Next gen Roadster

[dsm363]

Does anyone expect the next version of the Roadster to include a few features to make people fit into the car a little better like moveable steering column and seats? A slightly taller windshield would help taller drivers too.

Dave

[DRM]

Although I'd love to see a next-gen roadster, I'd be surprised if Tesla rolls one out before the model-S gets into
production. Something like a larger windshield would entail a major redesign; if they do make some improvements
to the roadster, my best guesses would be:
1. changes to reduce mfgr cost of the PEM and battery pack.
2. upsell option of using higher energy-density cells / longer range.
3. up-to-date airbag leveraging off of work done at Lotus
4. Any misc changes Lotus makes to the platform that are easily ported including tilt steering, etc.
5. electric power steering.

[mt2]

Although I'd love to see a next-gen roadster, I'd be surprised if Tesla rolls one out before the model-S gets into
production. Something like a larger windshield would entail a major redesign; if they do make some improvements
to the roadster, my best guesses would be:
1. changes to reduce mfgr cost of the PEM and battery pack.
2. upsell option of using higher energy-density cells / longer range.
3. up-to-date airbag leveraging off of work done at Lotus
4. Any misc changes Lotus makes to the platform that are easily ported including tilt steering, etc.
5. electric power steering.

Agreed. They don't need the revenue burn of redesigning the Roadster yet.

[dsm363]

Yeah, that's kind of what I figured. It looks like the 2011 Lotus Elise will be slightly bigger so maybe they'll use that.

[shark2k]

Yeah, that's kind of what I figured. It looks like the 2011 Lotus Elise will be slightly bigger so maybe they'll use that.

Except only like 10% of the car is based on the Lotus and Tesla said it plans on moving it to the skate platform after they get that completed (the Model S is going to be their first car on the skate platform and the rest of their cars will all be built off of that).

-Shark2k

[vfx]

Yeah, that's kind of what I figured. It looks like the 2011 Lotus Elise will be slightly bigger so maybe they'll use that.

Have you seen the Evora? A Tesla big brother.

I talked to Franz about it. He agreed that Lotus ripped off the Tesla's styling but conceded that they would never admit it.

[stopcrazypp]

Have you seen the Evora? A Tesla big brother.

I talked to Franz about it. He agreed that Lotus ripped off the Tesla's styling but conceded that they would never admit it.

To be fair, wasn't the design exterior styling originally done by Lotus (there was a styling contest if I remember correctly)?

[vfx]

To be fair, wasn't the design exterior styling originally done by Lotus (there was a styling contest if I remember correctly)?

Yes Barney won the design contest but it's still a ripoff.
The Tesla Roadster - All-electric Sports Car

Lotus has had considerable influence since the inception. Lotus provided design assistance and furnished the basic chassis development technology from the Lotus Elise. The styling was developed by Barney Hatt at Lotus' design studio however he did consult with Tesla engineers. It was Tesla engineers who decided to use resin transfer molded carbon fiber to construct the body panels.

[Lancelac]

I hope they don't ever add power steering to the Roadster. I realize that it makes certain aspects of everyday driving more difficult, but the feel for the road is so much better without power steering. That's the reason that Ferrari, Lotus, etc. leave it out also. I do think the Roadster could do with a better turning radius, but that has nothing to do with power steering.

[SByer]

I agree. The Roadster steering is better without power than it would be with. Save power steering for the big cars that need it.