differential

[William3]

Does the Roadster have a limited-slip differential?

 

[TEG]

I don't think the Roadster has a mechanical limited slip differential, but it does have electronic traction control. With traction control on it should reduce torque when a wheel starts to slip.

Yeah - if you turn traction control off you can "get a little squirrelly" like that.

 

[vfx]

You can see in any of the artworked X-Ray views that the motor has two shafts going to the back tires.

 

[TEG]

Tesla Roadster - AutoWeek Magazine

"...The car’s open differential (a Lotus preference) meant that with traction control off, you could smoke one of the rear tires at launch..."

 

[doug]

Yes, the Roadster has an open diff (i.e. no limited slip).

 

[Tdave]

Traction control is not done using the brakes on the Tesla. It is done by reducing power from the motor. Reduction of power is nearly instantaneous on the Tesla, something not true of an ICE car. The result is a traction control experience that is smooth and controlled, without the occasional jerks and bucks like I get in my current sports sedan.

 

[TEG]

Most of the time you have plenty of traction on both rear tires, so lack of an "LSD" isn't a hindrance except for cases where one tire is off the pavement, or accelerating hard while turning.

Old 1/4 mile time discussion here:
http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/performance-discussion/691-quarter-mile.html