 1990 Accord in like 20minutes. His answer sounded like salesman bull to me. They had a deadline to make the car, and they didn’t have time.

I think the power is great. Electric engine technology is far superior, and its been proven time and time again. 0-60 in 3.9s is amazing. Especially considering its technically in first gear the entire time.

What I don’t like about it, is the simple fact that your not driving a “real” car. I don’t want a car I plug in. Only 244klm before the battery dies… thats crap. Thats not even a whole Sunday drive. You would have to go home and charge the car half way. I suppose if you got an extension cord long enough to reach the other end of the city you live in, then it would work. LMAO.

OMG, I’m soooo getting this car!

Cool.

To me it looks amazingly cramped. I understand it’s a small sports car but still, it doesn’t look like you’re able to move at all once you get in. Overall, it doesn’t impress me.

it’s cool that you always have the power right there on tap, but where’s the skill. I want to heel toe damn it! also how would you go about making that thing faster, besides gutting it? better wires? battery? or would you have to get a more powerful electric engine? the future scares me .

but I am down with green sports cars, sign me up .

Haha, I can’t believe I live so close to that place. I see teens learning to drive in that parking lot all the time. It’s supposed to become a Costco in a following years; at least that’s what I’ve heard.

Well, yeah it’s exciting, yeah it’s saves our planet, yeah it makes less noise, but sure the world is going to miss Chevy Blocks and Ford Racing.

How does the push button start requires more development???

It’s incredible how awesome electric cars are! I rode in a Tesla and drove an Electric MINI Cooper a couple weeks ago, and to say I was impressed would be an understatement. This is the way of the future, and I couldn’t be happier.

Can you calm your excitement for like 2 minutes and HOLD THE CAMERA STILL? I feel like im watching this video in an earthquake.